Channel NewsAsia 7 Feb 08;
SINGAPORE : Pet shops have recently seen a jump in sales ahead of the Year of the Rat.
The favourite buy has been hamsters, with an increase in sales of between 5 and 20 percent. PetMart sells an average of 10 to 20 hamsters a month.
However, more have been sold in recent weeks, and staff say mostly teenagers are buying the hamsters.
Benjamin Wee, Managing Director, PetMart, said, "Right now at the moment, the most popular one is the Roborovski Hamsters, but the new one is a bit golden colour called Pudding Hamsters. So they are quite popular now...these two species in the market."
Hamsters are by nature timid and social, and they are easy to keep as pets - just like rabbits or mice.
They are also meticulous in hygiene and can groom themselves.
Another pet shop, Pet Lovers Centre, said it has also experienced a jump in sales in a species of hamster.
The Syrian species has a golden coat and a little more than 1,900 have been sold across its 18 stores - an increase of about 20 percent.
The Rat is the first of 12 Chinese Zodiac animal signs.
The Year of the Rat stretches until January 25 next year, after which the Year of the Ox begins.
Meanwhile, if you are looking to buy a pet, do remember the responsibilities that come with it.
Do your research to see what type of pet best suits you, and if you have time for the pet.
Check out the SPCA website for more information: http://www.spca.org.sg/adoption/responsibility.asp - CNA/ms
