There’s more to hamsters and mice than their adorable looks. Rodents are often used as research subjects and as a part of experiments. From this research, humans have learned that rodents are capable of complex cognition. So, are hamsters as smart as mice?
Hamsters aren’t as smart as mice because mice appear to have superior problem-solving and social skills and better emotional intelligence. However, the level and type of intelligence are difficult to compare. Both species use cognition to solve simple tasks, and they’re emotional creatures.
In this article, I’ll discuss whether hamsters are as smart as mice. I’ll also describe each animal’s ability to learn and some of their cognitive features. I’ll also discuss their emotional and social intelligence.
Hamsters vs. Mice: Which Is More Intelligent?
It’s difficult to say whether hamsters or mice are more intelligent because their intelligence has been studied but never compared on a scale. However, mice are more intelligent if we consider problem-solving skills and social and emotional intelligence.
Mice and hamsters might share their cute and fuzzy looks, but they belong to two different families of rodents, Muridae and Cricetidae. Hamsters and mice also have different body and brain sizes.
Hamsters and mice are members of the order Rodentia. This fact is crucial for understanding their intelligence level. Rodents and primates are among the rare animals that have demonstrated general intelligence known as the g factor. This means a correlation exists between the cognitive tasks that mice and hamsters perform.
Intelligence is a complex expression of a comprehensive set of principles. It includes adapting, learning from experience, or solving problems.
How Intelligent Are Mice?
Mice are highly intelligent rodents. Besides showing cognitive abilities such as learning and understanding concepts, they also have a strong sense of community and belonging. They form families and care for one another.
The general learning ability in mice corresponds to human intelligence because mice have demonstrated spatial learning skills, working memory, reasoning, and empathy.
In practical terms, it means they can remember and avoid dangerous situations. Mice can form abstract maps in their minds of places they’ve been to and move without any visual clues. Moreover, they feel for other members of their species and help each other in pain.
How Intelligent Are Hamsters?
Hamsters are also intelligent creatures. A study of the Syrian hamster has shown that hamsters can learn, and their learning depends on their mood. Happy hamsters are more optimistic. They generate happiness by having pretty and fun places to live.
Although they aren’t usually trained to do tricks, these furry balls of cuteness can respond to commands. Hamsters can be taught to respond to their name, which can be done using conditioning. For instance, if you give your hamster a snack after calling its name, it will eventually learn to respond without receiving a treat.
Give your hamster time to get to know you, your voice, and trust you. Only then can you proceed with training them. If one is persistent enough, hamsters may even be potty trained.
Hamsters are entertaining to observe because they always find ways to keep themselves busy. They can use toys or everyday objects to play with, and their playful creativity can be considered a sign of intelligence.
Are Hamsters Friendlier Than Mice?
Hamsters aren’t the friendliest toward other hamsters, and only when introduced at a young age can they tolerate other members of their species. However, they’re rather affectionate toward humans, and the more you spend time with your pet, the greater the bond between you.
In contrast, mice can feel and share love with their human caregiver. You can earn your mouse’s affection and trust if you frequently handle and positively reinforce them. However, you need to take your time to win your mouse over.
Mice don’t seek human touch and interactions, especially if they haven’t been introduced to the person from day one. However, this doesn’t mean they aren’t social creatures. Their friendliness depends on their subspecies, sex, and also individual character.
Female mice tend to prefer spending time with members of their own species. Therefore, you should always ensure they have other mice friends to spend time with. In contrast, you should avoid grouping male mice together, as they can get aggressive.
Final Thoughts
Mice and hamsters possess cognitive, emotional, and social qualities that place them among the most intelligent animals. It’s hard to tell whether one or the other is smarter. Still, mice appear more intelligent when it comes to solving problems and have superior social skills and better emotional intelligence.
Whether you have a pet mouse or hamster, with a bit of patience, you can earn their trust and even train them.
They are fun and active creatures and will respond to your level of affection in a similar way.