Zhu Zhu Pets: Hamsters as Children's Toys

Zhu Zhu Pets are the newest thing in fake pets. If you're familiar with the creepy kitty cat or the awkwardly moving robotic pet dog, you may not be excited about fake hamsters as children's toys. My daughter has wanted a pet forever, cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, doesn't matter to her. Besides the fact that we aren't permitted to have pets where we live, I myself am not certain whether I'm ready for pet care responsibility, especially after the terrible incidences of the 5 or 6 goldfish we've gone through. I also don't think that most fake pets are much fun or realistic enough to replace a real pet. As far as children's toys go though, it looks like Zhu Zhu Pets might be a fun and almost real pet for kids.

Zhu Zhu Pets are Hamsters

The fact that Zhu Zhu Pets are small animals and not large like the fake cats, dogs and horses, enables them to look a little more realistic. Real hamsters also don't do much besides eat, scamper about aimlessly and run through tunnels and exercise wheels so all motions can be replicated easily and realistically. Zhu Zhu Pets also make some sort of squeaking, cooing and purring that makes them more lifelike children's toys.

Replace Batteries upon Death

Many will say that children should not be sheltered and death should be explained just as much as life. After going through multiple deaths of goldfish, I think my daughter understands the concept but it doesn't change the fact that I don't want her to have to deal with it if she doesn't have to. Zhu Zhu Pets obviously don't die and are battery operated, thus saving the speech I haven't written on death for another time.

Low Maintenance Pets Rock

Yes, it teaches a child responsibility when they have to feed, water and take care of a real animal. When children are young though, much of the responsibility of the care of pets inevitably falls on parents anyway. Zhu Zhu Pets require no walking or feeding and my favorite, no cleaning up after. They come with a play set similar to ones that real hamsters play in and only require batteries.

Zhu Zhu Pets Accessories

Guess what? As with most children's toys, Zhu Zhu Pets have accessories and additions. There are other tunnels and things to connect to the play set, along with a hamster car and garage and a bed and blanket just to name a couple. Kids love any kind of toy that they can continuously beg for more parts for and accessories always make great rewards.

Where to Buy Your Own Zhu Zhu Pet

Zhu Zhu Pets debuted in Arizona and are expected to be available nationally in Walmart, Toys R Us and Amazon.com by the end of August 2009/beginning of September 2009. Be on the lookout for what may be the next big children's toy.

Check out the Zhu Zhu Pets website for more information. (The hamsters also blog over there.)