A stout, short-legged, burrowing rodent (family Cricetidae, subfamily Cricetinae) with small ears and a short tail, that is omnivorous but feeds mainly on seeds and other plant material, collecting food in its large cheek pouches and storing it. Hamsters are solitary and active at twilight. They are popular as pets and have been used in scientific research. There are seven genera with 18 species found in open, dry regions of Eurasia.