Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters & Accessories (Shushu Pets)

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By Maddie Ruud

ZhuZhu Pets - Hamsters Without the Mess!

Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters, a product of Cepia, LLC, are the latest toy craze to hit the markets. Electronic pets have gained popularity since the Tamagotchi first hit store shelves in 1996. It's easy to see the appeal for parents: they don't require the kind of responsibility that is attached to a live animal, and they can easily be confiscated for bad behavior, or switched off completely. Webkinz are a popular virtual pet, but for parents who prefer a more interactive, offline experience for their children, ZhuZhu Pets are becoming a popular option.

What Are Zhu-Zhu Pets?

In a nutshell, Zhu Zhu Pets (sometimes misspelled "zu zu pets" and pronounced more like "shu shu pets") are small electronic hamsters that can recognize and interact with their accessories. They have two modes: the Loving Mode and the Explore Mode. Loving Mode is activated by pressing the hamster's head, and allows your child to pet and cuddle with the toy, which will respond with purring and cooing noises, before "going to sleep" (or automatically switching off after a period of time). Explore Mode, which is turned on by pressing on the hamster's back, will cause the Zhu Zhu Pet to interact with its environment. It recognizes signals from Zhu Zhu accessories, and behaves accordingly.

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Chunk - White
Amazon Price: $8.94
List Price: $9.99
Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Pipsqueek - Yellow
Amazon Price: $11.98
List Price: $9.99
Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Mr. Squiggles - Light Brown
Amazon Price: $12.85
List Price: $9.99
Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Num Nums
Amazon Price: $8.99
List Price: $9.99

 

There are four Zhu Zhu hamsters, and each has its own unique personality:

  • Chunk is the white hamster. He is the surfer of the bunch, laid-back and relaxed. He loves the surfboard accessory, and adores hugs and pets.
  • Pipsqueak is the yellow hamster. She is energetic and active, always ready to play or explore a new environment.
  • Squiggles, the brown hamster, is a little bit fussy, but he loves to go, go, go!
  • NumNums is the gray hamster. She is always hungry, and an expert at tracking down food.

Click thumbnail to view full-size
Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Funhouse
Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Funhouse

Zhu Zhu Pets Accessories

There are several accessories currently available for your Zhu Zhu Pet hamster. You can mix and match them countless ways to create new exciting environments for endless fun.  Some of these accessories are classics inspired by live hamsters, while some are inspired by human activities.

  • Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Funhouse is a colorful circular room with tunnels coming off of it at different angles.  You can buy multiple funhouses in different colors and connect them together to make an entire hamster colony!
  • Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Wheel is an example of a live hamster toy reinvented for your Zhu Zhu Pet.  The hamster will go up the ramp and run on the wheel.
  • Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Ball is another classic.  Place your hamster inside and watch him or her explore the environment.
  • Zhu Zhu Pets Ramp is a steep ramp for your hamster to climb, then slide down the spiral slide.
  • Zhu Zhu Pets Surfboard And Sleep Dome come together.  Your hamster will surf around on the board, then relax inside the sleep dome.
  • Zhu Zhu Pets Skateboard And Ramp allows your ZhuZhu Pet to skateboard around and grind on the ramp, just like a pro!
  • Zhu Zhu Pets Car And Garage will prompt your hamster to run through the garage, into the car, and go for a little drive.
  • Zhu Zhu Pets Carriers are a convenient way to bring your pet along for a trip, or over to a friend's house for a playdate.
  • Zhu Zhu Pets Beds are a cozy place to sleep when both kid and toy are tuckered out.

Things to Know Before You Buy

On the purchasing side of things: Each Zhu Zhu Pet hamster (also sometimes called Go-Go Pets) require two AAA batteries to operate. You can buy hamsters individually, or in packs of more than one. They are available for purchase online, and at stores like Walmart and ToysRUs, and prices vary. All accessories and habitats are sold separately.

On the playing side of things: Zhu Zhu Pets do need interaction from your children. They sometimes get stuck in a certain spot, for example, on the hamster wheel or in a funhouse, and will need a little help along. If you're expecting something that will entertain in a passive way, the way a video does, this is not what you're looking for. If you want to encourage your child to engage with a toy, or test out his or her abilities to care for (and not tire of!) a real pet, this might be the gift you're looking for!

Watch Kids Playing With Zhu Zhu Pets

Comments

dohn121 profile image

dohn121 Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

These look really cool, Maddie. I'll have to check to see if my brothers and sister's children already have these guys, as I'm sure they make great gifts (not to mention easy to clean-up after). Thank you for sharing this!

Lily Rose profile image

Lily Rose Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

I bought these for my girls already but put them away until the holidays, so they don't know yet. I know they'll love them. Their older cousins have guinea pigs and every time we see them my girls want their own; I'm sure these zhu zhu pets will be a big hit. And I don't have to worry about cleaning up after them ... too bad I still have to clean up after my kids, though!

frankdickinson profile image

frankdickinson 2 years ago

Now these little guys look like a ton of fun!

Christmas for my 2 year old grandson!

Thanks Maddie for sharing!

judydianne profile image

judydianne 2 years ago

What will they think of next? Cute toy! Thanks for letting us know!

DeBorrah K. Ogans profile image

DeBorrah K. Ogans Level 7 Commenter 2 years ago

Maddie Ruud,

This is interesting electronic Zhu Zhu pets? Hmmm these may be great for my grandchildren. What will they think of next?

Thank you for sharing!

Blessings

livelonger profile image

livelonger Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago

These remind me of the old Petster - but these are adorable.

Sandyspider profile image

Sandyspider Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

They are so easy to clean up after. :)

estellaeffects profile image

estellaeffects 2 years ago

wonder if we get them in India ..

Tippi Lynn 2 years ago

I just purchased two hampsters and the funhouse for my niece on Amazon.com. I had no idea that her Auntie would love it just as much as she did.

RGraf profile image

RGraf 2 years ago

I had not heard of these. They are cute. This might be perfect for my daughter because I just cannot handle another life pet right now :)

Darren2010 profile image

Darren2010 2 years ago

I have a cat and this would keep her busy while I write my Hubs. Nice job!

neysajasper profile image

neysajasper 2 years ago

Nice toys i love to gift them to my toddlers. I can not say about my children because i myself enjoyed it lot.

elayne001 profile image

elayne001 Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Dang! I was about to write about zhu zhu pets - I asked my granddaughter and she said she wants one - so I thought I should write a hub about it - good job!!

AllMomNeeds2know profile image

AllMomNeeds2know 2 years ago

My daughter wants this so badly since she can't get a real one because her cat would eat it in 2 seconds flat. Interesting.

silentplayer 2 years ago

My sister bought these zsu zsu pets for her grandchildren. I bought them on line for a huge price and they were going like hotcakes. I think they will love them. I bought the ball so the great dane won't eat the cute little pet. They had chincillas and they were a huge mess. Ask my sister, she always knows what is going to be the biggest seller every Christmas. But, she got hers for the retail price. She doesn't mind drivig and standing in line. But, if you want one now, you had better get on line and start bidding.

natalie 2 years ago

I've been trying to get one, but no luck at Walmart or ToysRUs. It's a shame they retail for $10 but are now selling for $35+ even on Ebay.

Jerilee Wei profile image

Jerilee Wei Level 3 Commenter 2 years ago

Wonder what our live hamster, Spencer would think if she had a new friend. On the other hand, I'm thinking my granddaughter would love a zsu zsu over Spencer, who while cute loves to bite her owner.

terrowhite profile image

terrowhite 2 years ago

ZhuZhu Pets - Hamsters Without the Mess!...I did not know about these toys earlier.. thanks for the information.. you have written a very nice and informative hub.. thanks !!!

khmohsin profile image

khmohsin Level 2 Commenter 2 years ago

A unique toy i have no idea before it...amazing zhuzhu pets nice...informative hub, i think so next will be the shushu pets lols.

fishtiger58 profile image

fishtiger58 Level 1 Commenter 2 years ago

I like the no clean up part of them. I had heard of them but didn't know what they were. Thanks for the info.

Ben Zoltak profile image

Ben Zoltak Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Pretty funny, I remember my daughter's obsession with her Tamaguchis well and then there were those funny talking beak monsters, they got lost in the back of our car once, what were they called, really animated. Anyway, glad to see that somebody put Chunk back out on the market, this time as a fuzzy robot gerbil.

Fuzzy imitation animal robot toys, what will they think of next, thanks for directing me to the latest there Maddie!

cosette 2 years ago

i would get one for my bunny to play with but she would probably have a heart attack ;)

2patricias profile image

2patricias Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

They look like fun. WE both have real live cats, and think that they might attack these furry (but moving) toys.

hattersmen 2 years ago

They look great !

anyabluesky profile image

anyabluesky 2 years ago

Great Hub ... Very informative about Zhu Zhu Pets

nancy_30 profile image

nancy_30 2 years ago

This was a great informative hub. My daughter wants a bunny rabbit. I think I'll get her one of these first to see how she does with a pet that isn't real. That way I'll know if she can handle a real one.

Neil Ashworth profile image

Neil Ashworth 22 months ago

Great info!

Research Analyst profile image

Research Analyst 22 months ago

Cute!

theirishobserver. profile image

theirishobserver. Level 2 Commenter 21 months ago

Great Hub - have loads of animals - but lost my rabbit recently - they can die without much warning - still have plenty to keep me busy - great Hub.....Irish

Tamarind profile image

Tamarind 21 months ago

These hamsters are really cool. I used to love the flipping puppy toys when I was a kid.

Healthy Living Is profile image

Healthy Living Is 21 months ago

I love hamsters...great post!

kims3003 profile image

kims3003 Level 3 Commenter 19 months ago

wow i did not know about these. Nicely written article. Nice writing style too - A+!

Simone Smith profile image

Simone Smith Level 8 Commenter 19 months ago

Kawaii! And another interesting step towards a world of virtual companionship.

katiem2 profile image

katiem2 19 months ago

I've just been wondering what Zhu Zhu pets are, my niece just turned 7 and wants Zhu Zhu pets for her birthday. thanks for the helpful tips and products. :)

pet10 19 months ago

theychatterand scamble i like it

nina ninga 1000 19 months ago

i have a zzp s o n g

zzpsare awesome i have some i like them ow zhu zhu pets i like there birthmarks there ferry and chatterbox ow zhu zhu pets

that was my zhu zhu pet song do you like it

zzp 19 months ago

iknow a great place to find them it is toys rus i foand sweetie there they are cut and ferry there are even kung zhu they are nice to there mostly for boys some girls even have them

KeiraForKids profile image

KeiraForKids 19 months ago

I actually disagree with the opinion that Kung Zhu are only for boys. They are good enough to be interesting for girls as well as for boys.

couponalbum profile image

couponalbum 18 months ago

My cutie pie loves to play with them. This article gave me lot of information on Zhu-Zhu pets. Liked your other hubs too. Joining your fanclub and would like to invite you to join mine. :)

peacegirl101 profile image

peacegirl101 18 months ago

i like mazin hamsters much better

PierrePierre profile image

PierrePierre 16 months ago

cute and interesting gadgets!

Meghan62 15 months ago

Mazin' Hamsters are so much better than ZhuZhu pets and MH's ( Mazin' Hamster - MH ) are cuter too!! No offense though, Maddie, great hub for people who like ZhuZhu pets - good info too! :) BYE!

Meghan

roxie 12 months ago

hey i think zzp r cool .but on the internet it bad.mazin haster r cute but not really fun.plus zhu zhu pets r now the hotest toy . nothing can bet then

dear addict profile image

dear addict 11 months ago

Maddie

Is it strange that I could totally get into getting the entire"city" set up with the hamsters, meaning cause I'm 44?

Heck why not I say

Too cute, seriously!

HIllaryKladke profile image

HIllaryKladke 10 months ago

Wow, I've never even heard of these before! This is great for kids who live in a place where they can't own pets... I mean, it definitely won't replace the real thing, but it sure comes close. That's so cool! Nice hub on this. Thanks for introducing me to this.

primpo profile image

primpo Level 3 Commenter 6 months ago

we used to have four, my Rose gave two away, lol they are cute, even I love them. all the sounds they make and if she forgets about them, it is no big deal.. whoever invented them I envy.. wish I thought of it!!! Great Hub

jvcrao 6 weeks ago

Our Pink hamster stopped working after 2 days. It appears they attract the hair, threads on the floor which may block thier movement.

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