Hamsters have become incredibly popular as pets due to their small appetites, suitability for confinement, and relatively low cost of care.
However, a recent revelation by a social media influencer sparked a heated debate after she disclosed the exorbitant medical expenses incurred for her sick hamster.
According to various media reports, the influencer shared a video recounting her experience with her ailing hamster named Chele.
She revealed that she had purchased the tiny creature for a mere $20 (RM92) as a pet.
However, when she recently took Chele to the veterinarian, she was stunned by the estimated medical bill, which amounted to a whopping $1,129 (approximately RM5,198).
In the video, the influencer expressed her disbelief, exclaiming, "It better live for 10 years!"
The breakdown of the bill revealed that the most expensive item was $587 (around RM2,702), while the costs for emergency examination, treatment, and diagnostics were $184 (approximately RM847) and $150 (around RM690), respectively.
@sarahcaceresx He better live up to 10 years #hamsters original sound - real
The video also mentioned that a specialist would review X-rays, although it remains unclear whether Chele received treatment based on the footage.
The video quickly garnered attention and ignited a flurry of discussions among netizens. Many found humour in the sudden surge in the hamster's value, while others emphasized that the worth of a life cannot be measured in monetary terms.