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The USA is being taken over by rodents, but at least they are little cute furry ones. The Zhu Zhu pet hamsters are the newest craze in kid’s toys and, based upon early indications, will be at the top of every child’s wish list this Christmas. They might even be the toy of the year for 2009.

According to the company’s marketing slogan, Zhu Zhu pets are “pets without the mess”. They don’t require feeding, they don’t need their cage cleaned out and they don’t expire leaving you to explain to little Johnny that his hamster has gone to heaven. A couple of new AAA batteries once in a while is all that will be required.

Zhu Zhu pets are innovative, interactive, plush motorized hamsters which incorporate artificial intelligence which allows them to talk and move around in their own environments. They have two modes of operation: “Nurturing” mode where the hamsters make cute little noises and “Exploring” mode where they explore their environment and make various responses using their artificial intelligence and sensors.

The hamsters have over forty different sounds and these are used, together with their AI system, in a manner which is appropriate to their external stimuli. For example, if one of the hamsters enters the bathroom they will generate toilet flushing or tooth brushing noises. If they enter the bedroom then they will emit snoring noises or alarm clock sounds.

There are five different Zhu Zhu hamsters to collect. Each one has its own distinct personality. Mr. Squiggles loves to explore, Num Nums likes to snack, Chunk is a laid back surfer dude type of hamster, Pipsqueak is petite but powerful and Patches is a flower loving hamster.

As well as the hamsters themselves, there is a wide range of Zhu Zhu pet accessories which allows children to arrange them in a variety of customized configurations. These include; hamster funhouse, hamster wheel and tunnel, adventure ball, skateboard, hamster car and garage, hamster surfboard, hamster bed and blanket, hamster carrier and blanket. There’s plenty to choose from. Kids will not get bored.

It seems that kids just adore the Zhu Zhu pets. Right now, eight out of the top ten slots in Amazon’s Toys and Games bestsellers list are filled by either the Zhu Zhu Pets or Zhu Zhu Pet Accessories. They’re going to be a huge success this Christmas – so be sure to get hold of your Zhu Zhu pet hamster well in advance of the big day.

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