Pubgoers save hamster with pint glass outside Harwich pub

The year-old Syrian hamster was saved by a group of friends after they spotted the rodent being chased by a cat in Harwich. 

The group scooped up the hamster with a pint glass outside Shakers, in West Street, before a nearby cat could get to it. 

The lucky hamster was taken to a Blue Cross rehoming charity for pets in Wherstead, near Ipswich, and an appeal to find the rightful owner was put out on social media. 

Pint - The group scooped the hamster up in a pint pot (Image: Blue Cross / SWNS)

Vet checks revealed Sunflower, as the hamster was named by members of the charity, was very underweight but otherwise healthy. 

As no owner came forward, Sunflower was moved into one of the charity’s foster homes and soon found a new family. 

Tara Schafer, foster coordinator at Blue Cross, said: “We’re amazed she managed to survive both the cat and the busy road.  

Healthy - Sunflower was found to be healthy, but underweight (Image: Blue Cross / SWNS) "Thank goodness she was spotted and scooped up and taken to safety. 
 
“She was given the name Sunflower as she was happily snacking on them on her way to our centre. 

“We’re happy to report that after some time and care in one of our foster homes, we found Sunflower a loving new home safe indoors.”  

Pub - The hamster was spotted outside the pub being chased by a cat (Image: Blue Cross / SWNS)

Her new owner, who lives in Thetford, Norfolk, said: “I chose Sunflower because I loved her rescue story and thought her name was cute, although we do now sometimes call her Pumpkin.

"She's getting spoiled daily with various foods and lots of love.  

"She's settled well and is always happy to come to your hand chirping away when you approach the cage. That'll probably be all the food.”