I have never had a hamster playing around 1 foot away from me, it's fascinating-at home, the hamster cage is on a shelf somewhere, you are never very close. I am sure my cats would be endlessly "entertained." Hamster, not so much. New office anti-stress policy- one standard-issue dwarf hamster per person. Fish tank is also relaxing for me but is more work...as are mini-turtles, have had both. I spend so many hours at my desk, just makes sense to share my space with my little buddy...