Cricetulus is a genus of rodent in the family Cricetidae (voles and hamsters). It has seven member species. They inhabit arid or semi-arid regions in Eurasia. They tend to be more ratlike in appearance than typical hamsters, hence the common name "ratlike hamster."Members of the genera Allocricetulus, Tscherskia, and Cansumys are often called ratlike hamsters and are considered to be members of the genus Cricetulus by many authorities.