Hamster health and welfare

Make sure your hamster is protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Facts

• Hamsters are small animals with a high metabolic rate and can loose condition very quickly if they are not well.
• Hamsters are good at concealing outward signs of pain, and may be suffering greatly before you realise.
• Hamsters can be affected by many diseases. They can become infected by contaminated food, water or litter material.
• Hamsters that are stressed are particularly likely to become ill.
• Tumours are not uncommon in hamsters, especially along the underside of the abdomen.
• Hamsters’ teeth grow continually throughout their lives, and they gnaw objects to keep their teeth sharp, and regularly worn down.
• Dental problems are not uncommon and if one incisor tooth becomes damaged, the other tooth can keep growing and eventually may stop the animal eating.
• A barren environment, stress, frustration and/or a lack of mental stimulation can lead to hamsters developing repetitive behaviours (such as gnawing the bars of their cage for long periods of time) known as stereotypies.
• Some varieties of hamsters have long hair.

Things you should do

• Only get a hamster if you can care for them properly. You will be making a commitment to care for an animal which will be entirely dependent upon you.
• Make sure you are familiar with your hamster(s) and how they normally behave. This will help you notice if they are behaving differently and can be an early sign that something is wrong.
• Observe your hamster(s) closely. Take them to the vet immediately if they show any signs of illness, see Signs of illness in hamsters (PDF 179KB).
• Have an empathetic attitude towards your hamster(s). They rely upon you for their care and well-being. If you are unsure about anything to do with your pets always seek the advice of a vet.
• Make sure your hamster(s) cannot access poisonous materials (including but not exclusively poisonous food, plants and chemicals). Always contact your veterinary surgeon immediately if you are concerned.
• Only use medicines that have been specifically recommended for your hamster(s) by a vet. Human and other animal medicines can be very dangerous to hamsters, and some oral antibiotics can lead to serious digestive disorders.
• Always check your hamster(s) regularly. They can find being handled stressful, but it is important to regularly check them for health and welfare reasons. A good balance should be reached, see Checking your hamster (PDF 178KB).
• Never startle or frighten your hamster(s), they are naturally very timid and loud or threatening noises can frighten them and cause them distress.
• Always handle your hamster(s) carefully and considerately, in a confident but gentle manner, see Handling your hamster (PDF 193KB).
• Watch your hamster(s) for the development of stereotypical behaviour, and seek veterinary advice if they show any repetitive behaviour.
• Provide your hamster(s) with suitable gnawing material to keep their teeth sharp and prevent their teeth from growing continuously and causing health problems and pain.
• Regularly check your hamster’s front teeth, and ask your vet to check their teeth to make sure that they are growing properly. If the teeth become overgrown, take your hamster(s) to a vet.
• If your hamster(s) are long-haired make sure their coat is kept clean and un-matted by regular combing or brushing. For advice on how to groom them speak to a pet care specialist.
• If you are going away, make sure that your pets are cared for by somebody who understands their needs and introduce your animal to them beforehand. It is important that you choose someone who is responsible and who you trust to care for your hamster(s). Give that person all the information they need to care for your pets, keep them in their familiar cage and leave their usual food for the carer to give them.
• Never leave your hamster(s) unsupervised with another animal or person who may deliberately or accidentally harm or frighten them.
• Do not transport your hamster(s) unless absolutely necessary.
• If you have to transport your hamster(s), make sure you reduce stress wherever possible, see Transporting your hamster (PDF 181KB).