All About Hamsters: Care, Selection & Tips | Petco

The hamster is not golden by accident. This small rodent makes one of the most popular introductory pets in the U.S. - and for good reason. Hamsters are by nature clean and easy to care for. They eat little, they are readily available through pet stores and they’re inexpensive. Most importantly, hamsters are also a playful source of entertainment.

Out of the desert and into your heart

Hamsters were domesticated in the 20th century but, if you think these little guys are just another small animal, you’re wrong. These playful critters bear little resemblance to their mice and gerbil relatives and look more like miniature bears. Their inborn behavior comes directly from habits crucial to surviving in extreme climates.

Your hamster is solitary by nature. After three or four weeks, mothers will drive their children to independence with tiny nips. Hamsters don't need, want and should not have, fellow hamster companionship. Your hamster much prefers the company of humans.

Watch those whiskers

First and foremost, safety is key, and your hamster knows it too. Check out some of the heightened senses and behavior patterns that make hamsters such survivors.

• A heightened sense of smell helps hamsters identify where, who and what belong with them. Smell is also important for exploring surrounding environments.
• To compensate for weak eyesight, your hamster's whiskers are in constant motion. These whiskers help your hamster detect obstacles and define space.
• As a natural hoarder, hamsters can spend hours burrowing, tunnelling, and moving bits of food, bedding, and toys into certain “safe” places. They do so by way of cheek pouches that doubles the size of their head.
• Your hamster must also chew and gnaw. As a rodent, your hamster uses chewing to constantly sharpen and shorten these chisel-shaped front incisors, which grow continuously.
• Your pet is also nocturnal, and has no problem hoarding, burrowing, and exploring in the dark.

Enemies are abundant out there

Being skittish is also in the hamster’s nature. The hamster’s acute sense of smell alerts them of nearly everything, and you can often see your hamster rising up on their haunches, sniffing the air.

When frightened or scared, instinct will take over, causing your little one to burrow. But, if burrowing is not an option, they'll puff out their cheeks, and even play dead. Never knowingly frighten your hamster. Just as in humans, fear can lead to stress, anxiety and related diseases.

Clean freak

As previously mentioned, hamsters are clean and odor free by nature. They leave a minor scent when first "marking" fresh territory, and females exude hormones when in heat. But, that’s where the scent trail ends.

Rubbing, brushing, and licking can be misinterpreted as illness or parasite infestation but is most often part of your pet's daily ritual of keeping themself spotless.

Many hamsters keep a clean home too. It’s common for hamsters to maintain separate food, sleep, and elimination areas but a hamster can only do so much. So, it’s important as a pet parent to supply them with plenty of fresh material, nutritious food and space to exercise.

Do hamsters need routine?

Yes, nearly all pets are happier with a general routine, especially when it comes to feeding. Being a regular caregiver through routine also helps your hamster trust you more deeply. But occasional changes of pace can help your hamster stay excited, and wards off apathy. By placing a new tube of cardboard in their cage every week, and supplying them with strange smelling items, you can help keep things fresh and exciting for them.

An important routine your hamster should adhere to is an exercise routine. In-habitat activities are just as important as out-of-cage play, so make sure you are supplying your fur ball with plenty of interesting toys.

Essentially, the key to a happy and healthy hamster is a balance of routine and spontaneity.

Tips for choosing the right hamster

1. Make sure your hamster has a full and shiny coat, a dry tail, a symmetrical body with no lumps, a clean anus and that their eyes and nose are clear.
2. Look for a hamster that matches your personality and circumstances.
3. Choose a hamster with a normal gait and no limp.
4. Ensure your hamster is active and social.
5. Your hamster’s teeth shouldn’t be overgrown.

Where to buy a hamster

1. Look for small animal rescue agencies established near you.
2. Petco stores have hamsters for sale.

Important questions to consider before adoption

The decision to adopt a hamster should be made carefully and with logic. Impulsive or spur of the moment adoption is always a bad policy when adopting any pet. There are several factors you need to consider before you become a pet parent, and these factors will help you identify important needs that must be met. Ask yourself:

Reality check

Just as there are situations where a hamster makes the ideal pet, there are other instances where a hamster is not a good idea.

Final decisions

After selecting the type of hamster for you, there are several factors you still need to consider.

One or two?
Hamsters are solitary animals, and do not live in social groups. Males and females come together to mate, only to separate quickly afterwards. Even in motherhood, females spend only a few weeks with her young.

Hamster encounters
Encounters between hamsters that don't know each other can result in violent fights. Remember, large cages with varied and interesting interiors are better at providing places to hide, and can decrease the chance of a hamster fights.

What if you really want to keep two or more hamsters in a single cage?
You should adopt littermates that will become used to each other. Male hamsters seem to get along best. If you are interested in breeding your hamsters, be sure they are unrelated.

Male or female?
Both sexes are equally good natured and agreeable. While each hamster is different, some say males hand-tame quicker and that females are more aggressive.

Young or old?
Starting out with a young hamster will give you the longest relationship with your new companion. However, time and patience can tame a hamster regardless of their age.

Basic rules for choosing your hamster

Purchasing any pet can be an emotionally driven decision. So, when selecting your hamster, remember to choose with your head, not just your heart. Both you and your hamster will be better off that way.

• Have everything ready to go beforehand so that you can welcome home your hamster without distractions. It’s important to have your hamster settle in before they have any company.
• If a child is making the selection, remember that their decision is usually based on looks and emotion. Kids can also be easily overwhelmed by too many choices, so it’s a smart idea to give them intentionally limited options.
• Choose a specific time to view your potential pet. Call ahead to the pet store, breeder, or shelter and find out when their feeding and adoption times are.
• Allowing time for an adjustment period is wise if you have other pets. Your new hamster will need to be left alone so that they can acclimate to their new surroundings in peace.

Now that your hamster is safely home. Investing in a carrying container made of transparent plastic with a barrel lid can be a wise purchase. Carriers with two handles usually work best for transporting your hamster. When transporting your hamster, it’s also important that you line the carrier with litter, tissue or hay to keep your hamster from sliding or being injured. Keep the container upright and out of the sun. This will make your furry friend feel secure.

During short trips, it’s not necessary to feed them extra, because they usually lose their appetite due to the stress of moving. Be aware that the cardboard or paper cartons supplied by pet stores will rarely stand up to the gnawing teeth of a hamster. So, it’s best not to use them more than once.

Making the choice
With careful observation and the help of the following checklist, you should be able to tell if your hamster is healthy. Before you make your final selection, thoroughly examine your hamster for the following.

A healthy hamster should have:

• A smooth, shiny coat.
• No hair loss.
• A symmetrical body with no lumps.
• A clean anus.
• Clear eyes without any discharge.
• A dry nose.
• A steady gate.
• Teeth that are not overgrown.
• A lively disposition.

An unhealthy hamster will display:

• Rumpled or dull fur.
• Caved-in sides.
• An anus smeared with feces.
• Red eyes.
• A runny nose.
• Shaky legs.
• Trembling.
• Sneezing and/or breathing with a rattle.
• Diarrhea (a clear signal of a contagious viral or bacterial disease).

It’s not a bad idea to arrange a visit to the vet on your way home from picking up your new hamster. The vet will check and make sure your little one is healthy, and can answer any other questions you might have.

It is also important to know how to properly handle your hamster. Tamed hamsters don’t mind being handled if you pick them up around their middle with one hand, and place them in the palm of your other hand. You should form a little cave with your hands when handling your hamster. This can prevent not-so-tame hamsters from running away.

Just like a hamster, always use your instincts when making your final selection. Common sense is your best guarantee for living happily ever after with your furry little friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of hamster should I get as a first-time pet parent? The Syrian hamster (also called the golden hamster) is the most popular choice for beginners — he is larger, easier to handle and must live alone, which simplifies care. Dwarf species such as the Roborovski or Campbell's dwarf are smaller and faster, making them better suited to experienced handlers. Whichever species you choose, look for an active hamster with a shiny coat, clear eyes and nose, a dry tail and no lumps or limping.

How long do hamsters live? Most hamsters live 2–3 years on average, though Syrian hamsters occasionally reach 3–4 years with attentive care. Dwarf species tend toward the shorter end of that range. Because their lifespan is brief, routine wellness checks with a veterinarian experienced in small pets are especially valuable for catching health changes early.

What do hamsters eat? Hamsters are omnivores that thrive on a nutritionally complete commercial hamster diet — typically a fortified pellet or lab block — supplemented with small amounts of fresh vegetables and occasional protein sources such as plain cooked egg. Fresh, clean water must be available at all times. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your hamster's daily diet. Avoid sugary or fatty foods, and always confirm safe food choices with your veterinarian. [https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals]

How much does it cost to care for a hamster? Startup costs — habitat, exercise wheel, water bottle, hideaway and initial food supply — typically range from $75 to $150 or more depending on habitat size and accessories. Ongoing monthly expenses for food, bedding and occasional veterinary visits add to that total. Budget realistically before bringing a hamster home; unexpected vet bills can arise even with the most attentive care.

Are hamsters safe around other household pets? Hamsters are prey animals with a highly developed sense of smell, and the scent or presence of dogs, cats or ferrets can cause significant, ongoing stress — even if those pets never make direct contact. Always house your hamster in a secure, escape-proof habitat in a room where larger pets cannot access him, and supervise any out-of-habitat time carefully. If you have concerns about introducing a hamster into a multi-pet household, consult your veterinarian for guidance. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

What foods are toxic to hamsters? Several common foods are harmful to hamsters, including onions, garlic, chocolate, citrus fruits, raw beans and apple seeds. Almonds (which contain compounds that can be toxic in quantity) and any sugary or salted human snacks should also be avoided. When in doubt about a specific food, check with your veterinarian before offering it to your hamster. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

Hamster Species Comparison: Which Hamster Is Right for You?

Not all hamsters are alike. The three species most commonly available at Petco — Syrian, Dwarf (Campbell's and Winter White) and Roborovski — differ meaningfully in size, temperament and care needs. Use this table to find the best match for your household before you bring one home.

A note on nutrition across all species: Regardless of which hamster you choose, nutritional needs are broadly similar — a balanced commercial diet formulated for small pets, supplemented with limited fresh foods, supports overall wellbeing. [https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals] Treats should make up no more than 10% of your hamster's daily diet. If you have questions about your specific hamster's nutritional needs, consult your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of hamsters does Petco carry? Petco stores typically carry Syrian (golden) hamsters, Dwarf hamsters (including Campbell's and Winter White varieties) and Roborovski hamsters. Availability varies by location, so check with your local store or visit petco.com for current options.

Can two hamsters live together in the same habitat? Syrian hamsters are strictly solitary and must always be housed alone — cohabitation can result in serious injury or death. Some Dwarf and Roborovski hamsters can cohabitate in same-sex pairs, but introductions must be monitored carefully and a second habitat should always be on hand in case fighting occurs.

What should I feed my hamster? A nutritionally complete commercial hamster mix forms the foundation of a balanced diet. Small amounts of fresh vegetables can be offered as supplemental variety. Treats — including fruit and other high-sugar foods — should be limited to no more than 10% of daily food intake. [https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-small-animals/nutritional-requirements-of-small-animals] When evaluating packaged foods, look for products that meet established nutritional standards. [https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/]

Are hamsters nocturnal, and will that be a problem? Yes — hamsters are naturally nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and become active at dusk and through the night. Disturbing your hamster during daytime sleep can cause stress and may contribute to health issues over time. Place your hamster's habitat in a room where nighttime wheel activity won't disrupt your household's sleep.

Which foods are toxic or dangerous for hamsters? Several common foods are harmful to hamsters, including onions, garlic, chocolate, citrus fruits and anything containing xylitol. If you suspect your hamster has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. [https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control]

When should I take my hamster to a veterinarian? Schedule a wellness visit shortly after bringing your hamster home to establish a baseline of health. Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice changes in eating or drinking habits, unusual discharge from the eyes or nose, a wet tail, lumps, a dull coat, labored breathing or any change in normal behavior. Early veterinary attention is always the right call — do not attempt to diagnose or treat your hamster at home.

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.