Can my hamster catch my cold? Is human illness contagious to hamsters?

If your hamster is older and has never been ill, he is less likely to have a contagious respiratory illness. If the hamsters have all been near each other for a long time, this also decreases the chance they could spread illness. If you have recently gotten new hamsters, they are more likely to transfer something...it could be spread through the air or from you touching one cage then another. Wash your hands between handling and handle the sick hamster last. He should go to the vet to get checked out and see what might be going on with him.

Hello. Probably not, but why take a chance. Don't forget, if you are sick, your immune system is compromised & you do not want to catch something ( again, unlikely ) from your hamster. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

In general, there are very few instances of any diseases being passed from a hamster to a human. There are, however, rare instances of some diseases (bacterial or rarely viral) being passed from small mammals to humans. The ones we may rarely see in hamsters could include Camplyobacter, Salmonella, and Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus. You can read more about these diseases at https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/small-mammals/index.html . As I mentioned, however, they are very rare.

Toby should be safe from your cold, as most viruses are species-specific and don't cross from one to the other. That being said, be careful to wash your hands before and after you handle him for both of your protection.

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

If you notice any increase in respiratory rate, nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing, then this is probably a respiratory infection. Respiratory infections are fairly common in hamsters. If Chestnut is not exhibiting any of these symptoms and is otherwise doing ok, I would just monitor him for now. If you do suspect a respiratory infection Chestnut will need to be examined by your vet and placed on antibiotics. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Spencer. Sneezing is common with an upper respiratory disease, whether infection (bacterial, viral or fungal), heart disease, inflammation, dental disease and more. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Try to encourage to eat and drink. Good luck.