Is it safe to kiss my hamster if I'm sick? Can they catch my illness?

No, it's not possible for a hamster to get the same type of virus that causes the common cold in people. Generally, the diseases that can cause an upper respiratory infection in people are not the same that hamsters can get and are not transmissible from people to hamster, or vice versa. I hope that helps and you feel better soon.

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.

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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry you are sick! While humans and animals can share similar viral infections, it is unlikely Callie will get your illness. To be safe wash your hands when handling her and try not to sneeze or cough on her. I hope this helps and that you feel better soon!

It sounds as if your hamster is very sick. Usually when hamsters become so ill in such a short period of time there is not a good outcome. There could be several different things going on that have caused Comet to become ill so quickly. My best recommendation is to have Comet examined by a veterinarian to give him the best chance of recovery. I hope this helps. Best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Try to ensure that your hamsters have plenty of cool, fresh water, fresh food, and access to shade to prevent them from over-heating. Ideally they should be kept inside. If they are eating and drinking normally and are active then I would not be too concerned. If they are refusing food and seem listless or lethargic then you should take them to be checked out by your veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Poor little Buddy! I can tell you love him and are concerned for his safety. Chances are, Buddy will do just fine. My biggest concern would be exactly what you said: the possibility of aspiration, or accidentally breathing the water into his lungs. Sometimes aspiration can lead to pneumonia, or a lung infection, and that could be life threatening. For now, monitor Buddy closely. There's really nothing to do preemptively for him, and chances are he'll do just fine. But watch him closely, especially his appetite and general attitude over the next couple days. If the sneezing continues more than a couple hours, if he quits eating, or if he suddenly seems to have less energy, then he should be seen by a vet to make sure he's not developing pneumonia. Hope this helps!