Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Is my hamster in torpor or dead? Eyes open, no stiffness.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Hamster | Female

I’m not sure if my hamster is dead or in torpor. He’s not stiff like a dead hamster would be but his eyes are open.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ana M, DVM

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 29th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Killer. It will take time for an animal to become stiff after dying. It does not happen immediately. I would check for any breathing and see if you can feel a heart beat. If so, you need to see veterinary care right away. I hope this information helps.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 30th, 2017

    Hello. I am sorry to hear about your little hamster. Animals will go into rigor mortis (become stiff) but then they will relax again afterwards, so he could have already gone through this process. You can check to see if he is dead by poking him in the eye and seeing if he blinks, if he doesn't he is likely dead. Also, you can take him to any vet to confirm he is dead, most clinics will do this free of charge for you. I'm sorry about Pablo. From what you are describing I suspect he is dead.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
My hamster is stiff and not breathing. Is it hibernation or death?
Thanks for reaching out about Biskvit. Unfortunately, it does not appear that he is alive. During hibernation, they are still rousable but lethargic, still breathe. It is recommended that you visit a veterinarian to confirm death. sorry.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My hamster shows no signs of life. Is it hibernating or dead?
Oh no, I'm so sorry you don't know what's going on with Humphrey! Rigor mortis can take up to six hours to begin after death, and it can take up to 12 hours to affect the whole body. Check for signs of breathing, as if he's hibernating he will still be breathing. If he's not breathing, then he unfortunately has passed. The best way to know for sure is take him into the vet now. The vet can diagnose if Humphrey is hibernating or has passed.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My hamster is cold, stiff, and not moving. Is it dead or in torpor?
Oh no, I'm so sorry you found Jjajngmyun this way! If her body is cold and her legs are still unfortunately I would be inclined to think that she has passed away. I would check to see if she is still breathing, but if she isn't, then she has passed away. You can always bring her into a vet to check for sure. I'm sorry :-(
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my old hamster unresponsive, stiff, but still breathing?
Hamsters do hibernate, but typically it occurs when the temperature drops below 65F. Hamsters live in average 18 months to 2.5 years, so unfortunately it could be that Viker is getting old and reaching the end of his life. I'd recommend a visit with the vet as soon as possible for him. Best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Is my hamster dead or hibernating? What are the signs to look for?
Without seeing Bagel in person, I can't say if she's dead or not. Watch her very closely, if she is hibernating, she should take at least one or two breaths a minute. I'd also have her checked out by a vet.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My hamster is barely moving, like hibernating, and has a lump. Why?
Hello, I'm sorry to hear this about Stark. I worry that his laying without moving could be a sign of extreme weakness. The knot near his genitals could be a tumor or sign of infection. I'd recommend taking Stark to his veterinarian as soon as possible for an assessment. They will be able to guide you best after a physical exam. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My hamster looked dead but is now alive. Why did this happen?
You may have thought your hamster died but if it is alive today it did not pass away. It may have had a seizure or passed out. I would recommend taking it to the vet to be checked out because if something is going on your vet may be able to treat it. The good news is that you have your hamster back!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Hamster & Gerbil ShopHamster & Gerbil Cages & HabitatsHamster & Gerbil Toys & Habitat AccessoriesHamster & Gerbil Food & TreatsSmall Animal SuppliesHamster & Gerbil Bedding & LitterHamster & Gerbil Leashes, Harnesses & CarriersMouse & Rat ShopSmall Animal Health & WellnessGuinea Pig ShopFerret ShopSmall Animal Sleepers, Hideaways & ToysSmall Animal Beds & HammocksMouse & Rat Cages & HabitatsRabbit ShopMouse & Rat Toys & Habitat AccessoriesHedgehog Supplies ShopChinchilla ShopPet PharmacyMouse & Rat Bedding & Litter
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button