How to keep a pet-sitting hamster from getting cold while I'm away?

Hamsters are pretty tough little guys. If you have regular air conditioning on, and it is not too cold in your room,they should be fine. Especially if you have some fluffy bedding and a little house for your hamster to be in. If you notice them being sluggish, hard to wake, not eating as well, then they might be too cold. They more hibernate if they get really too cold- like outside, or no heat on in the winter. I don't have an exact temp for you, but I wouldn't go under 60. If you hamster is active, eating well and his normal self, I think you are ok. If he is not, I would be more concerned with illness and take him to the vet for a checkup.

This is a great question, and I am very glad that you are thinking about this! To help to keep Gus cool during this time, you can utilize ice packs around the carrier or cage while the A/C is turned off. If you plan to utilize these, I would recommend ensuring that Gus does not come into direct contact with the ice packs, as he may try to eat them, or may get too close and get "burned" by the more extreme cold. I hope that gives you a place to start, and good luck with your move!

I don't generally recommend to do this. Another animal could break into the cage and harm the hamster. The temperature may get too cold or too hot. It's best to keep it inside where it is safe and the temperature is controlled. I hope this helps.

You will need to gradually acclimate him to your presence. This will time and patience. Begin by simply sitting next to his cage. Move slowly and speak softly. Initially, he may run to the far side of the enclosure or he may hide. When he goes about his normal business, you can introduce your hand into the cage for short periods of time. Make no attempt to hold or touch him, simply leave your hand in his cage. Increase the time as he acclimates. Allow him to sniff and inspect your hand if he wants. Eventually, you can coax him on to your hand using treats. Offer food or treats when you put your hand inside the cage so he will see you won't see you as a threat. These little guys are nocturnal, so being outside in the bright sunshine may be stressful. Additionally, if left in direct sunlight, the potential to overheat is very real.

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.

Many of our exotic companion mammals, such as hamsters, will do well in the car if their environment is kept stable. Since you are taking her in her cage, that may help. Other things that you will want to do is remove the water bottle while you are actively driving, but if you stop to take a break (ex: for gas, for you to eat something, or to use the bathroom), make sure that you put the water bottle in to give Mamy an opportunity to drink. Ensure that she has food available at all times as well. I would also recommend removing her wheel while you are actively driving so that she doesn't hurt herself on it. One of the most important things for you to do in the car is to make sure it does not get too hot or too cold. I would recommend running the air conditioner in your car to get it to the temperature that your house would typically be, but make sure that the vents are not blowing directly on Mamy. With Mamy being a hamster, hopefully she will sleep the majority of your time on your drive (unless you plan on driving at night). If you notice that she is restless or seems stressed, then I would recommend evaluating the temperature first. This is often the most stressful part of traveling for these little guys. If you plan on staying in a hotel (which for that long of a drive it may be a good idea, just to give her a break), then you can have her cage set up as you normally would during that time. I hope that helps, and that your trip is a success!

I am sorry for the loss of your hamster. A clean, warm, stress free environment is critical to the health of any pet. Stress can predispose a hamster to serious infection. Provide a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys to keep teeth worn down. Your veterinarian can trim teeth if necessary. Regular veterinary checks are also strongly recommended.