Information on Long Haired Teddy Bear Hamsters

Hamsters are inexpensive and very easy to care for, making them a popular pet choice for people of all ages. Although they are nocturnal, they enjoy interacting with their owners outside of the cage during the evening hours. Syrian hamsters come in all different colors, but the teddy bear variety is considered to be the most popular due to its fluffy appearance.

  1. Identification

    • Teddy bear hamsters are sometimes also referred to as angora hamsters. What sets them apart from the other varieties, which include panda bear and golden hamsters, is their long, fluffy coat, which can come in many color patterns. They are one of the largest hamster varieties, growing on average about 4 to 5 inches long, according to the My Hammie website.

    Considerations

    • All hamsters groom themselves daily and, therefore, don't need to be bathed. However, the long coat of the teddy bear hamster requires daily brushing from the pet's owner to help keep the hair healthy and free of tangles. Brushes specifically designed for hamsters are sold in most pet stores. In addition, the hamster's cage should be lined with paper-based bedding because loose shavings can get caught in its flowing hair.

    Features

    • All teddy bear hamsters have a long, soft coat, but the males exhibit a slightly longer skirt of fur above the hips and extending around the back portion of its body, according to the Hamster Pet Care website. The average lifespan for all hamsters, including the teddy bear, is between two and three years. Like all Syrian varieties, teddy bear hamsters are solitary and reach sexual maturity at about 6 weeks of age.

    Warning

    • Teddy bear hamsters are thought to be more susceptible to contracting wet tail disease than some of the other hamster breeds, according to the Doctors Foster and Smith website. Wet tail, a virus that attacks the intestinal tract, causes extremely watery diarrhea, which can become fatal within hours due to dehydration. Common causes include stressful situations, unclean cages and overcrowding. Veterinary care must be sought as soon as symptoms begin for attempts at treatment to be successful.

    Diet

    • A well-rounded diet consisting of a commercial pellet mix and a small amount of fresh fruits and vegetables is necessary for proper hamster health. According to the Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, any sudden changes to the animal's diet can lead to intestinal upset, so new foods should be introduced gradually. An overabundance of leafy green vegetables can lead to diarrhea, so small, occasional portions are recommended.