Hamster Cage Dangers

From large teddy bears to tiny Siberians, hamsters make affectionate, easy to care for additions to the home. When handled regularly, hamsters are rarely bite and can be quite companionable. However, even such an easy-going pet has its requirements. A dutiful owner should know how to properly house their hamster and be aware of potential dangers when they set up a cage for their new friend. The following list contains several of the main cage related dangers.

  1. Cancer

    • According to AnimalHospitals, a website dedicated to pet health, hamsters are generally predisposed to cancer. Unfortunately, there is not always a lot that can be done about this. According to Kitsap Sun, you can, however, minimize their risk of developing it by keeping their cage away from potential environmental carcinogens such as cigarette smoke.

    Heights

    • Hamsters do not have very acute vision and so do not easily perceive ledges. Being the little escape artists that they are, this becomes a problem when their cage is at a precarious height. It is not advisable to keep a hamster cage on high shelves or tall stands.

    Predators

    • Predators usually come in the form of other pets, particularly cats. Hamsters may be kept in the same household as a cat, but the owner should be very cautious and invest in a cage that is not easily knocked over. In such a situation, extra care is also needed to be sure that the cage is never left unlatched. Cats will quickly take advantage of this and muse it open.

    Pine and Cedar Shavings

    • Although hamsters do need loose, soft material to burrow in and love to build nests, pine shavings are detrimental to their health. These shavings cause breathing problems and liver disorders. Instead, use aspen shavings.

    Standing Water

    • Being very low to the ground and as nearsighted as they are, standing water poses a real threat to hamsters. Hamsters can drown in even just a feeding bowl full of water. Instead, install a drip bottle in the hamster̵7;s cage.

    Wire Cages

    • The wire cage is a particularly choice for the smaller varieties of hamster such as Siberians. Hamsters are extremely flexible and athletic creatures. They can squeeze through any opening the size of their head. This means that they can squeeze between cage bars and escape, even if they have to jump to do it. A better choice is an aquarium or a specially made acrylic hamster cage.

    Disease

    • Some varieties of hamsters are more prone to diseases than others, but none of them are immune. Such diseases include an often-fatal malady called wet tail, which may be brought on if the cage is not cleaned often enough. According to Animal Hospitals USA, symptoms include matted, wet hindquarters and lethargy. Always be sure to clean the hamster cage regularly to stave off disease. This means wiping down the walls without chemical cleaners, replacing the bedding, the food, and the water. Make sure that the bedding is never left damp or soggy if the water bottle drips. If your hamster does have wet tail, seek immediate veterinary help as this disease can quickly become fatal.