How to Care for an Older Hamster

Taking care of your older hamster takes a little more time and patience than caring for the younger version. Follow these steps to make sure that their golden years are a pleasant ending to their short time here on earth.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check an older hamster's teeth once a week. After 1-2 years of age, their teeth can become overgrown or broken.

    • 2

      Move an older hamster into a single-story cage.

    • 3

      Make sure the older hamster's food and water tube is low enough for them to reach without climbing. In a large cage that has tubes, the hamster may be too weak to climb to reach food or water.

    • 4

      Offer the hamster canned dog, cat or baby food if they are not able to eat their regular hamster food or treats. Soft bits of fruit are also well tolerated.

    • 5

      Take an older hamster out of his cage at least twice a day. No matter what age, all pet hamsters need companionship and love.

    • 6

      Remember to be extra careful with an older hamster. Their tiny bones become fragile with age, just like humans. Stroke their head and back gently as you love them.

    • 7

      Offer your hamster a bowl of chinchilla dust if they aren't grooming themselves. They will roll around in the dust and it acts as a natural fur cleaner.

    • 8

      Try wetting the top layer of their fur with a wet wash cloth if the chinchilla dust doesn't work. Hamsters tend to clean any area of their fur that gets wet.

    • 9

      Keep track of your hamster's age. Knowing if their ailments are due to simple old age or possibly a treatable illness is an important responsibility in hamster care.