How to Prevent a Hamster From Hissing

Watching your tiny pet hissing furiously might be alarming, and it is certainly an indication that something isn̵7;t right. Hamsters tend to hiss under extreme circumstances, usually when they are terrified, so stopping your hamster hissing means making him feel comfortable and safe.

  1. Why Hamsters Hiss

    • Hamsters hiss for the same reason cats do̵2;to issue a warning when they feel threatened. A mother hamster might hiss at somebody approaching her babies, and any hamster could when cornered. In hamsters, hissing is an extreme response and means that the hamster feels things are a matter of life and death. Normally you shouldn̵7;t hear a hamster hiss at all, although some individuals have a lower hiss threshold than others. Hamsters may also show signs of fear and aggression when they are in pain̵2;if a previously calm, friendly hamster starts hissing, there is probably a medical reason, so take him to the vet.

    Bonding with Your Hamster

    • When you first bring a hamster home, give him time to settle in. Then, over a period of a few days or a few weeks, depending on how nervous he is, slowly get him accustomed to you. Begin just by standing near the cage and talking. Once he̵7;s happy with that, start offering him treats by hand. Finally, pick him up with both hands, for just a couple of minutes to start with. A hamster is unlikely to hiss if he doesn̵7;t feel threatened.

    Preventing Hissing

    • Avoid startling your hamster with unexpected loud noises or sudden movements. Never disturb him while he is sleeping̵2;even the most placid hamster is liable to hiss, or bite, when suddenly woken from his slumbers. If your hamster hisses at you for any reason, withdraw your hand immediately. Ideally, turn off the lights and leave the room to allow him to calm down. Note that if he̵7;s hissing, he is not only under intense stress, but also liable to bite.

    Hamsters and Children

    • Hamsters are not necessarily the best pets for young children, as they are delicate and not always very sociable. Regular rough handling causes immense stress to an animal this small and fragile. If you think your child is mishandling the hamster and that is why the animal is hissing, consider bringing the hamster cage into a family room and supervising encounters while your child learns the correct way to treat her pet. If the hamster still hisses whenever anybody approaches, consider rehoming him to an adult experienced with rodents.