How to Catch a Dwarf Hamster

Dwarf hamsters are very small and can wriggle through the tiniest of gaps, disappearing underneath or inside things rapidly. Rather than spend an exhausting few hours shifting furniture to try and trap an escaped hamster, try waiting for your pet to emerge of its own accord before catching it. A dwarf hamster won't hide below the sofa indefinitely.

Things You'll Need

  • Duct tape
  • Food treats
  • Aquarium net
  • Live traps
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Close doors leading to the room with the hamster to localize its adventure. There is a risk of a hamster finding its way outside, where it would be in real danger from predators.

    • 2

      Examine the walls of the room carefully and temporarily seal any gaps with duct tape.

    • 3

      Place the hamster's cage on the floor. Open the door, if you only have one dwarf hamster. Sometimes hamsters return to their cages by themselves, especially when they get hungry. If the door is open, the hamster may climb back in. If you kept the door closed because there is another hamster in the cage, the escaped hamster might run over for company, giving you an opportunity to catch it.

    • 4

      Position treats near the cage and close to where the hamster is hiding.

    • 5

      Study, work, watch television or read in the room while you wait. Have the aquarium net to hand.

    • 6

      Place the net quickly over the hamster when it emerges. Even tame dwarf hamsters might be nervous in a new place, and not easy to catch with your hands. Hold the hamster through the net and place it back in the cage.

    • 7

      Set live traps for mice, baited with your hamster's favorite treats, if the hamster doesn't emerge within a few hours. Check them every hour you are awake and first thing in the morning.