What Size of Cage Does My Hamster Need?

by Britt

Published: February 19th, 2024

Photo credit: Mary Swift / Shutterstock.com

Do you want your hamster to be happy? If so, it’s time for pet parents everywhere to trade in those tiny wire cages for something bigger.

As we learn more about our pets, we discover that the gear that was once widely accepted may not be in their best interest. We see this with the evolution of pet nutrition, the development of new toys, and, of course, the perfect habitat for small animals like hamsters.

This article will delve into the latest discoveries and science behind creating the best quality of life for your furry friend, starting by setting up the ideal cage or habitat. From the best size of hamster cage to must-have cage accessories, you’ll find everything you need to set your hamster up for success.

How Big Should My Hamster’s Cage Be?

If you walk into any large-scale pet store, you will likely discover shelves of wire cages and plastic tubes, all marketed as the ideal setup for your new hamster. However, small animal experts, veterinarians, and animal rights groups warn that these products don’t offer enough space to meet the minimum requirements for your hamster’s health and wellness.

The exact size recommended varies from organization to organization. It also depends on the breed of hamster, with Syrian (or Golden) hamsters needing a larger habitat than Dwarf hamsters (understandably).

At a bare minimum, your hamster should have access to at least 24” by 12” of floor space (288 square inches), with many organizations recommending an even more extensive setup. This does not include tunnels, tubes, or added compartments extending from the main enclosure. While those can add additional space to place, assuming they are sized right for your hamster, they should not be viewed as a replacement for a large enough main habitat.

What Style of Habitat is Best?

If the plastic and wire cages in the pet store aren’t sufficient, what cage style should you provide for your pet? Is there a specific type of enclosure that would create the best home for your hamster?

The two most popular options are larger wire cages or aquarium-style enclosures.

When shopping for a wire cage, the first concern is the distance between the cage bars. While it isn’t challenging to find a larger cage, those made for larger animals like rabbits may not be secure for your small furry friend. You want to ensure your hamster can’t slip between the bars and escape when you’re not watching.

Additionally, some hamsters obsessively chew on surfaces like the bars of a wire cage. You may be able to prevent this by providing your hamsters with other enrichment opportunities (more on that below). However, for some hamsters, that isn’t enough. Further complicating this decision, there is no way to know in advance if your hamster will likely fall into that category. For this reason, many experts now recommend the use of an aquarium.

Aquariums are virtually chew-proof, with no surface available for your hamster to gnaw on (except the top, which should be out of their reach). These glass tanks will keep your pet safely contained, assuming they are fitted with a secure lid that your hamster can’t slip through or push open. The top will need to allow plenty of airflow when the sides of the enclosure are solid.

Another benefit to using an aquarium is that it makes it easier to provide your hamster with plenty of bedding to burrow into while keeping the mess contained. The bedding must be at least 1-2 inches deep. In a wire cage, that may mean the bedding is high enough in the plastic base that it is kicked out of the cage, creating a mess in your home.

The biggest downside to a glass aquarium is the work required to clean your hamster’s habitat properly. Wire cages are designed to come apart while aquariums are fixed. But if you are willing to put in the extra effort for your pet, they are a great option.

Do Hamsters Like 2-Level Cages?

Multi-level cages are a great way to give your hamster more opportunities to explore and enjoy their space, taking advantage of vertical space to extend the available area. However, it shouldn’t be considered an alternative to a cage with a large enough basic floor level. Consider the additional levels as an added bonus, helping you enhance their lives.

There are a few essential factors to consider.

First, keep in mind that while your hamster may climb up and explore these bonus spaces, most will spend the bulk of their time on the ground level. This means that the main level needs to offer all the basic necessities.

Second, be aware of the distance from one level to the next. A large fall could lead to severe injuries or even death. If you add a second floor to your hamster’s cage, keep it relatively low and close to the main floor area. Make the access (stairs or ramp) easy to navigate and wide enough that they can easily move up and down without slipping or falling.

Some cages offer a protected second layer that prevents hamsters from jumping off, only offering the ability to move between levels on the designated ramp or stairs. This is the best way to avoid problems.

If your additional levels incorporate tunnels or small additions, ensure they are large enough for your hamster to move through comfortably. Many of the tunnels sold in pet stores are suitable for dwarf hamsters but not Syrian or golden hamsters due to their larger size.

Photo credit: AlexKalashnikov / Shutterstock.com

Can a Hamster Cage Be Too Big?

With so much attention placed on offering enough floor space for your hamster, you may wonder if a cage can be too big. It’s a fair question, but the short answer is – No.

Hamsters thrive with a larger cage and plenty of space to move about. A cage that is too small can trigger stress and anxiety. Anything above or beyond the minimum recommended cage size is a bonus, allowing more room to run. The only limitation on how big your hamster’s cage can be is the limitations of the space you have available.

Should I Leave a Light on for My Hamster at Night?

Hamsters are nocturnal animals, meaning they often sleep through the day and are most active at night. To help them maintain their natural schedule, they prefer darkness during the nighttime hours.

If you need a night light in the room, consider putting up a barrier or blocking the light from your hamster’s habitat to provide complete darkness. This can be done by placing a blanket over part of their habitat. But be careful not to cut off airflow and ventilation entirely. Also, if you have a wire cage allowing your hamster to reach the blanket, you may wake up to find they have ripped or shredded their cover come morning.

Are Hamsters Sensitive to Noise and Activity?

Yes, hamsters are very sensitive to loud noises, especially high frequency. Setting up their habitat in a loud, heavy-traffic area of the home could cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. This doesn’t mean your hamster must live in a room with complete silence. However, if you have young children running and screaming in their playroom with the television constantly running, that will not be a good location to set up your furry family member. Instead, consider placing the cage in a separate room or quiet corner of the house.

What Does a Hamster Need in its Cage?

Now that we have established the proper cage size and ideal location, let’s discuss what should be found inside your hamster’s cage. What are the basic necessities? How can you best provide physical and mental enrichment? Here are a few items you should consider:

Plenty of Clean Bedding and Nesting Materials

To sleep comfortably, hamsters need to be able to burrow down into their bedding. For this reason, the provided bedding and nesting materials should be at least 1-2 inches deep. The once-popular wood chips trap smells and odors, creating an uncomfortable and unsafe atmosphere. Plus, wood chips are known to be dusty, which can be hazardous for your hamster’s respiratory system. For this reason, most experts recommend fiber or paper-based bedding.

Of course, with use, your hamster’s bedding will get dirty. Daily spot cleaning of the habitat should involve removing any soiled nesting materials with a full cleaning of the bedding once a week.

Places to Hide and Explore

Enrichment is necessary to keep your hamster happy and healthy. This means including different features within their habitat that encourage them to climb, hide, and explore. There are several options for incorporating this, from budget-friendly items around your home to premium and highly aesthetic products. This will help to prevent boredom while also providing feelings of safety and security with their hideaways.

If you are trying to set up a cage on a budget, empty toilet paper tubes and cardboard boxes are great options. Not only do they create new areas to explore, but your hamster can also enjoy shredding these items.

There are several popular and safe options for hamster hideouts available. Coconut shells (or husks) are a fun, unique option, like the SunGrow Coconut Shell House. A more budget-friendly solution, plastic hideaways like the Kaytee Igloo Habitat Hideout are available in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and colors. If you want something more entertaining than a basic hideaway, consider purchasing a multi-room hideout like the Niteangel Multi-Chamber Hamster House.

A Properly Sized Hamster Wheel

While most hamster lovers or enthusiasts recognize the benefits of an exercise wheel, many are unaware that not all wheels are created the same. Some exercise wheels can even introduce a risk of serious injury.

When selecting a wheel, ensure that it is large enough that it can be used without causing your hamster to bend their back awkwardly to fit. You also don't want to provide a wheel that is too large, meaning your furry friend can't keep up with the pace of the wheel. A good rule of thumb is a diameter of at least 6 inches for dwarf hamsters and at least 8 inches for Syrian or Golden hamsters. However, some experts will suggest that 9-11 inches is the better option for larger-sized critters.

Check the surface of the wheel. Are there any holes or openings where your hamster’s leg can slip through? If so, keep searching. Cross supports on the side of the wheel can also create a similar risk. The best wheel options are a fully enclosed surface, free from cross supports, to prevent this type of accident. Some great products include the Kaytee Silent Spinner Wheel and the Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel.

Safe Chew toys

Like most rodents, hamsters must chew to maintain their constantly growing teeth. If a safe option isn’t made available, they often will resort to chewing on cage bars and other questionable items. Alternatively, if they are in a habitat with no option, they may experience overgrown teeth, requiring medical care.

There are several chew toy options on the market. Like people, each hamster has their own personality and preferences. Providing a selection of chew toys of different materials and textures allows your furry family member to pick the items they like most. Popular options include pesticide-free fruit tree branches, pesticide and chemical-free wood chews, rope-style chew toys, and mineral blocks.

A few highly recommended options include:

Access to Fresh Water and Daily Food

Of course, you should ensure that your hamster always has access to fresh water in the main level of their cage. While this could be offered in a small bowl, they are often spilled, making a mess of the habitat, or filled with bedding, soaking up the water and leaving your hamster thirsty until you realize what happened. For this reason, the preferred option is a hanging water bottle.

If your hamster is in a cage, there are bottles that will hang off the side. However, if they are in a plastic pen or glass aquarium, you may have to use a free-standing bottle.

Hamsters should be fed once a day with fresh food, allowing a few hours before removing the food from their habitat. While commercial pellets are convenient, experts recommend including fresh vegetables. A ceramic or porcelain dish is heavy enough to prevent tipping and sturdy enough to withstand chewing without being destroyed.

Final Thoughts: The Best Hamster Cage Setup

When setting up your hamster’s habitat, consider the floor space available. They are active and energetic creatures that need to be able to run, demanding more freedom to move than is often available in the overly hyped commercial cages. Instead, ensure the cage offers at least 24” by 12” of floor space on the main floor. Several cage styles are available, including wire cages, glass aquariums, and plastic pens.

If you want to extend their habitat with a second floor, be cautious about the risk of injury. A long fall can be catastrophic.

Include all necessities on the main floor of your hamster’s cage. This includes plenty of bedding to burrow into, clean hay, chew toys/enrichment opportunities, an appropriately sized exercise wheel, and access to fresh food and water.

A proper habitat is the foundation for a happy, healthy life for your furry friend!

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Did you know that cats can get laryngitis? This condition occurs when the larynx, or voice box, is inflamed, and it can cause changes in the sound of your cat’s voice or a loss of their voice.Keep reading to learn the causes of laryngitis in cats, as well as the symptoms and what you can do to treat it. That way, if your cat’s voice suddenly changes or they become less talkative, you’ll have a better idea of what might be the problem and what you should do.

What Happens if a Dog Eats a Cicada?

As naturally inquisitive animals, dogs will often explore the world around them with their noses and mouths. However, this curiosity will sometimes lead them to all sorts of trouble, as they can eat things that might not be a typical part of their diet. In fact, they can munch on things that are not even edible! For example, those noisy, flying insects that emerge periodically, called cicadas, can become a tasty target for curious dogs. But what would happen if a dog would eat one of these insects? Here is all you should know.What Happens if a Dog Eats a Cicada?Cicadas are large, winged insects that appear in large numbers, and are known for their distinct sounds. Of course, they are not inherently harmful to pooches, but there are still some things to keep in mind if your pet happens to snack on one. Well, the most important thing to know is that cicadas are not toxic to dogs. Unlike some insects that carry venom or other harmful substances, cicadas are generally seen as harmless. But even so, the ingestion of these insects can still lead to some minor health issues, mostly related to their physical characteristics and the digestive system of a dog. Here’s what could go amiss if your pooch swallows one of these weird little bugs:Upset TummyAfter this unusual “snack”, your pet could end up with a mild case of digestive upset, especially if they already have a sensitive stomach to begin with. The insect’s exoskeleton, being hard and crunchy, is not so easy to digest. As a result, your pooch could experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Still, they are short-lived and should disappear on their own. If your dog experiences gastrointestinal upset, consider giving them a canine probiotic that could restore their gut flora and help them feel like their old selves in no time.

Chubby Kitties Are Helping Study Obesity in People

Chubby kitties might be as cute as it gets, but that doesn’t mean that their extra fluff isn’t leaving a mark on their health. Coincidentally, it seems that the effect obesity has on feline health can be compared to humans dealing with the same condition – a recent scientific study claims that fat cats can help researchers better understand the way gut bacteria influence conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.The study focused on food-related changes in the gut microbiome of chubby cats. The results showed that there are striking similarities in the way diet affects the gut of humans. The study’s results were published in the journal Scientific Reports, and are revolutionary in many ways. In fact, the researchers say that it is cats that could be the ideal source of information about the human microbiome, and whether changes in gut bacteria can help fight obesity.“Being able to see changes in cats that come up in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes in people makes them a really good model to start looking at more microbiome-directed therapeutics for obesity in humans if we’re seeing a similar shift,” said lead researcher Dr. Jenessa Weston, an assistant professor of veterinary clinical sciences at Ohio State University.“Animals share our beds. They share our ice cream. There are all these things that people do with their pets that highlight they are a naturally occurring disease model with similar environmental exposures as humans,” she added.During the course of the study, the scientific team fed seven obese cats a specially crafted diet for 16 weeks. Gradually, the diet progressed: from free-feeding of commercial cat food to feeding a special weight-loss diet, and finally to a calorie-restricted feeding on the special weight-loss food. It was subsequently discovered that a short-chain fatty acid, called propionic, increased significantly in fecal samples of cats who were losing weight on the calorie-restricted diet. It was shown that propionic acid can help regulate appetite in other mammals, and reduce fat accumulation, as well as protect against obesity and diabetes. The team concluded that the increase in propionic acid was connected to the increase in the gut bacterium Prevotella Copri. “When the cats are on the special diet formulated for weight loss, propionic acid goes up and stays high, and then goes back down when they’re put back on the maintenance diet. So, it really is a dietary change,” Winston said.“This paper highlights that when we calorie-restrict cats that are obese, we can alter their microbial ecosystem - and those community shifts that we see likely correlate with some metabolic outcomes,” she added.What these results show is that the observed changes in the gut bacteria of fat cats can provide important insights into how diet affects the human gut microbiome. “Microbes we saw in this study also come up again and again in human studies - and clearly, people aren’t eating cat chow, right?” she said.

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Can Dogs Suffer From Asthma?

We often associate asthma with humans, but have you ever considered whether our dogs can also experience this respiratory struggle? Can dogs suffer from asthma?While less common than in people, canine asthma can occur. If it does, it can significantly impact your dog’s quality of life. Luckily, with effective management strategies and approaches, you can reduce the symptoms and help your dog breathe easily.This post will explore the symptoms, causes, and best approach to managing this often-overlooked condition. Understanding the basics of asthma in dogs is the first step towards providing the necessary care and support to ensure your asthmatic dog lives the best possible quality of life.Can Dogs Have Asthma?Yes! It is possible for dogs to suffer from asthma attacks. This condition can vary significantly from a mild inconvenience to potentially life-threatening breathing problems like it does in humans. However, it is far less common for our canine companions to experience these problems (luckily).The condition is much more common in middle-aged dogs but can occur at any age. It’s also more common in smaller dogs than large or extra-large breeds. Many experts believe this is simply due to the fact that smaller dogs are lower to the ground, meaning they are closer to the allergens and environmental triggers that irritate the airways when inhaled.There are some notable differences between human asthma and canine asthma, which we will discuss in more detail throughout the article. But to answer the question in the most basic sense, yes, dogs can have asthma.What Causes Asthma in Dogs?This is one area where we see a difference between human and canine asthma. Humans may experience asthma due to a genetic predisposition. This means that while their activities or environmental factors may irritate their airways and trigger an asthma attack, their experience with the condition may originate from their genes.Experts don’t believe there is a genetic component to canine asthma. Instead, it is a condition that develops due to exposure to environmental factors that irritate and damage the airways.The most common causes of asthma in dogs include:Pollen and other environmental allergensExposure to mold spores Cleaning productsSecond-hand cigarette smokeAir pollutionHeavy perfumes or air fresheners Candles, wax melts, or incenseDust from cat litter (especially clay litters)Airborne pesticides or fertilizersSmoke from fireplaces and wood stovesLimiting exposure to these elements is critical if you suspect your dog may be suffering from asthma. While this likely won’t reverse the damage and “cure” their condition, you can avoid making it worse.

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Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Common Garden Plants That Can Send Your Dog into Cardiac Arrest

Spring is finally upon us! For dog owners, spring is always a welcoming sight as it signals the start of longer walks in the park and more time in the garden. The backyard is usually a fun place for you and your pooch to play and run around. However, certain types of plants are dangerous to dogs and can make your backyard a safety hazard. Experts advise that some spring plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, can be harmful to your pooch and should be avoided at all costs. Some of these plants are known to cause upset stomachs, itching, vomiting, and, in severe cases, even cardiac arrest in dogs. Craig Wilson, co-founder, director, and gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, has listed the toxic flowers and plants you should keep from the home and garden if you have a dog. DaffodilsDid you know that daffodils, one of the most popular heralds of spring, are poisonous to both cats and dogs? These trumpet-shaped flowers contain a toxic compound called lycorine which causes stomach pain and diarrhea when ingested. Bulbs are the most toxic part of the daffodil plant, but dogs can also get sick after consuming the flowers. Even drinking the water from a vase that contains daffodils can cause toxicity in dogs.Tulips All parts of the tulip plant - bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers - are toxic to both cats and dogs. The bulb stores the highest concentration of toxins, making it the most toxic part of the plant. Most dogs will experience drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming tulips. In severe cases, dogs can experience heart problems and difficulty breathing.IrisesColorful and hardy irises are a popular flower in many household gardens. Unfortunately, irises are toxic to dogs and can make your pooch sick if ingested or touched. Irises contain irisin, a toxic compound that triggers tissue irritation when swallowed or touched. The bulbs and rhizomes hold the highest concentration of irisin, making this plant particularly hazardous to dogs who like to dig.Hyacinths Many people like planting hyacinths in their gardens, but these tall and vibrant plants are harmful to dogs. Hyacinths belong to the same family as tulips and contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are present in all areas of the plant and are shaped like needles. When ingested, these crystals can pierce a dog’s soft tissues, causing severe pain.Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning also include diarrhea, vomiting, abnormal breathing, increased heart rate, and convulsions. If you suspect your pooch has ingested any part of the hyacinth plant, take them to the vet as soon as possible. BluebellsAll parts of the bluebell plant contain a toxic compound called glycosides. Not only are bluebells harmful to cats and dogs, but this plant is also toxic to horses and cattle. If any part of the bluebell plant is consumed, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. When eaten in large quantities, bluebells can be fatal.Hydrangeas Many gardeners love the look of hydrangeas in the spring and fall, but dog owners beware - hydrangeas are toxic to dogs. Dogs can become poisoned from eating any part of the hydrangea plant, as they all contain cyanogenic glycoside.Chewing plants with this toxic compound releases cyanide and can result in loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, and increased heart rate. Munching on the flowers, buds, leaves, or bark of the hydrangea plant can make dogs sick, so keep a close eye on your pooch whenever they are sniffing around a hydrangea plant.These are just some of the most common plants that can make your dog sick, but there are more! If your pooch likes to munch on plants, it’s best not to leave them unsupervised in the garden.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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