What to Consider When Adopting a Hamster

Hamsters are so cute, it’s easy to fall in love with them. But behind those tiny paws are real needs that often get overlooked. By adopting a hamster from a shelter or rescue, you’re giving them a second chance at a stable, loving home, and that’s no small thing. So before you bring one home, make sure you’ve really thought through what life with a hamster involves.

Hamsters are solitary, nocturnal animals who live for around two to three years. They need a spacious cage (at least 600 square inches of floor space), paper-based bedding (avoid cedar), and enrichment such as chew toys, exercise wheels, and tunnels. Their diet includes high-quality commercial pellets, fresh vegetables, and constant access to clean water. And though small, they require gentle handling and specialized veterinary care.

Keep reading for more eye-opening details about adopting a hamster.

Are you ready to adopt a hamster? 

I always thought a hamster would be a perfect pet: small, low-maintenance, and super cute. But the more research I did, the more I realized they aren’t as “easy” as I thought. Sure, they’re quiet, don’t need walks, and are entertaining to watch. But they’re also delicate, easily startled, and are most active when you’re trying to sleep.

“As a general rule, we discourage the idea that hamsters are good ‘beginner pets’ or good pets for children,” Christy Reese, hamster coordinator of Tiny Whiskers Animal Rescue, says. “Yes, it is true that hamsters are inexpensive to purchase and live for a short period of time (as compared to a cat or dog). But hamsters require large enclosures, enrichment, bedding, food that includes seed mix and lab blocks, exotic vet care, and all of these things aren’t cheap.”

Before you adopt a hamster, it’s important to understand both the joys and the responsibilities of hamster care — it’s more than I expected. They don’t need hours of training or play like a dog, but they do need the right environment, consistent care, and attention to their unique needs. If you’re wondering how to care for a hamster, or just adopted one and could use a hamster-care guide, you’re in the right place.

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Special considerations when adopting a hamster

Hamsters can be rewarding pets, but they come with their own set of care requirements. Here are some key things to consider before deciding to adopt.

Shorter lifespan

“Hamsters live an average of two to three years. I have seen some not make it to two years old (with no apparent cause of death), and I have seen some make it upwards of four years. Genetics, disease, and proper care all play a critical role,” Reese says. For some people, this sort of commitment is just fine. But it can also mean emotional goodbyes come sooner than with other pets, which can be hard.

Social needs

“Many people make the mistake of assuming that hamsters will get lonely if they are kept alone,” Reese says. But hamsters are solitary by nature. “While hamsters do need enrichment and human interaction, they become quite territorial around the age of six to eight weeks and will begin to fight and aggressively defend what they see as their territory.” Out in the wild, they can spread out and find a new place to call home, steering clear of conflict. But when they’re stuck sharing a small cage, there’s no way to avoid each other. So if you’re looking for a social pet, a hamster may not be the best fit. They’re also nocturnal, meaning they’ll be most active while you’re asleep.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Hamsters require plenty of space to roam and need things to do. “Our cage size minimum required for adoption is 600 square inches, although we encourage 800 square inches or greater,” Reese says. To help keep them physically entertained, they’ll need a wheel (make sure it’s sized specifically for their species), tunnels, and toys. Mental enrichment, such as cardboard tubes, puzzle toys, or scatter feeding, can keep them from getting bored.

Another option for enrichment is free-roaming experiences. “Free roam time is great for hamsters and we always encourage adopters to find a safe space for their hamster to spend a good hour or two out of their standard enclosure on a regular basis,” Reese explains. To keep hamsters safe, Reese suggests using a small, secure room, an extra-large bin, or even a bathtub — adding an extra wheel, some tunnels, hiding spots, and treats for a fun time.

Fresh food

In addition to quality hamster pellets, hamsters benefit from small servings of fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or spinach. Avoid citrus or sugary fruits (dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes), and make sure any uneaten fresh food is removed daily to prevent spoilage.

Chew toys

Hamster teeth grow continuously, so chew toys are a must. Wood chews, loofah toys, and cardboard (untreated only) all help keep their teeth from overgrowing.

Bedding

Hamsters need plenty of bedding in their enclosure. “Bedding can also vary a great deal. We recommend aspen or paper bedding,” Reese says. “I personally use white paper bedding. That way, I can more readily spot ‘toilet corners’ and keep an eye out for health concerns like pyometra.” Reese says that using alternative bedding, such as sand or coconut fiber, along with paper bedding, can be a good way to add enrichment to a hamster’s environment.

Regular cage cleaning

Hamsters are tidy in their own ways, often designating a “bathroom” corner. But their cages still need weekly cleanings to stay hygienic. If they live in unclean cages for long enough, hamsters can develop something called bumblefoot, a nasty infection in their feet.

“All of my hamsters (fosters and personal pets) have sandboxes that they often will use as litter boxes. As long as I keep the sand sifted and cleaned once a week, I find I usually only need to clean the enclosure about once every five to six weeks,” Reese says. Spot-cleaning soiled bedding also helps reduce odors and stress. And don’t forget to clean food and water bowls regularly.

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What you might not know about having a hamster

Hamsters can be wonderful, but they aren’t for everyone. Here are some downsides to consider before you adopt a hamster.

• Hoarding: Hamsters stash food in hideouts, which can rot and attract mold if not found and thrown away.

• Digging: They love to burrow, meaning you’ll need several inches of safe, diggable bedding.

• Gnawing: They’ll chew everything, including cage bars, if bored.

• Typically nervous: Loud noises or sudden movements can frighten them. They’re not usually ideal for very young kids.

• Nocturnal behaviors: Expect squeaky wheel spins at 2 a.m., since they’re most active at night.

• Susceptible to human illnesses: Hamsters can catch colds from people, so wash your hands before handling them.

Much like with dogs (see 3-3-3 rule), hamsters need time to adjust after being adopted. “When you take a hamster home, it’s best to give your pet time to adjust to their new surroundings. It’s a big shock for them, and they need time to learn that this new home is safe. We recommend leaving your pet alone for a few days at a minimum, maybe even a week or two,” Reese says. With a bit of patience, you can help them adjust by giving them treats and talking to them so they start to recognize your voice. “Don’t force interaction before your pet is ready for it,” Reese adds.

How much does a hamster cost to care for? 

Although hamsters are relatively low-cost compared to dogs or cats, they still require consistent care. Here’s a quick look at what you might spend.

• Initial setup: Cage, wheel, hideouts, water bottle, toys can be $100 to $200.

• Food and bedding: Expect to spend $20 to $40 per month.

• Veterinary care: Exotic vets may charge more, and exams can range from $50 to $150.

• Ongoing enrichment: Occasional toy replacements or upgrades are usually $5 to $15 per month.

How much does a hamster cost to adopt? 

The cost to adopt a hamster can vary depending on the rescue or shelter, but it’s typically much lower than adopting a dog or cat. Most adoption fees range from $10 to $25, though some shelters may waive fees during special events or promotions. 

Unlike dogs and cats, hamsters don’t need to be spayed or neutered due to their size and short lifespan, so you probably won’t need to worry about those costs. It’s still a good idea to confirm what’s included in the adoption fee — some shelters may provide a small amount of food or a basic starter cage. 

Where can I adopt a hamster? 

You can adopt a hamster from animal shelters, rescues, or through pet adoption websites like Adopt a Pet. This platform lets you filter by species, age, and location to find exactly what you’re looking for.

“There are different species of hamsters, and not every species will make an ideal pet for you. Always do your research on breeds and current best care practices before bringing home your new friend,” Reese notes.

Commonly asked questions

How do you care for a hamster’s teeth?

Hamsters’ teeth grow constantly, so they need access to chew toys like wooden blocks or loofah chews. These help naturally file their teeth and prevent painful overgrowth.

How much do hamsters cost? 

You might spend $200 to $300 for the initial setup, and $20 to $40 per month after that for basic care and supplies. Vet costs can be higher since hamsters need to see an exotic pet veterinarian.

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‌“Owning and Caring for a Pet.” Consumer Finance, consumerfinance.gov, files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_building_block_activities_owning-caring-for-pet_handout.pdf.

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