Hamsters have a reputation for being easy pets, and for the most part, they are: you don't have to take them for walks or bathe them. But almost everything needed to keep them happy revolves around their home, and that is where most people fall short. Here are the four key things to know.
1. More space than you think
A hamster runs several kilometers every night when free to roam. At home, it needs space to run, explore, and hide. Veterinary recommendations in Europe suggest a floor area of at least 100 × 50 cm, and many cages sold as being "for hamsters" fall far short of this.
Floor space is more important than height: wider is better than taller. Shelves and tubes are a fun extra, but they are no substitute for horizontal space. If you are choosing one, take a look at our hamster cages and accessories.
2. A wheel that won't hurt its back
A wheel is essential, but a small wheel forces the hamster to run with its back arched upwards, which will eventually cause it harm.
- Syrian hamster: around 28–30 cm in diameter.
- Dwarf hamster: around 20–25 cm.
- Smooth surface, without bars, so its paws don't get caught.
The test is simple: watch it run. If its back stays straight, the wheel is suitable.
3. A place to dig
In the wild, hamsters live in burrows. Digging calms them. Put between 15 and 20 cm of substrate in at least one part of the cage so it can make tunnels.
Avoid cotton or fiber bedding: it can get tangled around their paws or cause a blockage if they swallow it. Untinted paper, hay, or wood shavings specifically designed for rodents are better.
4. Respect its schedule
Hamsters are nocturnal animals: they sleep during the day and become active at dusk.
- Don't wake it up to play. A hamster that is woken up by force becomes stressed and is more likely to bite.
- Place the cage away from direct sunlight and heating, and preferably out of the bedroom, because it makes noise at night.
One last tip
Add hiding places, a hay bag or net, and a chew toy, and change the layout every now and then so it has something new to explore. A hamster with space, a good wheel, and a place to dig is a happy hamster.
In our hamster section, you will find spacious cages, silent wheels, little houses, and accessories. Free shipping throughout Spain.
If you prefer to get everything at once, the Happy Hamster Pack lets you choose everything your hamster needs for everyday life.