Do Hamsters Need Attention from Their Owners?

When I first got my hamster, Teddy, I didn’t realize how much attention he’d need from me—or if he even needed any at all. Like many first-time hamster owners, I thought they could be left alone in their cages and be perfectly fine. But do hamsters really need your attention?

Do Hamsters Need Attention from Their Owners?

Yes, hamsters do need attention from their owners—although not as much as other pets. While hamsters are solitary by nature and don’t necessarily crave constant interaction, they do enjoy human company and can grow attached to their owners. Regular handling and playtime can help form a bond between you and your hamster.

However, if you’re unable to give your hamster regular attention, they won’t become lonely in the way that dogs or cats might. Hamsters are naturally independent and don’t require social interaction to thrive. But keep in mind that a hamster that isn’t regularly handled will need more space and activities to stay happy and healthy. Essentially, you’d be dealing with a more “wild” and untamed hamster in that case.

It Depends on Your Hamster’s Personality

Just like people, hamsters have their own personalities. Some hamsters are more affectionate and cuddly, while others are more independent and aloof. Generally, Syrian hamsters are easier to tame and may be more affectionate than other hamster breeds, largely due to their larger size, which makes them easier to handle.

For example, my Teddy, an adult Syrian male, isn’t the cuddliest of hamsters. He’s always on the move, exploring his cage and staying busy. While he may not be the type to snuggle in my hands, he has a personality all his own—full of curiosity and energy.

On the other hand, some hamsters can be very tame and affectionate. I’ve known hamsters who would eagerly approach the cage bars for attention and love being handled. Every hamster is unique, and you won’t really know what kind of personality your hamster has until you spend some time with them.

Hamsters Are Always Very Curious and Active

Hamsters are naturally curious creatures. They may not seek attention out of affection like a dog would, but they are incredibly interested in their surroundings. This curiosity often leads them to investigate anything new or different in their environment, including you! Sometimes, a hamster’s curiosity can be mistaken for a need for attention. They may come over to see what you’re doing, but once they’ve satisfied their curiosity, they might lose interest.

For instance, Teddy always wants to know what’s going on when I’m near his cage. If I’m making noise or moving things around, he’ll rush over to investigate. But once he realizes it’s nothing exciting, he’ll wander off to continue whatever he was doing before.

How to Keep Your Hamster Friend Happy

There are several ways you can keep your hamster happy and ensure they get the attention they need:

Play with Your Hamster

Playing with your hamster is the best way to bond and give them the attention they need. Regular handling helps your hamster get used to your scent and presence, making them more comfortable around you. Even if you don’t want to take them out of the cage, you can still interact with them through the bars, talk to them, or offer them treats.

Teddy, for example, loves playing with a small square of toilet paper. I dangle it in front of him, and he tries to climb onto it, which he finds endlessly entertaining.

Provide Plenty of Toys and Ways to Exercise

If you’re not around to play with your hamster, make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them busy. Hamsters need mental and physical stimulation, especially during the night when they’re most active. A good running wheel, chew toys, and various climbing structures can keep them entertained and help burn off excess energy.

A bored hamster may seem like they’re seeking attention, but they might just need more to do in their cage.

Get the Right Sized Everything

Your hamster’s cage, hideout, food bowl, and water bottle should all be appropriately sized for their breed. A cramped cage can make a hamster anxious and restless, leading to unwanted behaviors like bar chewing or pacing. Ensuring your hamster has enough space and a comfortable environment is crucial for their happiness.

For Syrian hamsters, a cage with a minimum size of 24 x 12 inches and about 12 inches tall is recommended. Even smaller dwarf hamsters benefit from spacious cages, especially if you have more than one.

Hamsters Do Not Get Lonely

Unlike some pets, hamsters don’t get lonely if left alone. In the wild, hamsters are solitary animals, living alone and only coming together to mate. They are not social creatures and can actually become aggressive if housed with another hamster, particularly if they are introduced as adults.

Certain dwarf hamster breeds can live together, but even then, they need to be introduced at a young age and monitored closely for signs of conflict. Syrian and Chinese hamsters, in particular, are highly territorial and should never be housed with another hamster, as this can lead to serious fights.

Conclusion

While hamsters don’t require as much attention as some other pets, they do benefit from regular interaction with their owners. By playing with your hamster, providing them with plenty of toys and exercise opportunities, and ensuring they have a comfortable living space, you can keep your hamster happy and healthy. Remember, each hamster is unique, so take the time to get to know your little friend and appreciate them for who they are.