Do Hamsters Smell? Causes and Solutions

A smelly hamster can be concerning for any pet owner. When I first got my hamster, Teddy, I had the same worries. After some trial and error, I discovered what to do when there’s an unpleasant odor coming from the hamster’s cage. Let’s start by addressing whether hamsters themselves smell.

Do Hamsters Smell?

No, hamsters themselves do not smell. They don’t develop a strong odor that clings to their bodies. However, their environment can sometimes develop an odor, which may be mistaken for the hamster itself.

In my experience with Teddy, a Syrian hamster I’ve had since August 2017, he’s never had a bad smell. I’ve handled him frequently, and there has never been a noticeable odor coming from him. This is true for most hamsters, regardless of breed.

Hamsters Are Very Clean Animals

Hamsters are meticulous about their cleanliness, similar to house cats. They groom themselves frequently to remove any scent that might attract predators in the wild. You’ll often see your hamster cleaning itself right after you handle it, as they instinctively work to eliminate any unfamiliar smells.

A Hamster’s Hideout Will Have Its Scent

While your hamster’s hideout will have its scent, it typically doesn’t develop a bad smell. Hamsters usually pee outside their hideout to avoid attracting predators, keeping their sleeping area clean. If your hamster’s cage starts to smell, it’s likely due to other factors.

Why Your Hamster’s Cage Might Smell—and How to Fix It

Although hamsters are clean, their cages can sometimes develop an odor. Here are the most common reasons why this happens and how to address them:

1. The Pee Corner Is the Main Culprit

Hamsters often choose a specific corner of their cage to use as a bathroom. This area can become smelly if not cleaned regularly. You can identify the pee corner by observing where your hamster goes to relieve itself or by looking for moist bedding.

To manage the smell, change the bedding in this corner every 2-3 days. This will keep the odor under control without needing to change the entire cage bedding as frequently.

2. A Litter Box for Your Hamster

If you want to make cleaning easier, consider giving your hamster a litter box. A small plastic container filled with mineral sand placed in the designated bathroom corner can help contain the smell and make cleanup more manageable. Just be sure to clean the litter box regularly.

3. Your Hamster Might Be Sick

Sometimes, a smelly cage can indicate that your hamster is unwell. Conditions like wet tail—a serious illness more common in Syrian hamsters—can cause a strong odor due to runny stool. If you notice this or other signs of illness, such as lethargy or unusual behavior, consult a veterinarian immediately.

4. Hidden Food in the Hideout

Hamsters often store food in their hideout, and certain types of food can start to smell if left out too long. Foods like cabbage, broccoli, or cheese can become especially pungent. To prevent this, offer small portions of these foods that your hamster can eat quickly, and check the hideout regularly for any hidden leftovers.

5. Seasonal Changes in Smell

Sometimes, a hamster’s cage might smell more during certain periods, even if it’s kept clean. This could be due to natural cycles in the hamster’s behavior, such as marking territory more aggressively. This usually passes after a couple of weeks and is not necessarily a cause for concern.

6. Female Hamsters Can Get a Bit Smelly

Female hamsters go into heat every few days, which can cause a slight increase in odor as they release pheromones to attract males. This is a natural process and not something that can be prevented, but changing the bedding more frequently during these times can help manage the smell.

How to Properly Clean a Hamster Cage

Keeping your hamster’s cage clean is key to preventing odors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your hamster’s home stays fresh:

Place Your Hamster in a Temporary Holding Place: Use an exercise ball, a transport cage, or another safe space to keep your hamster while you clean the cage.

Remove All Toys and Hideouts: Take out everything from the cage, including the food bowl, water bottle, and wheel. Clean these items with warm water and a small amount of mild soap, then let them dry completely.

Take Out All Bedding and Nesting Material: Remove the bedding and dispose of it. If your hamster has been sick, replace all bedding; otherwise, you can leave a small amount of the old bedding to keep things familiar for your hamster.

Clean the Cage: Wipe down the cage with hot water and a small amount of soap. For tougher stains or urine buildup in the corners, soak the area and scrub it with a brush. Ensure the cage is completely dry before adding new bedding.

Add Fresh Bedding and Nesting Material: Place 1-2 inches of bedding and some fresh nesting material back into the cage. Return the clean toys and hideout to the cage.

A Word from Teddy

I hope this guide helps you keep your hamster’s cage fresh and clean. Remember, we hamsters are naturally clean creatures, and with proper care, our homes can stay that way too. If you want to learn more about us, check out the articles below for tips on diet, behavior, and more!