The majority of hamsters are solitary animals and those who are not ( usually Dwarf hamsters) like the company of their own species only. So we can say that hamsters don’t like nor need the company of other pets such as dogs, cats…
Hamsters are prey animals and both dogs and cats are predators so they are not meant to be precisely best buddies. On the other hand, you can keep a hamster and dog (or cat) in the same household. Just make sure you keep the hamster’s cage well locked and secured, the best would be to put it in a separate room where your cat or dog doesn’t have access.
Other prey animals like guinea pigs or gerbils are not the best company for a hamster either. All these animals are quite territorial and it’s better not to mix them. Basically, you need to follow certain rules, take some precautions so you and your all pets will live together in harmony.
How to make sure your hammy is safe and that your cat cannot reach him? Does barking bother your furry pal? Should you let your hammy play outside of the cage in case you have a cat in your home? Can your other pet hurt your hamster while in a cage? Do keep reading our article in order to find out the answers to these and some other questions related to this matter.
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Can Hamsters Ever Get Along Well with Cats and Dogs?
Always bear in mind that hamsters are prey animals and dogs and cats are not. Basically they are enemies. I am sure you have seen cute photos or videos on the internet where the hamster is cuddling with the dog, playing with cat, etc. I am not saying it cannot be but you are running a great risk if you are trying to make this unlikely animal friendship.
I have also read in some hamster forums that many owners who have dogs and hamsters noticed that dogs are scared of hamsters. Actually this is not completely true.
When you show your dog a hamster in the exercise ball he can react strange, moving backward like he is scared. In my opinion, this is a misinterpreted reaction. What actually dog wants to say is ”What a heck is this ?!”. So it more likely your dog is surprised than scared.
Regarding cats – most of the cats will try to get to the hamster, they enjoy watching your furry pal playing but the majority of them will give up and find some other amusement if you made sure she cannot reach your hamster.
Don’t trust your cat if she gave up. The natural instinct of chasing small rodents is simply built in her and you never know how she will react next time your hammy is around.
Bottom line – you should never introduce your hamster neither to dog nor to the cat. They do not need to know each other but again it does not mean they cannot coexist in the same house and be your lovely pets.
How To Keep Your Hamster Safe Around Cats and Dogs?
Rule No 1 – The hamster’s cage needs to be fully secured.
If you buy a wire cage ( it is a better solution if you live in a warm climate area due to ventilation ability ) make sure the doors can close properly and that they have a lock that cannot be easily open. Test the doors and the lock before you buy the cage.
Some hamster & other pets owners suggest that aquarium would be a better idea if you have dogs and cats around as ‘predator’ pets cannot reach hamster easily ( because there are no bars) but if you decide for this option you need to think about inside temperature as aquariums heat up quickly. Make sure the temperature is always in the range 65-75F which is perfect for your tiny friend.
Another downside of the aquarium is frequent cleaning. As it is totally closed, ventilation is poor and the presence of ammonia can be significant. To prevent ammonia affects your hammy lungs and breathing, change the bedding on a daily basis and clean the whole habitat once a week.
If you have a bin cage with open top, do something urgently as your hammy is not well protected. You never ever leave you hamster in the cage without a proper lid ,especially if you have dogs& cats in your house.
Rule No 2 – Place hamster’s cage high up, out of the cat/dog’s sight.
Hamsters are very sensitive animals, easily become stressed out. Most of the diseases that hamsters are prone to, come from stress. So if you keep the hamster in your home, I am sure you want to provide the best possible care for him/her. One of the good care principles is to keep your hammy far from stress, in a calm and quiet environment.
Therefore put the cage on some shelf, chest of drawers or something similar. The important thing is that your other pet cannot reach your hamster’s cage but it is also crucial that especially your cat cannot sit next to the cage and watch your hammy playing.
That is why you need to think about the surface you will put the cage on. It is better if that surface has the same size as the bottom of the cage, leaving no space for your cat to sit. A cat that is sitting next to the cage will very upset your furry pal.
If that is not possible and the surface is larger then cage itself then put some things around the cage to discourage the cat to go up and disturb your hamster.
Rule No 3 – If it is possible place the hamster and its cage in a totally separate room.
Your hamster will be much peaceful if he/she does not even see the other pet. Actually ”see” is not the right word. Hamsters don’t have a good eyesight but they have an excellent sense of smell and hearing so they can sense if a predator is close.
Another reason for moving the hamster in the separate room is that both dogs and cats are diurnal animals. Since your hammy is nocturnal creature most probably he will make some noise during the night. This can bother other pets, for example provoking your dog to bark. As hamsters are extremely sensitive to loud sounds, dog barking is very disturbing for them.
When it comes to dog barking- if you insist on introducing your hamster to your dog, train the dog not to bark on the hamster. If possible never yell at your dog because he is barking, teach him not to do that around your hamster and always give him some treat if he is quite.
Rule No 4 – Never let the cat or dog or any other pet be in the room when your hamster is playing outside of its cage.
If you have taken precautions when your hammy is inside the cage, you have to be even more careful when he is out of it. It is quite normal to let your tiny friend explore the outside of the cage area on daily basis, exercise inside the ball for 15-20 min but during that time do not let your other pets hang around.
You should always supervise hamster’s play outside of the cage but even with you in the same room, you hammy is not safe if cat or dog are there. It does not necessarily mean that it has to come to some incident but the chances for that are high enough so better not to risk.
Rule No 5 – If you have small kids or kids in general, teach them to follow the same rules you do.
Children, even bigger ones, might be unaware of the danger. Having pets is a great way to develop responsibility in kids. It is important to talk to them about all consequences that can happen if they act irresponsibly and for example, leave the cage unlocked and let the cat inside of the room where the hamster is.
Rule No 6 – Avoid modular cages with attached tubes and tunnels.
Those can be hazards as cats and dogs can damage them and let the hamster free of the cage. Not good for hamster nor you. Better choose the tubes and tunnels that are placed safely inside the cage.
Rule No 7 – Do not be too obsessed with potential issues
If you follow the basic rules, most probably nothing bad will happen. If you think that level of stress is to high ( for you or your hamster ) consider giving one pet away. I know this can terrible but if total separation is the only solution then you have to be strong and choose who is moving out.
What About Other Pets?
If you think that hamsters would get along with similar animals, rodents such as guinea pigs or gerbil you are very wrong. All these animals are quite territorial and can kill each other if they feel threatened.
However, if you have fishes, you will most likely have no problems just always bear in mind to keep both aquarium and cage well locked ( cage should be secured to prevent your hammy to escape ) your hamster supervised every time when he/she is out of the cage.
If you have some parrot or other bird, it is better to keep your hamster in a separate room and without any interaction between those two.
Conclusion
It is totally possible for hamsters to live together with other pets but you must take all the necessary precautions. Even if you decide to take a risk and introduce your hamster to another pet and it seems that they get along well, do not have high expectations, thinking that they will become friends. Even if they behave friendly in each other company, never leave them unsupervised to prevent any unpleasant or potentially dangerous situation.
