Hamster Care 101: How to Keep Your Hammy Happy and Healthy
Welcome to the world of hamsters—where the furballs are small, the zoomies are real, and the cages better be big.
If you’re a new hamster parent (or thinking of becoming one), this guide is your no-stress, zero-jargon walk-through on how to give your hammy the life they deserve.
Let’s keep it simple, fun, and most importantly—real.
Rule #1: A Bigger Cage Isn’t “Extra”—It’s Essential
Your hamster might look tiny, but don’t let that fool you. These creatures are natural explorers. They run, dig, burrow, and stash food like there’s no tomorrow.
So yes, cage size matters—a lot.
• For dwarf hamsters, the bare minimum floor space is 2,300 cm² (360 in²).
• For Syrians (the chonky bois), it’s at least 2,700 cm² (420 in²).
• But really, go for 3,000 cm² (450 in²) or more if you can. Your hamster will thank you with fewer bar bites and more peaceful zoomies.
• Connected tunnels? Not counted. It’s all about the flat floor space.
Bedding Isn’t Decoration—It’s Their Whole World
You know how we have beds, couches, carpets? For hamsters, it’s bedding.
They sleep in it, dig through it, hide snacks in it, and sometimes even redecorate mid-night.
That’s why they need at least 4 to 6 inches of the good stuff.
• Plain paper-based bedding
• Aspen shavings (NOT cedar)
• Bedding with no perfumes or scents
• Cotton fluff (can tangle and hurt them)
• Anything dusty (bad for the lungs)
• Scented stuff (smells nice to us = stress to them)
Hamsters are burrowers by nature. If they can’t dig, they stress out. Think of it as mental health care—burrowing edition.
The Wheel: Not Optional
Your hamster runs marathons at night—literally. In the wild, they’d run 5–10 km in a single night.
So please… don’t give them a baby wheel that makes them arch like a shrimp.
• Dwarf: 18 cm
• Syrian: 21 cm or more
Make sure the wheel has a solid surface (no wire bars). This avoids injuries and makes running comfier for them.
If they don’t use their wheel? It might be too small, too stiff, or just scary. Try swapping it out.
Food: They’re Tiny, But They Eat Like Royalty
Hamsters aren’t picky—but that doesn’t mean they can live on sunflower seeds alone. They’re omnivores, which means they need a mix of grains, seeds, vegetables, and a bit of protein.
• High-quality seed mix (look for Versele-Laga, Vitakraft, Little Pets Daily Quality, etc.)
• A solid lab block or pellet as their base food
• Fresh veggies in small amounts (like broccoli, cucumber, or carrots)
• Protein: boiled egg, chicken, or mealworms (yes, it’s okay and even necessary!)
• Sugary stuff
• Onion, garlic, citrus
• Junk food (yes, even if they beg)
And no, they don’t need vitamins if they’re already eating right.
Sand Baths = Self-Care, Hamster Style
Hamsters do NOT need water baths.
Instead, give them a small dish of unscented chinchilla sand (not dust!). They’ll roll in it, clean themselves, and look fabulous afterward.
This also helps with oil buildup in their fur, especially for dwarf breeds.
Bonus: Some hammies even use the sand as their toilet, making cage cleaning way easier.
Hamster Personalities: Yup, They Got ‘Em
Hamsters aren’t just fluff with legs. They’ve got moods, routines, and drama. Here’s a quick crash course:
They’re crepuscular – Most active at dawn and dusk
Syrians are solo – They need their own space (or they’ll fight… a lot)
Dwarfs can sometimes live in pairs, but only if introduced early and monitored closely
They hoard food – Let them. It’s instinct
They chew – It’s not bad behavior, it’s how they trim their ever-growing teeth
They eat poop (sometimes) – Gross? Maybe. But it’s how they reabsorb nutrients
Respect their routine and let them live their quirky little lives. 💛
Don’t place the cage in direct sunlight or near noisy areas
Clean spot by spot—don’t deep clean every few days, it ruins their scent map
Don’t disturb them when they’re sleeping unless it’s an emergency
Watch out for signs of torpor (deep sleep due to cold or stress)—hamsters don’t “hibernate” in a healthy wa
Hamster care isn’t complicated—but it is important.
Give them space, the right setup, and a bit of patience, and they’ll reward you with the cutest stretch yawns, snack hoards, and maybe even a tiny paw on your finger someday.
They’re more than just pets. They’re tiny roommates with a big love for burrowing, running, and stuffing their cheeks.
Why Get Your Hamster from Kawaii Tomodachi Pets?
At Kawaii Tomodachi Pets, we raise our hamsters with love and proper care. They are:
Handled gently and regularly from a young age
Fed high-quality, species-appropriate diets
Given ample space and toys to grow happy and healthy
We help you not just get a pet, but find a perfect companion.