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updates | August 17, 2026

How can I keep my hamster warm in a cold house?

Even if your pet lives indoors, they might need an extra bit of warmth over winter:

  1. Move them out of drafts. Drafts from windows and doors can give your hamsters or gerbils a chill. ...
  2. Extra bedding. Give them extra bedding to snuggle into on cold days. ...
  3. Keep them away from fumes.

What temp is too cold for a hamster?

Suitable Temperature

As for colder weather, make sure the room temperature never dips to less than 60 degrees, as that could lead to exhaustion and lethargy. With temperatures under 50 degrees, your pet hamster could go into hibernation mode. Extreme cold can kill hamsters.

How do I make my hamster feel warm?

  1. Small blankets. One of the simplest ways you can keep your hamster friends warm is by placing a blanket around their cage. ...
  2. Heating mats. ...
  3. Create a small nest. ...
  4. Place heater in the room. ...
  5. Transfer hamster cage in a warmer room. ...
  6. Diet. ...
  7. Increase physical activity. ...
  8. Bring your hamster indoors.

What happens if it's too cold for a hamster?

If Hammie gets too cold, he may start shivering, or lose interest in his food and water. He could also seem lethargic. If your tiny furball's tiny feet, ears, or nose feel cold, he's probably too chilly. Your little pal may also begin to have trouble breathing if he gets cold.

Does bedding keep hamsters warm?

Your hamster can use bedding in a variety of ways. They will nest, dig, burrow, and pull on bedding to keep warm and comfortable. When the cold starts to creep in, it is a good idea to use extra bedding in the enclosure.

40 related questions found

Can I put a heating pad under my hamsters cage?

The heating pad is completely safe and doesn't pose a fire hazard, as long as you provide proper ventilation. Raise your hamster's cage an inch or 2, and attach the heater under either the left side or the right side of the cage, not the middle.

Can I give my hamster a blanket?

Fabric isn't safe for hamsters and they dont really need blankets. For soft nesting material you can give them toilet paper tho, most hamsters really love that!

Can I cover my hamster cage with a blanket?

Your hamster is likely to urinate on and/or eat the blanket or covering. If they were to swallow a big enough chunk of blanket, they could choke. That could again be fatal. On that note, then, we'd say you shouldn't cover your hamster's cage.

Is my hamster dead or hibernating?

Don't use body heat as an indicator

Don't worry if your hamster feels cold. During hibernation your pet's body temperature will drop to match the environment, so coldness isn't always a cause for concern. If your hamster is also rigid and unresponsive, even in a warm temperature, however, it may have died.

Can a hamster survive outside?

For hundreds of generations, hamsters have been selected for characteristics that make them good domestic pets, not survivors in the wild. Death for a domestic hamster outdoors would probably be slow and painful. Rescued hamsters found outside are often near death from exposure or malnutrition.

How do I know if my Syrian hamster is hibernating?

If you look closely at your hibernating hamster, you will notice that he is taking short, uneven breaths and is limp when you pick him up. His paws, ears and nose will be very cold to the touch. Hamsters do not wake up to drink when they are in hibernation and will become dehydrated.

Can I put a sock in my hamster cage?

Socks. Yes, believe it or not a sock is an ideal furnishing for your hamster! They can use it like a little hamster sleeping bag and snuggle inside, or give it a good chew and use the piece to line their bed.

Do hamsters get cold easily?

The biggest factor contributing to hibernation behavior in hamsters is temperature. The ideal temperature for hamsters is about 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this range, your hamster may become too cold and may enter torpor. Be sure to keep your hamster's cage in a warm – but not hot!

How do I know if my hamster is cold?

His little body may feel warm to the touch, and he may be thirstier than usual. Watery eyes, matted fur, and discharge from the eyes or nose are also indicative of colds in hamsters. If the cold is severe, Hammie's fur may be very matted, and he may lose his appetite.

Should you kiss your hamster?

The common cold or an upper respiratory infection can be passed to hamsters from humans. Because these infections are usually spread through respiratory droplets, kissing your hamster is a big no-no.

Can hamsters stay in air conditioned room?

Stable Temperature is Important Too

Any area with drafts shouldn't be considered as well. As a result, you shouldn't think of putting your hamster's cage near an air conditioner or air conditioning vent either. Both of these scenarios can cause a heap of issues you don't want to deal with as a hamster owner.

Can I put cotton in my hamster cage?

Bedding is essential for any hamster, but some can be dangerous. One common material that can be extremely dangerous is cotton. Not only can cotton cause choking, it may also lead to intestinal blockage that can slowly kill your pet. The good news is, alternatives to cotton will keep your hamster warm, cozy and safe.

Can you put a towel over hamster cage?

No Need to Wrap Their Cages

It's only natural for hamsters to not sleep at night, because they're nocturnal. Wrapping or covering your hamster's cage and making his environment darker won't encourage him to sleep.

Why is my hamster shaking still?

Shaking is a strong indicator that your hamster is under either physical or mental duress. This can be brought upon by health issues such as diabetes or through common life processes such as hibernation. Hamsters will also shake through excess emotional stimulation such as fear or anxiety.

Are toilet paper rolls good for hamsters?

It's common for hamster owners to give their pets toilet paper rolls. They're convenient, easily obtained, and the perfect size for your hamster. Providing the toilet paper roll is free from dyes, and there isn't any glue stick to the roll, it's perfectly safe!

Is it cruel to take a hamster's wheel out at night?

Though removing a noisy exercise wheel at night might seem like a good way to keep your hamster quiet, leaving your furry friend without a wheel is as bad for his health as it will be for his mood. Exercise is crucial to your hamster's health and emotional state.

Should you wake up a hamster?

You can wake up a hamster, but you should only do this occasionally to keep stress low. If you do need to wake your hammie, it is important you do it gently, as to not scare them.

Can you wake up a hibernating hamster?

To get a hamster out of hibernation, try waking it up with body heat by holding it against your body for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, wrap your hamster in a towel and place it against a hot water bottle, or on a heating pad heated to around 90 degrees F for 30 to 60 minutes.

Why is my hamster not moving but still breathing?

If your hamster is not moving, watch it to see if it's breathing, since it may just be in hibernation. Make sure you watch it for over 2 minutes, as its breathing may slow to as few as 1 breath every 2 minutes when it's hibernating.