The fundamental question of how to take care of a hamster correctly is not just about keeping them alive; it’s about creating an environment where they can thrive by honouring their powerful, hardwired natural instincts.
You see the brightly coloured, multi-level plastic cages lining the shelves of a pet store in Kajang, complete with tiny wheels and tubes. You hear they are “low-maintenance” and “easy” pets, perfect for a small space. You feel a surge of excitement, picturing this adorable, furry ball of energy in your home. You think,
“This starter kit must be good for them if the store is selling it.”
So, you say and do what thousands of well-meaning people do: you buy the whole setup, believing you are fully prepared. But what you’ve likely just brought home is a “stress box,” a habitat so profoundly inadequate that it can lead to a miserable, shortened life for your new companion.
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The widespread misconceptions about hamster care have led to a silent epidemic of neglect. Animal welfare organizations have been campaigning for years to change the standards, based on clear scientific evidence.
According to the RSPCA (UK), a suitable hamster enclosure must be large enough to allow for a deep layer of bedding for burrowing and have enough space for exercise. The tiny “starter” cages fall drastically short of these minimum welfare requirements, failing to meet the animal’s most basic behavioural needs.
This isn’t an opinion; it’s a welfare standard. Let’s build a habitat that meets and exceeds it.
Forget what the pet stores show you. This is the definitive guide to what your hamster actually needs.
This is the most critical mistake new owners make. Hamsters are not lazy creatures; they are energetic foragers.
What’s the problem? Small cages are the #1 cause of stress in hamsters. This stress manifests as bar chewing, frantic climbing, and lethargy, which are often mistaken for “normal” behaviours.
What is the solution? Provide a large and unbroken floor space. Aim for an absolute minimum of 4000 square centimetres. A great, cost-effective option in Malaysia is a large storage bin (a “bin cage”) or a large fish tank, both fitted with a mesh lid for crucial ventilation.
Why does this matter? A large enclosure allows you to provide the enrichment that prevents boredom and stress. For you, this means a happier, healthier and more active pet that is fascinating to watch, rather than one that is desperately trying to escape its tiny prison.
Your hamster’s happiness lies beneath the surface.
What do they need? A deep layer of bedding—at least 15-20 centimetres (6-8 inches).
Why? Hamsters are instinctive burrowers. Digging and creating tunnels is their primary way to feel safe, regulate their temperature and de-stress. Denying them this opportunity is a form of neglect. Use paper-based bedding; avoid pine or cedar shavings as they can cause respiratory problems.
How does this benefit you? Providing deep bedding is the single easiest way to enrich your hamster’s life. You will be rewarded by seeing them exhibit their amazing natural behaviours.
The Wheel: A hamster’s wheel is their gym. It must be the correct size to prevent painful back arching. For Dwarf hamsters, aim for a 20cm+ diameter wheel. For larger Syrian hamsters, 28cm+ is mandatory. The surface must be solid, not wire mesh, to prevent bumblefoot and broken limbs.
The Diet: Provide a high-quality hamster seed mix as the staple. Supplement this with small amounts of fresh, hamster-safe vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, or kale) a few times a week. For protein, a few mealworms or a piece of cooked egg white are excellent treats.
Here in Subang Jaya and across Malaysia, heat and humidity are serious concerns.
What is the danger? High humidity trapped in a poorly ventilated cage can lead to mouldy bedding and respiratory infections. Hamsters are also prone to heatstroke.
How do you protect them? Ensure your cage has excellent ventilation (mesh lids are perfect).
Place the cage in the coolest, quietest room in your house, away from direct sunlight. On very hot days, place a ceramic tile or mug in the cage for your hamster to lie on to cool down.
Always ensure their bedding is completely dry.
This is a non-negotiable rule that prevents tragedy.
What you must know: With very few exceptions for specific dwarf species in expert hands, hamsters are strictly solitary. Syrian hamsters, the most common type, will fight to the death if housed together after they mature. Do not house them in pairs or groups.
Understanding their natural behaviour is key on how to take care of a hamster. For your information, hamsters are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
As detailed by The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, forcing interaction during the day when they should be sleeping is a major source of stress. The best time to interact with your hamster is in the evening when they naturally wake up.
To truly understand how to take care of a hamster, you must unlearn the myths and see them not as a simple caged pet, but as a tiny, wild creature whose instincts deserve respect. Providing the right environment is not “spoiling” them; it is meeting their fundamental biological needs.
Our surprising stance? The small wheel and cage you see in a pet store aren’t just sub optimal; they are instruments of cruelty. The most powerful proof of this lies in their activity levels.
