Care guide
Caring for hamsters
Hamsters live 1 to 3 years and are active at night. Syrian hamsters must live alone; dwarf hamsters usually do best alone too. They need much more space and deeper bedding than most cages offer.
Living alone
Adult Syrian hamsters fight, often badly, if kept together. Dwarf hamsters sometimes live in pairs but often fall out; keep a spare enclosure ready.
Enclosure
Give at least about 100 × 50 cm of floor space (larger for Syrians), with 20 cm or more of bedding to burrow in, several hides, and a solid wheel big enough that their back doesn't bend: about 28 cm or more for Syrians and 20 cm for dwarfs.
Add sand for dwarf hamsters to bathe in, and scatter food so they can forage.
Night owls
Hamsters sleep during the day. Don't wake them; handle them in the evening when they're active, sitting low and letting them walk onto your hands.
Health and diet
Feed a hamster mix or lab blocks with small amounts of fresh vegetables and some protein. Diarrhea (wet tail) in young hamsters is an emergency.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.