How to Care for Aging Hamsters
Compared to other pets, hamsters have a relatively short life span with two years being the average. According to the Pet Web Site, hamsters begin to show signs of aging at approximately 14 months. As they age spend less time awake, eat less and their fur may turn gray or brown. They may also lose vision, hearing and fur as they get older. Knowing how to care for an aging hamster will keep it happy and comfortable.
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Instructions
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Check your hamster's teeth weekly for problems. Overgrown or broken teeth require attention so your hamster can eat comfortably. The The Pet Web Site recommends
visiting your veterinarian if you notice any abnormalities with your hamster's teeth. -
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Provide your hamster with a single-level cage so he won't have to go far for food, water and toys.
Arrange toys and the hamster wheel so your hamster can reach them easily. Aging hamsters still need exercise and play time but they may have difficulty climbing through tubes and up ramps.
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Make the hamster's food and water easily accessible. If your hamster has difficulty eating regular food, offer it soft fruits, baby food or soft cat food.
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Keep your hamster warm and keep its cage out of cold rooms and away from drafts for extended periods of time. Also keep it out of direct sunlight.
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Watch your hamster. Older hamsters may not groom themselves as well as they did when they were younger. If you notice your hamster grooming less, offer it a bowl of chinchilla dust. Most will roll in the dust, which will clean their fur.
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Give older hamsters enough attention. Take hamsters out of their cages daily and cuddle them. More time out of the cage might stimulate your hamster to explore. The exercise will help reduce any pain associated with aging.
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Tips & Warnings
Handle an older hamster with care; older bones are more brittle. Pet them gently.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hamster image by Annekathrin Kohout from Fotolia.com
