How to Prevent a Hamster Cage From Stinking

Clean your hamster's cage regularly to prevent unpleasant odors.

Hamsters can make great pets: they're cute, interactive, easy to care for, and fun to watch. One of the drawbacks of having a rodent as a pet, however, is managing odors of both the pet and its habitat. Generally, a hamster will not have an odor; its cage will be the cause. However, if a hamster lives in an unclean cage for prolonged periods, it may begin to develop a smell. You can minimize unpleasant smells by understanding the different bedding and substrate options and maintaining an appropriate and effective weekly cleaning regiment of the cage.

Things You'll Need

• Habitat
• Bedding
• Substrate
• Soap and water
• Spray bottle
• Cloth or paper towels

Instructions

1. Remove the hamster and any items, such as toys or water bottles, from the habitat. Place it in a safe container, such as a ball or another cage.

2. Remove and dispose of the bedding and substrate.

3. Wipe the bottom of the cage out to remove droppings and other detritus.

4. Using warm water and soap, clean the bottom of the cage, focusing on the corners where the hamster urinates. Corners can become discolored and difficult to clean if not scrubbed regularly.

5. Dry the cage thoroughly.

6. Place new substrate and bedding in the cage. Do not use pine or cedar bedding, which can cause upper respiratory infections in hamsters. Aspen, recycled paper, and pellets are the safest products to use. You can make bedding for the hamster's nest from tissue, or buy nesting products from a pet store.

7. Replace all of the items in their previous locations in the cage, ensuring that the hamster has fresh food and water.

Tips & Warnings

• A hamster cage should be cleaned weekly.

References

• PetHamsterCare.com: Cage & Habitat
• ASPCA.com: Hamster Care
• Hamsterific.com: Homes and Habitats