Have you ever wondered if those cute little hamsters have a smell? It’s a great question, especially if you’re considering getting one as a pet.
Hamsters are very clean animals, but don’t all animals have a natural smell? Keep reading to find out!
Do Hamsters Smell?
Yes, hamsters can smell. Their odor often comes from their bedding, waste, and food. Regular cleaning of their habitat helps reduce unpleasant smells.
If a hamster’s strong odor worsens, it could indicate health issues or poor hygiene. Make sure to get your hamster checked to avoid potential medical problems in the future.
Do Male & Female Hamsters Have Distinct Smell?
Yes, they do! Both male and female hamsters have unique smells, which indicates something different.
Female Hamsters
Female hamsters experience something called a heat cycle every few days. This is a natural part of their reproductive process. During this time, you might notice a slight change in their smell.
This musky scent signals to male hamsters that she is ready to mate.
Male Hamsters
Male hamsters tend to show off their presence more when they’re excited. They do this by licking their scent glands, which release their smell into the environment.
This behavior is their way of letting female hamsters know where they are and that they’re available for mating.
Can You Bathe Your Hamster?
The short answer is no! Hamsters are sensitive animals that can get severely ill if you try to wash them using a traditional method. If you spot dirt on hamsters, get rid of it by using a tissue to gently wipe the area and leave the hamster in a warm place.
Bathing with water can remove natural oils from their fur, which helps them keep warm. This could lead to severe illness, such as labor, breathing, or heart failure.
Allow your furry friend to clean itself thoroughly by rolling around in the sand. This will ensure the smell of poop, urine, or hay are not that strong.
How To Keep a Hamster Cage From Smelling
Whether you’ve a dwarf or Syrian hamster, here’s how to keep them healthy and the cage clean longer!
Regularly Deep Clean The Cage
A thorough routine helps rid the space of smelly mess and unpleasant odors that cause stress.
If you don’t have another spare cage while cleaning, you can use a square box to put your little pal in for the time being while the cage gets disinfected. Rigorously clean the bedding and change it once every two weeks for a fresh environment.
After cleaning, don’t put the cage in sunlight, drafts, or air conditioning. It’s important to wear gloves while cleaning to avoid skin irritation.
Use a Pet-Friendly Spray
Use a pet-friendly spray that is safe for your furry creature to eliminate cage stinks. This essential solution helps keep surfaces clean and fresh. Spray, rinse, and let it dry on the floor for maximum effectiveness.
Avoid depending on harsh oxidizer, bleach, or perfumes sensitive to your bunny’s nose.
Inspect For Signs of Illness
One reason your hammy could be smelly is underlying illnesses. Hamsters hate revealing to their human friends that they’re sick, and so they hide themselves in the cage. This could produce a strong smell that might make you think the cage is dirty.
Observe your hamsters and check for signs of illness, such as lethargy, diarrhea, excessive sleep, etc.
Consult your vet for a proper guide on caring for your hamster when sick.
Look For Any Hidden Food
Mold can grow on forgotten treats, making it harder to keep the area clean. Formulating a regular cleaning schedule will make it easier to find hidden food.
Remove uneaten fruits, veggies, or pellets. Clean the food dish regularly and ensure the water bottle is clean.
Use an Air-Purifier
For minimal effort, use a 24 hour air purifier. This will create a relaxing environment for your hamster and remove bacteria and waste residue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out this section and get some expert advice on maintaining hamster’s cage.
Q: Do Hamsters Smell?
A: Yes, hamsters can emit a smell, particularly if their cages are not cleaned regularly or if they are not fed properly.
Q: Can The Type of Food I Give My Hamster Affect The Smell?
A: Yes, low-quality food can lead to more waste and odors. Providing a balanced diet with high-quality hamster pellets can help reduce unpleasant smells.
Q: Should I Bathe My Hamster To Reduce Smell?
A: Bathing hamsters is generally not recommended, especially for dwarf hamsters, as it can strip their natural oils. Instead, focus on cage cleanliness and proper care.
Q: How Can I Ensure My Hamster Has a Minimum Odor in Their Cage?
A: To ensure a minimum smell, maintain a regular cleaning schedule, use absorbent bedding, provide a quality diet, and monitor your hamster’s health.
Final Thoughts
You’ll notice your hamster smelling at different times for different purposes. Keep the cage clean and avoid bathing it, as this won’t help remove the odor.
