Q&A for How to Find a Lost Hamster

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What do I do if my hamster cannot be found?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This is unfortunate, but don't give up hope. If the weather is cold, the hamster may be sleepy, so try placing a hot water bottle or another safe source of heat close to where you last saw the hamster. The warmth may attract him. If that fails, leave some "Catch 'em Alive" traps baited with his favorite treat, in places around the house. Once he gets hungry he may be tempted out of hiding.

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Question

I lost my hamster outside. How can I find the hamster?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This is tricky, as he may have strayed quite a distance away. Get a "Catch 'em Alive" trap that is used to catch mice without harming them. These traps work by tipping up when the animal goes to the bait, which causes the door to close. Place the trap (or several if possible) close to where you lost the hamster. Bait it with his favorite treat. Hopefully he'll get hungry and be tempted in. Check the traps several times a day.

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Question

What should I do if I find a dead hamster?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Put on a pair of latex gloves or pick the hamster up in a clean facecloth. If it is your hamster, then you need to decide whether to bury him, take him to the vet for cremation, or dispose of him in the household garbage. If the hamster is not yours, make a note of what he looks like and ask the neighbors if they are missing a pet.

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Question

How can I find my hamster if it is dead?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Unfortunately, the hamster hid so well you couldn't find him, so the next step is that he'll start to decay. This creates an unpleasant sickly-sweet odor, so follow your nose to the source of the smell and you should find him.

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