Q&A for How to Wake up Your Hamster Without Scaring It

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Can you change a hamster's sleep pattern?

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

Sadly, no, it's not possible to change a hamster's sleep pattern. They are naturally nocturnal and active at night. Trying to change this pattern is like trying to keep someone awake all night and make them sleep during the day.

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Question

How do you get your hamster to trust you?

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

There is never a short cut to building trust because to win respect means behaving in the same predictable way time after time after time. The key to this is moving slowly, speaking gently, providing good things (such as food and treats), and avoiding stressing the hamster.

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Question

Can you pick up a 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

Hamsters can be picked up but there is a right and a wrong way to do this. It's always best to win the hamster's confidence first so that picking them up doesn't stress them. If a scared hamster must be picked up, say for a trip to the vet, then try placing a clean, dry face cloth over the pet so they are cocooned and can't bite.

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Question

Do hamsters like to be petted?

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

The answer depends on the individual hamster and how familiar they are with being around people. A well-socialized, confident hamster will indeed enjoy contact with their owner, such as being petted or groomed.

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