Alright, so let me tell you a little story about the time I walked in on my pet hamster bawling his little eyes out.
I’m not even kidding, the little guy was sitting in the corner of his cage with tears streaming down his face. I was like, “Yo, what’s the deal, buddy? Did I forget to give you a carrot or something?”
But nope, turns out my hammy was just feeling a little emotional.
I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “But Matt, hamsters can’t cry, can they?” Well, let me tell you, they sure as hell can.
And after doing some research and talking to some experts, I’m here to spill the tea on all things hamster tears.
Table of Contents
What Causes Hamsters To Cry?
First things first, let’s talk about why hamsters might shed a tear or two. Turns out, there are a few different reasons why our furry friends might get a little misty-eyed.
1. They’re in pain
Just like us humans, when hamsters are in pain, they might cry. So, if your little buddy is acting a little off or isn’t moving around as much as usual, it might be worth taking them to the vet to make sure they’re not in pain.
2. They’re stressed
Another reason why hamsters might cry is because they’re feeling stressed. This can happen if their environment isn’t ideal or if they’re not getting enough social interaction.
So, if you notice your hamster is a little teary-eyed, try giving them a little extra attention and making sure their cage is set up properly.
3. They’re sick
Lastly, if your hamster is crying, it could be a sign that they’re not feeling well. This could be due to a variety of things, from a cold to something more serious.
Again, if you notice your hamster is crying and acting a little off, it’s best to take them to the vet to get checked out.
Do Hamsters Cry Like Humans Do?
Now, you might be wondering if hamsters cry in the same way that we humans do. And the answer is, well, kind of.
You see, when we cry, we produce tears from tear ducts in our eyes. And while hamsters do have tear ducts, they’re not exactly the same as ours.
Instead, hamsters produce a different kind of tear, called a “reflex tear.” This type of tear is produced when something irritates the eye, like dust or a piece of food.
So, while hamsters do produce tears, it’s not exactly the same as the tears we humans shed when we’re feeling emotional.
My Personal Experience
So, I’ve had my fair share of experience with hamsters and their tears. And let me tell you, it can be a little jarring to see your pet crying.
But, it’s important to remember that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, hamsters just need to let out a little emotion, just like we do.
And let me tell you, it’s not always a sad thing either. I’ve seen my hamster cry tears of joy when I give him a particularly delicious treat. So, it’s not always a sign that something is wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hamster is crying?
If you suspect that your hamster might be crying, the first thing you should do is take a look at their eyes. If they’re producing a clear, watery discharge, then they’re likely crying.
It’s also important to pay attention to their behavior. If they’re acting a little off or not moving around as much, it could be a sign that they’re in pain or stressed.
Is it normal for hamsters to cry?
While it might be a little surprising to see your hamster crying, it’s actually not that uncommon. As I mentioned earlier, there are a variety of reasons why hamsters might shed a tear or two.
So, if you notice your hamster is crying, it’s important to pay attention to their behavior and take them to the vet if you’re concerned.
What should I do if my hamster is crying?
If you notice that your hamster is crying, the first thing you should do is try to figure out why.
Are they in pain? Are they stressed? Are they sick? Once you have a better understanding of the reason for their tears, you can take the appropriate steps to help them.
My Final Scoop
So, there you have it, folks. Hamsters can cry, and it’s not always a bad thing. Just like us humans, they need to let out their emotions from time to time.
So, if you notice your little buddy shedding a tear or two, don’t panic. Just pay attention to their behavior and take them to the vet if you’re concerned.
And remember, always have some extra carrots on hand, just in case.
Fun Facts About Hamsters
While we’re on the topic of hamsters, let’s take a look at some fun facts about these adorable little creatures:
1. Hamsters are nocturnal animals.
That means they’re most active at night and sleep during the day. So, if you’re noticing your hamster is a little more active in the evening, that’s totally normal.
2. Hamsters are great at storing food.
Hamsters have the ability to store food in their cheeks, and can carry up to 50% of their body weight in food. So, if you’re wondering where your hamster’s food is going, it might be in their cheek pouches.
3. Hamsters are great at escaping.
Hamsters are great escape artists, so make sure their cage is securely locked. If you notice that your hamster is missing, you might want to check all the hiding spots in your house.