Yo, what’s good? It’s your boy Matt here. So I was just chilling with my hamster Snuffles the other day, and it was freezing outside. I mean, seriously cold.
Like, polar vortex cold. And I started thinking to myself, do hamsters die of cold? Can they handle this kind of weather, or do I need to bust out the tiny little hamster winter coat?
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Can Hamsters Handle Cold Weather?
Okay, so here’s the deal. Hamsters are actually pretty hardy little guys when it comes to cold weather. They’re native to colder climates, and they have a thick layer of fur to keep them warm.
As long as they have a warm place to sleep and access to food and water, they should be able to handle pretty chilly temperatures without any problems.
What Should You Do If It’s Cold Outside?
Even though hamsters can handle cold weather, it’s still a good idea to take a few precautions to make sure they stay warm and comfortable. Here are a few things you can do:
Keep their cage inside: The best place for your hamster’s cage is inside the house, where it’s nice and warm. If you have to keep it outside, make sure it’s in a sheltered area where it won’t get too cold.
Provide them with plenty of bedding: Hamsters need a lot of bedding to stay warm, so be sure to give them plenty of soft, fluffy materials to nest in.
Give them a warm place to sleep: Hamsters need a warm, cozy place to sleep, so be sure to provide them with a cozy little nest box or a snuggly fleece blanket.
Make sure they have access to water: It’s important to make sure your hamster has access to fresh, clean water at all times.
In cold weather, it’s a good idea to check their water bottle a little more frequently to make sure it hasn’t frozen over.
FAQs
Is it okay to put a heat pad in my hamster’s cage?
It’s generally not a good idea to use a heat pad in your hamster’s cage. Hamsters have a high metabolism and can get too hot easily, which can be dangerous.
It’s better to provide them with plenty of bedding and a warm place to sleep, and let their own body heat keep them warm.
What should I do if my hamster is shivering?
If your hamster is shivering, it could be a sign that they’re cold. Make sure their cage is in a warm place, and provide them with plenty of bedding and a cozy place to sleep. If the shivering persists, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet to get checked out.
Can hamsters get frostbite?
Hamsters can definitely get frostbite, especially if they’re exposed to very cold temperatures for an extended period of time. If you suspect your hamster has frostbite, it’s important to get them to a vet as soon as possible.
The Final Verdict
So, can hamsters die of cold? Not exactly. As long as they have a warm place to sleep and access to food and water, they should be able to handle pretty chilly temperatures without any problems. Just be sure to take a few precautions to keep them comfortable, and they should be good to go.
But hey, if you’re still worried about your hamster getting cold, there’s always the option of a tiny little hamster winter coat.
I mean, it’s not like they have any say in the matter, right? Might as well keep them fashionable and warm. Just don’t be surprised if they give you some weird looks when you put it on them.
In any case, I hope this cleared up any questions you had about hamsters and cold weather. Keep on keeping on, and stay warm out there!