Can Hamsters Climb? - Pets Collector

If you have had the unfortunate experience of having a rat run around in your home, you may be wondering whether your pet hamster can also climb on walls, stairs, and practically everything they can get their paws on. And because hamsters, like rats, are also rodents, is it safe to assume they can climb too?

Hamsters are extremely curious animals that like to explore their surroundings by climbing. They can climb walls and other objects if they have something to hold on to. However, they don’t have as good a grip as rats, so hamsters cannot climb most smooth, vertical objects.

If you have a pet hamster and you suddenly find them hanging from a high place in your home, don’t freak out! These energetic furballs are naturally inclined to climb things, although their climbing does have limitations. Let’s find out what hamsters can and can’t climb in the rest of this article.

Can Hamsters Climb Like Rats?

Hamsters cannot climb as well as rats because they do not have as good a grip as rats. While rats can grab hold of smooth objects, plant their paws, and even hold their weight while moving on a vertical object, hamsters can’t.

Rats can climb exceptionally well on horizontal and vertical surfaces because of their sharp fingers called phalanges, which they use to secure their grip. These fingers are not only sharp but also quite strong, allowing rats to climb fast. Besides sharp phalanges, rats also have thick paw pads that give them a firm grip.

No wonder it’s so hard to catch rats when they’re trying to escape!

On the other hand, while hamsters can have sharp nails, their fingers are not as strong as rats’, and their paw pads are quite soft and smooth. This explains their inability to climb smooth, vertical objects.

But that doesn’t mean they won’t try. Hamsters will only glide down as quickly as they (attempt to) climb up a smooth, vertical surface!

Can Hamsters Climb Stairs?

Hamsters can climb stairs because they have a pretty good grip (though not as good as rats’), and they’re also capable of hopping or jumping up to an average height of 25 cm (9.84 in). Hamsters also have lots of energy, which they expend by jumping, climbing, and running around.

So even if your stairs are tiled or of laminated wood, your hamster may still be able to climb them very easily. But, of course, if your stairs are too high for your hamster’s height, they may have difficulty climbing up no matter how well they can jump.

But that doesn’t mean your hamster will stop trying. Hamsters are incredibly curious and energetic and will keep trying to go to places they have not explored before if an opportunity arises.

If you have other pets, however, you shouldn’t allow your hamster to roam freely in your house or let them out of their cage unattended. And although hamsters enjoy climbing on everything, they do not have good eyesight and are thus not good at judging heights.

They can fall from a height of around 25 cm (9.84 in) without getting hurt, but anything higher than that can lead to serious injury.

Can Hamsters Climb Plastic?

Hamsters are quite good at (and enthusiastic about) climbing, and they usually won’t have a problem climbing plastic materials, especially softer ones. While hamsters may not have as good a grip as rats, they can jump up and use their teeth to bite on and get a grip on plastic.

Examples of plastic materials that hamsters can climb include plastic bags, plastic purses, and other pliable materials. However, hamsters may struggle when climbing hard and smooth plastic materials, especially vertical ones.

Be careful of your hamster chewing on plastic materials. While they may naturally refrain from swallowing the plastic bits, they may store them in their cheek pouches, which can cause injury and potentially severe infections.

And since hard and smooth plastic is not easy for hamsters to bite or keep their paws attached to, you may notice them jumping or clawing to no avail.

Can Hamsters Climb Plastic Bins?

The smooth surface of most plastic bins makes it hard for hamsters to climb, especially if the bins are pretty tall. They will only be able to jump up a few inches and then glide down. However, if the bins are made of thin plastic material, hamsters may be able to bite on them to keep a firm grip.

In other instances, hamsters may also be able to bore a hole through plastic bins, so it’s never a good idea to leave a trash bin full of leftover food with a free-roaming hamster around.

Hamsters can also use nearby objects to help them climb up plastic bins. So even if the bin is too tall for them or made of smooth, sturdy plastic, your hamster can use nearby objects to climb up the plastic bin.

Can Hamsters Climb Walls?

Hamsters cannot climb walls. They need things to grip, and since smooth concrete has nothing for hamsters to hold on to, climbing is out of the question. They may, however, try jumping on walls.

If your walls are made of wood, then your hamster may be able to get a good grip and attempt to climb. The climbing task will be easier for your hamster if there are gaps in the paneling or if the design features allow for improved grip.

Climbing surfaces, like walls, is a natural hamster behavior. They will also often climb the walls of their cage for fun, especially if they don’t have toys to play with.

Take note, though, that a hamster that is frantically trying to escape or chew on its cage could be stressed, anxious, or afraid. If you notice your hamster doing this, you may try to soothe your pet by gently stroking its back or offering a tiny treat. A small bit of fresh fruit is a tasty snack that your hamster won’t be able to resist.

Can Hamsters Climb Glass?

They may be good climbers, but hamsters do not have sticky paw pads or a grip that allows them to keep a firm grip on glass surfaces. When they try to climb glass, they will only slide down the slippery surface.

If there are nearby objects that they can use as leverage, however, they may be able to jump up and explore the glass out of curiosity.

Because they can’t climb glass, some hamster owners put their pets in glass cages to keep them still or prevent them from climbing out. Unfortunately, a glass cage can be a stressful environment for a hamster because they naturally like to climb up and down things.

When hamsters cannot move as they naturally do, they might become stressed out, agitated, and even aggressive. The best thing to do is to choose a hamster cage that’s appropriate for your pet’s size so that you don’t have to worry about them escaping.

Can Hamsters Climb Trees?

Hamsters are natural climbers, and in the wild, they climb trees all the time. Even domesticated hamsters still love climbing trees and will jump at the opportunity the soonest one arises. And it’s no surprise because tree trunks are perfect for keeping a grip.

Hamsters can dig their claws on tree trunks and use their muscles to push their bodies upward. They can do this quite fast, too, just as they would when hiding from predators in the wild.

Although tiny, hamsters are quick and love exploring their surroundings. And if you’re worried about your hamster falling from a considerable height when climbing a tree, you’ll be glad to learn that these tiny furballs are more than capable of gripping tree trunks tightly.

Also, while you should be careful to keep your hamster from having accidental falls, they are usually pretty adept at jumping down from high places as long as it is calculated and not an accidental drop.

Can Hamsters Climb Up Tubes?

Hamsters can climb up tubes if there is something for them to grip while climbing. Most hamsters also prefer climbing through small tubes because the tight space allows them to fit snugly and keep a firm grip as they climb.

But if you want to make the tube extra appealing to your hamster as a plaything, ensure that the tube’s incline is not too steep, especially if you have a dwarf hamster. They will have a hard time climbing up tubes that have a steep incline. And you wouldn’t want to ruin the fun by making it more challenging than they can handle.

Can Hamsters Climb Cardboard?

Cardboards allow for a good enough grip, meaning hamsters can climb on surfaces very easily. Hamsters can also climb cardboards that are set vertically because their claws can dig into the material, and their teeth can bite on the surface to create a firm grip.

To make your hamster’s cage more exciting, you can also use cardboard to create tunnels and tubes, as well as little nooks where they can hide or run through. Hamsters particularly enjoy having tight, dark spaces to play in.

You can also reuse empty toilet paper tubes for play chewing to keep your hamster occupied during the day. Aside from playing, hamsters like to get busy chewing on pretty much anything, and cardboard can be a cheap and safe chew toy.

Can Hamsters Climb Down Stairs?

Hamsters can climb downstairs. Happy hamsters are full of energy and enjoy jumping from one flight of stairs to another, both going up and down. Not to mention, the downward climb is much easier for them, as they no longer have to get a grip.

There is some danger involved, however, when an overly excited hamster tries to go down the stairs. If they jump too far, they could fall several flights down, resulting in serious injury. Hamsters have delicate bones that are easily crushed under pressure or broken in a fall.

If they fall and hurt themselves, your hamster could also develop a negative feeling about climbing or about heights and may not want to climb again.

As a good rule, you should always supervise your hamster when not inside the cage. Your cute furball can easily escape or get lost if allowed to roam the house or climb down the stairs without any supervision.

Can Hamsters Climb Ladders?

As long as there are enough places for them to get a grip, hamsters are more than capable of climbing ladders. The ladder shouldn’t have a steep incline, though, for your hamster to have a safe and successful climb.

Smaller hamsters, like dwarf hamsters, may struggle with climbing ladders, especially when the gaps are too far apart. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t hesitate to jump from one level to another.

Ladders are also fun toys that you can put in their cage. These will keep your pet occupied, ensuring they’re having fun despite being confined to a small space. To keep the excitement up, make sure to include an assortment of other toys that your pet will enjoy.

Can Hamsters Climb Glass Walls?

The small, hard surface of glass makes it impossible for hamsters to climb glass walls. They will have nothing to hold on to on the glass wall, which means they also won’t be able to push their body upwards.

But hamsters are full of energy and bursting with curiosity, and they will most likely still try to climb glass walls, just like they try to climb everything! It’s common to see hamsters jump up or claw at surfaces, even those that they can’t climb.

Can Hamsters Climb on Water Bottles?

Hamsters will try to climb pretty much anything they can touch–including water bottles suspended from the roof of their cage. So don’t be surprised when you peek into the cage and see your hamster clinging to its water bottle.

While some hamsters are just naturally more inclined to climb than others, climbing things is natural hamster behavior. It’s a way for them to expend their energy and explore their surroundings.

But if you find your hamster climbing its water bottle suddenly, you may have a hamster that’s really thirsty or simply bored.

Also, try to observe whether your hamster isn’t clinging to the water bottle in an attempt to escape from the cage, as this can signal that your hamster is bored and isn’t stimulated by any of the toys or accessories placed in the cage.

Can Hamsters Climb Out of Cage?

Hamsters can climb out of a cage. Because of this, they can climb out of their cage given enough time and as long as they are determined enough. If you have a dwarf hamster inside a cage with widely-spaced bars, your hamster can also easily slip through.

When a hamster tries to climb out of its cage, it could also mean that it’s bored in the enclosure and wants to explore somewhere else. If this happens, try to add more toys, consider a larger cage, or make the cage a positive place by giving your hamster yummy treats they can only get while inside.

Given their tiny frames, it can be almost impossible to find a hamster once it has escaped. And unless you want to go through the hassle of combing through your entire home, make sure that a cage is a place they won’t try to escape from and choose a cage that is appropriate for their size.

In case your hamster escapes, it’s best to start by closing all doors and windows to ensure they don’t go outside. You can start by checking behind furniture, curtains, and storage areas close to their cages as you widen the search to other parts of the house.

Can Hamsters Climb Popsicle Sticks?

Popsicle sticks provide ample grip for hamsters, which means they will have a pretty easy time climbing them. But that does not mean you should give popsicle sticks to your hamster to climb on. They can splinter when a hamster chews on them, and the sharp edges can injure your pet.

If you want to put wood in your hamster’s cage, you can use natural wood instead because it is sturdy and won’t break off into tiny sharp pieces that can harm your hamster.

Other types of wood/natural materials that you can use are the following:

Chew sticks made of balsa
Small twigs
Pine cones

Can Hamsters Climb Rope?

Hamsters can climb ropes because the material makes for excellent grip. And not only can they climb on ropes, but hamsters also love it! You can hang ropes from the top of your hamster’s cage, and you can rest assured they’ll keep busy jumping and climbing on them until they’re worn out.

Including rope accessories in the cage is also a fun way to ensure that your hamster keeps active and is not bored. This also prevents your pet from trying to escape or chewing on its cage.

And if you have an overweight hamster, setting up hanging ropes is a great way to motivate them to put in the much-needed exercise and shed the excess weight.

Can Hamsters Climb Straight Up?

As long as they have something to hold on to, hamsters can climb straight up or on a very steep incline. It’s normal to see hamsters climb their cage walls, for example, by clinging to the wire cages.

But where they don’t have something to hold on to, a steep incline or a vertical surface can be a challenging climb, sometimes so much so that they will eventually stop trying (especially when there are other more interesting things to climb on).

Can Hamsters Climb Wooden Stairs?

Hamsters can climb wooden stairs. Wood makes for easy grip –both by using their paws and their teeth. Hamsters may jump up, stretch their legs to reach the top of the stair, or bite on the wood to push their bodies upwards. They can also use their sharp nails to hold onto the wood.

For fun playtimes inside the cage, you can use hamster stairs too. You can choose hamster stairs made of natural wood or plastic ones that can be hung from the top of the cage. Dwarf hamsters are particularly fond of these playthings, especially when coupled with other types of toys.

Dwarf hamsters may have a bit of difficulty climbing up stairs, more so those that are too steep and high. Despite that, it’s not surprising to see dwarf hamsters trying to climb up flights of stairs, which can be a funny sight!

How High Can Hamsters Climb?

Hamsters can climb up to 15 inches (38.1 cm), which is also about the same height from which they can fall without getting injured. Always be careful to keep your hamster in a safe place because they are prone to escaping and climbing to places from which they can accidentally fall.

Because of their poor eyesight and inability to judge heights accurately, they may climb up to or jump down from dangerously high spots.

Can Winter White Hamsters Climb?

Winter white hamsters have very thick fur that covers their whole body, including their paws. This characteristic, together with their short tails, makes their grip not as strong as those of other hamsters. Their paws are extremely slippery, and it’s almost impossible for them to climb smooth surfaces.

Instead of climbing, this type of hamster prefers to play in tunnels and tubes and is much easier to manage.

Final Thoughts

There’s no question that hamsters are cute furballs bursting with energy and curiosity about their surroundings. Climbing up and down objects is one of the ways hamsters have fun and learn more about their world.

As a pet owner, make sure your hamster can jump and exercise safely within the confines of a hamster cage. You should also place as many toys and accessories as possible to keep your pet hamster occupied and fully entertained inside the cage.