Can Hamsters Die From Loud Noises?

Hamsters are adorable and make great first pets. However, like any animal, they need the right environment to flourish. One major concern for many hamster owners is whether loud noises can cause their pet harm.

Hamsters can get ill and even die from loud noises. These prey animals have extremely good hearing, and they scare easily. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause stress and anxiety in hamsters, which can lead to death. Sudden loud noises can cause a hamster to have a heart attack.

In this article, we’ll have an in-depth look at the effects of loud noises on hamsters and how loud noises can cause a hamster to die. So, if you are interested in keeping your hamster happy and healthy, read on!

The Effect Loud Noises Have on Hamsters

Loud noises can affect hamsters in many ways, but none are good. Hamsters are prey animals and have good hearing, which helps them hear predators in the wild. As pets, they have been domesticated, but their hearing remains sensitive. So, as their owner, it is your responsibility to make sure they are not subjected to harmful noises.

It Can Harm Their Health

Loud noises are incredibly harmful to your hamster. If a sudden loud noise startles your hamster, he can have a heart attack.

However, the chances of your hamster suffering a heart attack due to loud noise are quite low. If there’s a sudden loud noise, let’s say a heavy object falls, your hamster will most likely be frightened, and the effects of the loud noise will only be temporary.

On the other hand, if your hamster is constantly exposed to loud noises, it can eventually suffer from stress and hearing issues. 

It Can Cause Behavioral Problems

Stress is very bad for hamsters, and it can lead to a variety of behavioral problems. It is essential to know your hamster’s normal behavior so that you can see if something is wrong. 

Noticing that your hamster is stressed and addressing the issue as soon as possible will prevent your hamster from getting sick.

Many different noises can cause hamsters to stress. Some of the most common ones are:

• Loud music
• Loud televisions
• Lawn mowers
• Dogs barking
• Vacuum cleaners
• Kids playing and yelling
• Traffic
• Construction noises

If your hamster is continuously exposed to such loud noises, especially if they are woken up from sleep by loud noises, they may become fearful, stressed, anxious, and fatigued. Just like humans, hamsters need uninterrupted sleep to stay healthy and happy.

It Can Weaken Their Immune System

Stress can weaken a hamster’s immune system, making them get sick much easier. Therefore, hamsters exposed to noisy environments are more likely to get infections and pick up viruses much faster than a happy and relaxed hamster, so it is essential to ensure your hamster is housed in a comfortable environment.

Here is an informative YouTube video showing how to check your hamster’s health:

Signs That Your Hamster Is Stressed

If you know your hamster well, it should be easy for you to notice a difference in his or her behavior. However, if you have recently bought a new pet or are just getting ready to get one, check the following for signs and behaviors that indicate your hamster is stressed:

• Hiding a lot more than usual
• Shedding hair
• Oily and disheveled hair
• Shaking but isn’t cold
• Aggressive behavior, such as biting
• Vocalizing more than usual
• Acting skittish or scared
• Cage biting and trying to escape
• High-energy behavior that indicates uneasiness

If your hamster is behaving in any of these ways but has not been exposed to continuous loud noises, there are many other reasons your hamster could be stressed, including:

• An unfamiliar environment. If you have moved house or put your hamster in a new enclosure, they can easily become stressed.
• Hamster illness. Your hamster can also feel stressed if they’re suffering from an illness.
• Poorly sized enclosure. If your hamster’s enclosure is too small and doesn’t have enough space for moving around and exercising, your pet will become stressed. Hamsters need enough physical and mental activities to stay healthy and stress-free.
• Incorrect handling. Sudden movements and poor handling can cause your hamster to have a fright and get scared.

How To Keep Your Hamster Safe From Loud Noises

It’s always better to prevent your hamster from being exposed to loud noises than try to fix the situation after he becomes stressed or ill.

Follow these tips to keep your hamster safe from a stressful, noisy environment:

• Place their enclosure in a quiet area of your house. Choose a room where there isn’t much foot traffic.
• Consider soundproofing if you don’t have a quiet spot to place your hamster’s enclosure. Soundproofing or insulating your hamster’s cage is not the easiest solution, but it can keep your hamster from getting too stressed.
• Ensure that your hamster has a place to hide. It’s best to put a few different hiding spots throughout your pet’s enclosure. If there’s a loud noise, your hamster won’t feel exposed, and he can run away and hide.

You can get this Kaytee Igloo Habitat Hideout (available on Amazon.com) for your hamster to hide in. Providing your hamster with a safe space in its enclosure will help relieve stress and make him feel comfortable.

This hideout is made from durable plastic, which makes it easy to clean. It also comes in a variety of colors and sizes. There’s no assembly necessary, so all you must do is place it in your hamster’s enclosure and watch your pet reach for it.

Here are a few more tips to keep your hamster from getting stressed in general:

• The enclosure needs to be the right size for your hamster. If the enclosure is too small, it can become cramped, and your furry little friend won’t have the space it needs to play and explore.
• Always keep your hamster’s cage clean. A dirty cage can cause serious illness in your pet and create an environment of stress and discomfort. The key to keeping your hamster healthy and happy is regular cleaning and maintenance of the cage. Schedule spot-cleaning, as well as weekly full cleanings where every surface is cleaned and allowed to dry completely.
• Make sure that your hamster has a lot of toys and chews. This will keep him physically and mentally stimulated. Wheels, tunnels, ladders, and other creative obstacles give your pet an opportunity to explore and exercise.
• Wash your hands before handling your hamster. Always move slowly, and don’t lift him too high so as not to startle him or cause any unnecessary stress. 

If you follow all of the above tips, you should have a happy and healthy hamster. Happy hamsters will yawn and stretch in their enclosure, and if they have bonded with you, they might even cuddle and sleep in your hand.

Final Thoughts

Hamsters are sensitive to loud noises, and although a sudden loud noise might startle them, they are unlikely to die from it.

Continuous exposure to loud noises can, however, cause hearing loss in hamsters and lead to stress. Stress can have numerous harmful effects and eventually lead to death.

It’s best to keep your hamster away from loud noises to ensure that it stays happy and healthy.