Hamsters are well-loved for their fluffiness, pint-sized physique, and overall cuteness. While they’re generally calm and docile, you hear stories of pet hamsters running amok and biting every now and then. So now you’re having second thoughts about getting one or keeping the little furry one you already have and wondering if their bites hurt.
Hamster bites hurt since they have sharp front teeth, called incisors, that are thin, long, and curve back toward the mouth. Hamster incisors only cause superficial wounds. The pain from getting bitten is fleeting, but the intensity depends on how big the hamster and their incisors are.
In this article, I’ll discuss how much a hamster bite hurts, particularly those inflicted by a dwarf and a Syrian hamster. I’ll also cover the reasons hamsters bite in the first place, the diseases they could pass on to you, and what you should do if you find yourself at the receiving end of a hamster bite. Also, read on to learn how to keep your pet from biting you.
How Much Does a Hamster Bite Hurt?
A hamster bite does not hurt that much because the pain is fleeting. Hamsters seldom bite, but if they do, it might be enough to make a small child cry. Hamster teeth can sometimes puncture the skin and cause superficial wounds, but nothing too severe.
Hamsters have four front teeth called incisors. They have a pair on top and another on the bottom. They use their incisors to grab food, groom, shred bedding materials, and defend themselves when they feel threatened.
A clear indicator of how painful a hamster’s bite could be is the size of their incisors. The larger the incisors, the more intense the pain. Another gauge is the motive behind the bite. Did your hamster attack because they felt threatened? Or was it merely a warning to stay away from their territory?
The intensity of the pain also depends on how hard your hamster chomped down on your finger.
Do Dwarf Hamsters Bite Hurt?
Dwarf hamsters’ bite can hurt even if they’re one of the smallest hamster species because their incisors are sharp. They are more territorial than other species, so you can expect more chomping. While they bite when startled or feel threatened, they can only cause superficial wounds.
Do Syrian Hamsters Bite Hurt?
Syrian hamster bites hurt more than others since they are one of the larger species of hamsters. Their incisors are bigger and longer, so they can pack a more powerful punch. They are less territorial than dwarf hamsters, but they may also bite when they feel threatened or when startled.
Are Hamster Bites Dangerous?
Hamster bites are not considered dangerous because they rarely carry rabies and are not known to be capable of transmitting rabies to humans. They have also been documented to rarely infect humans with other diseases. However, it is best to be aware of the risks involved in case your furry friend decides to sink their tiny teeth into your skin.
Here are two diseases that hamsters may carry and pass on to humans when they bite.
Tularemia
Tularemia is a bacterial infection commonly found in wild animals and rodents. There is only one documented infection from a hamster to a human, and it is suspected that the hamster acquired the disease from an infected mouse while still living at the pet shop. Manifestations are mild, including diarrhea and flu-like symptoms.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)
LCM is a viral infection typically not life-threatening, causing only fleeting flu-like symptoms in humans. However, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk for more severe symptoms, even death. For instance, in pregnant women, LCM may cause miscarriage or serious birth defects.
What To Do When a Hamster Bites You?
Hamster bites typically cause minimal pain and superficial injuries. Although their incisors can puncture the skin, the wounds they inflict aren’t usually serious or fatal. The element of surprise when a hamster bite is often the main reason children cry afterward.
Here’s what to do when a hamster bites you:
- Wash the area under clean running water.
- Lather with soap.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Cover the wound with a bandage if it is bleeding.
- Observe the wound for signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, secretions, etc.
Why Hamsters Bite?
Hamsters are generally docile and peaceful creatures. They make great pets because they typically do not mind the company of humans. If your hamster suddenly takes a nip at your finger, there is usually a definite cause.
Here are some of the most common reasons why hamsters bite.
Fear
Your hamster may become aggressive if they feel you’re invading their private space. If it’s a new pet, they may not be used to being handled, so any close contact makes them feel uncomfortable and scared. Some hamsters are also territorial, so they feel threatened whenever someone gets too near them.
Illness
Another reason why your otherwise pleasant hamster suddenly bit you is an illness. They might be feeling under the weather lately, making them aggressive and irritable.
Here are some signs that your hamster may be sick:
- Loss of appetite. Hamsters like chewing, gnawing, and gathering seeds and grains. If your pet suddenly loses interest in food, something is definitely not right.
- Lethargy. Hamsters are active creatures. They’re always busy with food and exploring their surroundings. They also love playing with and shredding materials for their bedding.
- Loose stools. Your hamster’s tail being inexplicably wet may indicate diarrhea.
- Refusal to groom. Dirty fur is a sign that something’s off since hamsters like grooming themselves.
- Hair loss. A clear indication that your hamster is ill is when their soft, fluffy fur suddenly sheds.
- Huffing and puffing. You might notice your hamster having some difficulty breathing. Sick hamsters also sometimes sneeze. The sound might seem endearing, but this could signify that your hamster has a respiratory infection.
Hunger
Hamsters spend a lot of their time in food-related pursuits. You’ll always find them chewing or gnawing at seeds and grains. You’ll also frequently notice them stuffing their cheeks with food. If they’re unhappy, your hamster will show clear signs that you’re not providing enough food and water.
Here are some clues:
- Constantly chewing on the bars or corners of the cage (or any other non-food items within range)
- Sluggish
- Frequently standing on hind legs
- Makes attempts to escape
- Hissing and squeaking a lot
- Fighting with other hamsters
- Weight loss
In Heat
Your female hamster might be in heat, hence the sudden aggressiveness and irritability. Surprisingly, the first heat cycle may already occur when she’s only five weeks old. Hamster heat cycles are fast-moving, occurring once every four days or so.
Since hamsters are nocturnal creatures, the female’s heat cycle, also called the estrus cycle, occurs at night. It usually lasts 12 hours, during which she is responsive to the advances of male hamsters. A female hamster is typically aggressive toward males when not in her estrus cycle.
Male hamsters become mature for reproduction when they’re about 10-14 weeks old. They do not go into heat, so some hamster lovers prefer male hamsters because they have a generally more stable disposition than females.
Here are some signs that your female hamster might be in heat:
- A strong, musky scent
- Clear vaginal discharge (it gets thicker by the third day)
- Aggressive behavior
Timidness
Sometimes, your hamster may really just be shy. The simplest things, such as sticking your hand into their cage without warning or getting too close for comfort, may surprise or frighten them. At times, your hamster’s instinctive reaction may be to bite.
Tips To Keep Your New Hamster From Biting You
Hamsters primarily bite because they’re scared. With the exception of females in heat, hamsters bite to defend themselves from perceived threats. Establishing trust right from the start is key to keeping your hamster from biting you. Convince your hamster that you won’t harm them, and soon enough, you’ll be the best of pals.
It’s best to establish trust from the get-go. Here is a guide to help you:
Week 1: Spend Time Together
As mentioned, hamsters are nocturnal, so make sure you spend time with your furry friend at night time when they’re most active. Sit by the cage and read a book out loud, sing, or simply talk. Let the hamster get used to your presence and your voice. It would also be great if you could establish eye contact every now and then.
Week 2: Slip Your Hand Into the Cage
Slowly slide your hand through the cage’s door and stop just after the entrance. Let your hand stay there for a couple of minutes each day. Do this until your hamster gets used to the so-called invasion.
Eventually, your pet might want to sniff your hand or climb over it. Let them because this is the hamster’s way of ensuring that your hand doesn’t spell danger.
Week 3: Offer Food to Your Hamster
Use food as training tools for your hamster. Offer food with your bare hand so that your hamster realizes that, aside from being a companion, you can also be a source of goodies. Always wait for your pet to approach and eat from your hand. Never lay the food down on the cage’s floor.
Here are some food suggestions that your hamster will undoubtedly enjoy:
- Sunflower seeds
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Carrots
- Spinach
- Romaine lettuce
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Whole grains
- Cereals
Week 4: Start Petting Your Hamster
By now, your hamster should be looking forward to your nightly visits. Try to pet them as soon as you notice that they’re already highly at ease with your presence. Start by gently stroking the fur on their side while they feed. Hamsters often feel uneasy when you apply pressure on their backs.
If your pet resists, stop at once and try again the next day. If your hamster seems to like it, continue it and start petting them all over their body, including their head. You will soon notice that they’re really warming up to you. They might even begin snuggling into your hand!
Week 5: Scoop Up Your Hamster
It’s time to put your hamster to the ultimate test. Begin by offering them one of their favorite treats. While your pet is feeding from your bare hand, gently scoop them up and cup them in your hand. Don’t grip nor apply any pressure because you might scare your hamster away.
Don’t lift your hamster up too much from the cage floor on your first attempt since this might spook your pet. You may try to gradually lift them higher with each passing day. Soon, you should be able to take them out of the cage and maybe even take them outside to enjoy the sights.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters are popular house pets because they’re cute and easy to care for. However, you might want to look more into their behavior and temperament if you have children at home because they have a tendency to bite. Hamster bites cause superficial wounds, but they are still quite painful, especially for little fingers.
Usually, hamsters bite when they’re startled or threatened. However, if your otherwise docile hamster suddenly bites, get to the bottom of it at once, as they might be hungry or ill. If you have a new hamster, establish trust immediately to keep them from feeling scared.