Some rodents, such as mice, have exceptional memories that they use to socialize, navigate, and look for food. And because hamsters are also rodents, many hamster owners expect their pets to not only have endless energy but a sharp memory as well. But is that something you should really expect from your hamster?
Hamsters do not have a good memory. In fact, they are among the animals with the worst memory, as their short-term memory lasts only about three seconds, and their long-term memory, while able to persist for up to several months, is easily affected by changes in their environment.
Despite their not-very-sharp memory, hamsters can be taught to retain certain memories, like the sound of their owner’s voice and a few cute tricks. So if you’re planning to train your new hamster, just remember to do it with lots of patience. Read on to find out more about hamster memory.
Do Hamsters Remember You?
Hamsters do remember their owners, given enough time spent to socialize and form a bond. These tiny animals have a very short-term memory span, which can mean that they will not remember people who only visit once in a while.
But someone who is constantly present will have an imprint on their memory so strong that they will, in fact, know when you’re nearby by hearing your voice from a distance or smelling your scent.
Unlike humans, hamsters do not rely on their sense of sight when recognizing or creating a memory of a human being and other animals. Instead, they use their keen sense of smell and hearing to create and retain memories of people and places.
However, it’s also important to note that hamsters are not social animals. They prefer their own company and, unlike pet dogs, do not crave the company of their kind (even their own siblings!) and people.
Part of their solitary nature is their tendency to be aggressive, too, which means knowing how to properly approach a new hamster is crucial if you want to form a bond with it.
Teaching a hamster to socialize takes time, typically around three weeks up to a month of consistent training. But once a hamster has bonded with a human, it’s possible for them to want to be around you and feel excited when you approach (especially if you bear treats).
Don’t stretch it too far, though, and make your hamster socialize with too many people, as they can only form a bond with up to two people, and that could even be stretching it.
Remember that when you’re teaching a hamster to socialize and form a bond, you’re practically going against their nature.
How To Bond With Your Hamster
So how can you form a bond with your pet hamster? Yes, you may be trying to do something contrary to their solitary nature, but it’s not impossible. In fact, it’s actually simple. Here’s how:
Keep Your Distance at First
When you bring a new hamster into your home, the last thing you would want to do is stick your hand inside its cage or try to pick it up. Chances are, you will end up with a bite! Give your new pet a few days to get used to its environment by keeping your distance for the first few days up to a week.
This will allow your pet to size you up and get used to your smell and the sound of your voice, all while staying at a safe distance.
Aside from being a way to prevent getting bitten, keeping your distance at the start will ensure that your hamster does not get stressed out too much or does not feel intimidated or threatened by you.
Hamsters are naturally fearful, so it will also help if you use a cage that has hamster tunnels or tubes already installed. These will create safe hiding places for your pet to hide in when it gets overwhelmed by its new surroundings.
Have Daily Playtimes
After a week or two at home, you can now establish regular playtimes with your pocket-sized pet. Hamsters love exploring and playing, so create a routine where you can let it out of the cage to play at the same time every day.
Toys inside the cage are all good, but exploring outside of the cage is a far more exciting experience for your hamster. And one of the ways you can make it happen safely is by placing your hamster inside a hamster ball to allow it to run freely inside your home–of course, with you supervising.
These play times are a great way to help your hamster associate you with positive experiences, helping it also form a positive memory of you. Eventually, and as long as you’re consistent, your hamster will begin to equate your presence with exciting games and will look forward to your visits.
Take note: Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, so make sure that you only play at night when they are awake. Do not disrupt their normal sleeping pattern, as this can cause stress and health problems in a hamster.
Be Generous With the Treats
Another way to help your hamster associate you with a good time is by being lavish on the treats! Just like any animal, hamsters love to eat. In fact, they will munch down pretty much anything edible, and when they’re full, they will continue to gobble whatever food is available and store it in their cheek pouches.
But while you want to give your hamster all the yummy treats, remember to not go beyond their recommended daily food intake of about one tablespoon (10 grams) only. This includes their meal and whatever treats you plan to give.
Feeding your pet hamster more food than is recommended can cause serious health issues, the most common of which are:
- Obesity
- Impacted cheek pouch
- Diarrhea
Also, if you plan to give bits of fresh fruit or vegetables as a treat, take leftovers out right before your hamster’s bedtime to keep these foods from going bad inside the cage.
The timing of the treats is also important. You will want to give your hamster the following:
- Right after a training session
- When going back inside the cage
- When it allows you to hold it
Timing your treat-giving and being consistent with it will help reinforce certain behaviors you want your hamster to keep doing.
Hamsters are extremely food-motivated, so the more consistent you are with timing your treats right, the more they will look forward to repeating the same positive behaviors because they know a delicious treat awaits.
Don’t Change Your Perfume Too Often
You may have thought that your hamster recognizes you when it sees you. While that is possible, it’s likely not the case. Hamsters recognize their humans through their smell and voice. These animals have very poor eyesight, which is why they don’t rely on it as much when navigating.
So if you want your hamster to remember you easily, don’t confuse it by wearing different perfumes or, better yet, wear none at all. This will help your hamster recognize your unique scent.
Talk to Your Hamster Often
Hamsters make great companions because they are very low-maintenance while still being able to provide the companionship that we often look for in pets. In fact, you can help your hamster remember you by making a habit of talking to it.
This will help your hamster get used to the sound of your voice and reinforce your memory in its brain.
You can also practice calling your hamster by name.
How Long Does a Hamster Memory Last For?
A hamster’s long-term memory can last for several months and even up to years, given the right training and repetition. However, their short-term memory only lasts up to three seconds, which is why they may struggle with remembering things that only happen occasionally.
Hamsters remember things more strongly with routine. So if you need your hamster to remember anything, make sure to expose your hamster to it regularly through positive training mixed with plenty of play.
What Memory Does a Hamster Have?
Hamsters have a spatial memory, which they form largely with their sense of smell and hearing. Interestingly, their spatial memory is affected by the times of the day, particularly the number of daylight hours, which also acts as a cue for certain behaviors, like foraging and reproduction.
When hamsters are placed in an environment where daylight hours (even artificial light) vary from day to day, their spatial memory also fades.
To reinforce your hamster’s memory, you can:
- Create a structured environment where there is a clear routine every day, including when the lights are turned on and off.
- Keep things where they are.
- Repeat certain daily actions that you need your hamster to remember.
- Spend time with your hamster daily.
While their memory is not the sharpest, hamsters do remember trauma or negative experiences when they happen for a long period or happen repeatedly.
Conclusion
Hamsters may not be the best when it comes to memory, but they are capable of remembering day-to-day things, activities, and even people. You can also help your hamster remember things better through consistent training.