Do Hamsters Like Music? - Pets Collector

Humans have always loved music, and many of our pets learn to love music just as we do. Animals like dolphins, birds, cows, and dogs are known as music lovers. But do hamsters fall under that list?

Hamsters enjoy softer music genres like western classical and pop. Some enjoy other genres, although they don’t like loud, noisy ones like EDM or metal. Regardless of the genre, you should always play music at a lower volume since hamsters can’t stand loud noises.

In this article, I’ll explain why hamsters like certain kinds of music, dislike others, and why they’re so sensitive to volume levels.

What Kind of Music Do Hamsters Like?

Hamsters like relaxing music with repetitive beats. Most prefer western classical instrumentals. Your hamster’s personality will significantly impact what genre they like. Some hamsters have varied tastes, while others may dislike music altogether.

Let’s go through some of the main music categories and see whether it’s something your pet hamster might enjoy listening to.

Do Hamsters Like Classical Music?

Many hamsters love classical music. It can help them relax and calm down. Soft instrumentals and lilting voices are the hallmarks of western classical music. Hamsters prefer the softer tones in classical music over the louder noises in most modern genres.

Classical music is a favorite among hamsters because many numbers include soft instrumentals and voices. This genre doesn’t have the raspy, rough singers you would find in rock, metal, or pop, and it doesn’t have the screechy, synthesized instrumentals of many modern genres.

Do Hamsters Like Piano Music?

Hamsters like piano music that’s soothing and simple. However, your hamster might find it distressing if the piano instrumental includes sudden noises or loud chords. Play softer, lilting piano instrumentals instead.

Pianos naturally produce a beautiful, soothing sound. This sound is ideal for hamsters because of their sensitive hearing. Ideally, you should look for a tune without sudden crescendos.

Do Hamsters Like Pop Music?

Hamsters like pop music, especially repetitive or ‘catchy’ songs. Surprisingly, 1980s pop music appears to be a particular hit with these small animals. The catchy beats, synths, and soothing voices make ‘80s pop a favorite for hamsters.

Since pop music simply refers to the popular music of the time, some pop songs may not be suitable for hamsters. Many early-2000s pop songs, for example, contained loud hip-hop beats and raps that could distress your hamster.

Do Hamsters Like Rock Music?

Hamsters can like rock music as long as it’s played at a reasonable volume. Lyrical rock and softer guitar tunes are more suitable to a hamster’s taste, while alternative rock and hard rock may not be suitable due to their loud, harsh sounds.

If you’re playing rock music for your hamster, start with simpler guitar numbers that don’t use a lot of distortion. Songs like In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins or Send Me An Angel by Scorpions should do. However, leave out the hard rock bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

Do Hamsters Like Rap Music?

Most hamsters don’t like rap music. As a genre, the quick beats, aggressively spat-out words, and loud hip-hop bass don’t make it suitable for hamsters. While some hamsters may learn to like softer, lyrical raps, most do not like this genre.

You can try to introduce your hamster to softer, slower raps. However, if you notice signs of distress, turn off the music immediately.

How To Tell if Your Hamster Doesn’t Like a Genre of Music

Watch for behavioral signs that indicate distress when playing music for your hamster, especially if it’s a new song or genre. These include the typical symptoms of an unhappy hamster, such as:

Biting the cage or other aggressive actions.
Attempting to climb the cage.
Pacing.
Lethargic behaviors.
Hiding.

It is a good practice to regularly check in on your hamster to see how it’s reacting to the playlist and switch the music off if you notice any signs of distress.

Do Hamsters Like Loud Music?

Hamsters do not like loud music, regardless of the genre. As prey animals in the wild, hamsters are naturally anxious, and loud noises can easily scare them. Always play music at a lower volume for your hamsters.

Not only can loud music scare your pet, but it can also stress them out. Stressed hamsters will try to ‘escape’ the source of their discomfort, which could lead to them getting lost or hurt. Stress can also cause heart problems.

Why Do Hamsters Dislike Loud Music?

Hamsters have extremely sensitive ears. While a human’s hearing range is between 64-23,000 Hz, hamsters hear frequencies of 96-46,500 Hz. This sensitivity to sound means they can hear higher-frequency sounds that humans can’t.

As prey animals, hamsters are very sensitive to sounds. In the wild, sound was often the only way they could identify a predator because they have very poor eyesight. Loud noises obscure other sounds, which puts them in a state of constant awareness.

Is It a Good Idea to Play Music for Your Hamster?

While hamsters appear to like many types of music, does that mean you should keep playing music for them? Surprisingly, music does have positive effects on them.

A 2018 literature review of the effects of music on rodents found that music decreased anxiety-related behaviors. It also increased both spatial memory and learning, though there was a larger effect on the latter. The significance of the music’s impact depended on the genre, and loud music actually led to negative effects.

When playing music for your hamster, stick to soft, soothing tunes and avoid loud sounds. Genres like western classical, lyrical songs, instrumentals, and ballads might be better. However, avoid genres like rock, metal, dubstep, and hip-hop unless you know your hamster likes it.

When To Play Music for Your Hamster

Now that you know playing music can be a good idea for your hamster, you may wonder if there’s an ideal time to do so. The answer can depend on the genre, but your hamster’s natural sleeping pattern is the first thing to consider.

Hamsters are crepuscular mammals, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. Upbeat music like pop and rock might be the best bet at these times. These genres can make your hamster more hyper and energetic, so ensure it has ways to burn that energy off, like hamster wheels.

On the opposite side, this crepuscular lifestyle means that your hamster will sleep away a large part of the day. Classical piano tunes are good choices to help your pet stay relaxed. If the music is soothing enough, it might even fall asleep.

Another time to consider playing music is when you need to drown another noise out. Not literally, as adding a loud volume of music to an already stressful situation is not what you want to do. But if there’s a dog barking or loud construction nearby, playing soothing music can help your hamster feel safer.

Other Forms of Mental Enrichment for Your Hamster

Music soothes hamsters and helps them remain alert, energetic, and inquisitive. However, some hamsters may not like music at all, so you should keep some alternative activities on hand to help them.

One option is to add foraging puzzles to your hamster’s cage. You can hide treats in these items, and your pet has to figure out how to get to the snack. This MWAOWM 6-in-1 Hamsters Wooden Treat Dispenser on Amazon is designed for small animals like hamsters and guinea pigs. The enrichment toy has six different areas, each with a small puzzle for your hamster to figure out.

Conclusion

If you’re playing music for your hamster, classical, piano, and pop are your best bets. Some hamsters might also like other genres, while others may dislike all music.

Watch your hamster for signs of unhappiness and check on its behavior regularly. Due to their sensitive ears, your furry friend will need you to keep the volume down, regardless of the genre.