In recent years, the popularity of small pets has skyrocketed. Hamsters are one of the most popular pets due to their small size and low maintenance. But do these furry little creatures actually love their owners, or are they just tolerating them because they have to?
Hamsters love their owners. You can tell your hamster loves you if they greet you at their cage door, run up to you when called, start yawning or stretch in front of you. They also display attention-seeking behaviors and can become agitated if separated from their owners.
In this article, I’ll explain how to tell if your hamster loves you. I’ll also discuss if hamsters recognize their owners, miss them, and what they need in order to be loved. Let’s get started!
How Do Hamsters Show They Love You?
If your hamster seems to enjoy being around you, spending time with you, and likes being held and cuddled, they likely love you. Other ways to tell if they love you are by how much physical contact they seek out and how much eye contact they make with you.
When you first get your hamster, they may be scared of you. After all, hamsters are much tinier than humans, and can think of them as predators. However, over time, if you handle your hamster gently and more often, they will start to trust you.
Here are some telltale signs that your hamster loves you:
- They don’t run away when you approach them
- They allow you to pet them and don’t bite.
- They come to the front of the cage when they see you.
- They squeak or make other happy sounds when they see you.
- They accept treats from your hand.
If your hamster does these things, then congratulations! You have a furry friend that loves you very much.
What Do Hamsters Need To Be Loved?
To be loved, hamsters need several things:
A Clean and Spacious Cage
A pet hamster’s primary need is a clean and spacious cage. The cage should be equipped with plenty of toys, hiding spots, and a wheel for exercise.
You should clean your hamster’s cage every few days to prevent unpleasant smells and provide a hygienic living environment.
Plenty of Love and Attention
Hamsters need a lot of love and attention from their owners. Approaching your hamster’s cage regularly can help them get used to you but be sure to talk to them softly as they have sensitive ears.
You should also handle your hamster gently at least every few days as this helps them to develop a bond with you.
Exercise
Exercise is essential for all animals, including hamsters. A hamster wheel is a necessary piece of equipment because it gives the hamster a chance to run and get some much-needed exercise.
You can also consider a hamster ball so that your hamster can spend time safely out of the cage.
A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is also crucial for a happy hamster. A mix of fresh vegetables, pellets, and seeds will give your pet hamster the necessary nutrients. Be sure to avoid sugary or fatty treats, as these can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation is also important for hamsters. They need to be able to play and explore their environment. If they are bored, they may start to exhibit signs of stress or anxiety.
By providing them with a spacious cage, plenty of toys, and time out of the cage, you can ensure that your hamster gets plenty of mental stimulation.
Do Hamsters Recognize Their Owners?
Most hamsters recognize their owners. They recognize their owner’s voice and scent and may even come when called. However, a hamster’s eyesight is poor, so they may not always recognize their owner by appearance.
While hamsters are not as intelligent as dogs or cats, they can still recognize their owners. This is because they rely heavily on their sense of smell to identify people. Hamsters can recognize their owner’s voice and pheromones.
With their poor eyesight, hamsters can’t rely on appearance as much as other animals do. The owners’ appearance doesn’t matter to hamsters as much.
However, hamsters have excellent hearing and can pick up on the owner’s voice quite easily. So, if you’re thinking about getting a pet hamster, know that you could potentially have a little friend for life!
Why Would a Hamster Not Love Its Owner?
A hamster may not love its owner if they are scared of them or have not yet bonded with them. The hamster might also be uninterested if the owner doesn’t spend much time with them or offer treats.
Many hamster experts believe that they love their owners, but this is not always the case. If you think your hamster doesn’t love you, there are several things you can do to try to change their attitude.
Here’s a list of things you should avoid:
- Don’t leave your hamster alone for long periods.
- Don’t keep your hamster in a small cage or at the bottom of the cage.
- Don’t keep your hamster in a cage with other hamsters.
- If you have other bigger pets, don’t let the hamster out of their cage without supervision.
- Don’t feed your hamster just one type of food. It would help if you offered small treats as rewards, as you would do with a dog or a cat.
Do Hamsters Miss Their Owners?
Hamsters seem to miss their owners when they’re not around. This is because they rely on their owners for food, water, and social interaction. When a hamster doesn’t see their owner for a while, they may become anxious or stressed.
Hamsters are social animals, so when they form a bond with someone, they want to be around them as much as possible. If their owner isn’t around, they may feel anxious and stressed. This can lead to health problems such as reduced appetite and weight loss.
Fortunately, there are ways to help your hamster feel less stressed when you’re not around. You can try leaving them with a toy or food that they really love.
If you think your hamster is missing you, you can do a few things to make them feel better:
- Try to spend more time with them when you’re home. This will help them feel loved and secure.
- Give them more attention and pet them more often. If you’re unsure if this is what they want, try to find out by checking their behavior regularly.
- Watch out for noises like hissing or scratching when they feel nervous and lonely. You can tell your hamster how you’re feeling by gently picking them up and carrying them around for a couple of minutes to show how much you care.
- Play with them and call out their name more often. Here’s a guide to training your hamster to recognize their name.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters love their owners just as much as dogs and cats do. They have a strong preference for social interactions over other activities.
Set aside some time each day to play with your hamster and give them some TLC. Make sure their cage is comfortable and clean, with plenty of room to play and explore, and add some toys.
Handle your hamster carefully, and never try to pick them up by their tail.