Hamsters are lovable, furry creatures and a great pet for anybody looking for companionship. They’re also very curious by nature and love to explore their environment. As a result, hamsters can sometimes get themselves into dangerous situations, and you need to know how far they can fall without getting hurt.
A hamster can fall from a distance of up to 15 inches (38 cm) without getting hurt. However, anything higher than that can become dangerous for your beloved pet, as it can cause serious injuries and even death.
A hamster’s bones are lightweight and fragile, so the force of gravity from a greater height can easily cause serious injury. Let’s look at what happens when your hamster falls from greater heights.
The Furthest a Hamster Can Fall Safely
If your hamster falls from a height of 7-15 inches (18-38 cm), your pet should be okay. At this height, the force of gravity is weak enough for them to suffer no major injuries. At 15-20 inches (38-51 cm), your hamster may experience minor injuries, such as cuts and scrapes. Keep an eye out for any signs of distress or pain.
From 20-30 (51-76 cm) inches, your hamster will likely suffer more severe injuries, including broken bones. At this height, the force of gravity is too great and has the potential to cause fatal injuries. Anything over 30 inches (76 cm) is hazardous and can easily result in death.
What Happens if You Drop Your Hamster
Dropping your hamster is never a good idea and should always be avoided. If you accidentally drop your hamster, scoop them gently into your hands and place them on a soft surface such as a blanket or rug.
You should also monitor your hamster’s behavior and look for signs of injury, which can include:
- Limping or difficulty walking
- Decreased appetite
- Bruising or swelling around the abdomen
- Lethargy or lack of energy
Remain calm and still when you pick up your hamster, as a sudden movement may scare them and cause more panic. If your hamster has suffered an injury, take them to the vet as soon as possible for a check-up.
When you’re handling a hamster, you need to be extra careful. Always support your hamster’s entire body and never squeeze or drop them. Also, avoid sudden movements that could cause them to jump or slip out of your hands.
What Should You Do After Your Hamster Falls?
If your hamster took a tumble, you should move slowly not to trigger sudden stress or fear. Carefully scoop up your hamster and take them to a quiet, warm place. Place the hamster on their back with one hand while gently squeezing their sides with the other.
Ensure the hamster’s feet are facing upward and their head is in a neutral position. Once your furry friend is safe and secure, observe them closely and look for any signs of distress.
Even if your hamster appears unscathed, you should still contact your vet for a check, especially if the fall was from a high place. Hamsters are surprisingly resilient creatures, but falls can cause internal damage that isn’t visible to the untrained eye.
Factors That Affect How Far a Hamster Can Fall Without Injury
Here are several factors that determine the distance that a hamster can fall without getting injured:
- Size and weight. Bigger and heavier hamsters are less likely to get injured from falling than smaller, lighter ones. They have more mass and, therefore, more padding between them and the ground. The larger the hamster, the farther they can fall without getting injured.
- Age of the hamster. Younger hamsters are more likely to get injured from a fall because their bones are still not fully formed and are prone to breaking. Older hamsters may be able to survive falls from heights that would injure younger ones due to their more developed bones. But it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid any falls from heights.
- Landing surface. Your hamster will have a much better chance of avoiding injury if they land on a soft surface like grass, carpet, or bedding. Hard surfaces such as concrete or tiles can be hazardous for your pet and should be avoided. You can also provide a cushioning effect by placing several blankets or towels beneath the spot where your hamster is likely to fall.
- The speed at which the hamster falls. The faster a hamster falls, the more force they experience and the greater their chance of injury. That’s why you should never drop your hamster or let them jump from high places, as this increases the chances that your pet will suffer an injury. The slower the fall, the better your hamster’s chance of avoiding injury.
- Position of the hamster during the fall. A hamster’s chances of avoiding injury greatly increase if they land on their feet or back. The same is true if your pet falls while curled up in a ball. However, if your hamster lands on their head, they cannot avoid injury and will likely be unconscious and/or may suffer from internal bleeding.
Can Your Hamster Die From a Fall?
A hamster can die from a fall. Like any other animal, if a hamster falls from too great of a height, typically more than three feet (0.91 m), they could be in serious danger. Hamsters are small, and the impact force from such a fall can easily result in serious injuries.
It’s not uncommon for a hamster to suffer broken bones, internal bleeding, and even head trauma. The chances of death increase the further and faster your hamster falls, so it’s best to do what you can to ensure that your pet never falls from heights that could cause injury or death.
Tips for Keeping Your Hamster Safe
Keeping your hamster safe is a priority, and there are several steps you can take to make sure that your pet never falls from an unsafe height:
- Keep your hamster in their cage when you’re not monitoring them. This ensures your pet can’t wander off and fall from a precarious height.
- If you take your hamster out of their cage, always supervise and keep them away from areas with high ledges and other dangerous locations.
- Create an environment that is hamster-friendly. This means keeping furniture, shelving, and other surfaces low to the ground, minimizing the chances of your pet falling accidentally from a great height.
- Check your hamster’s cage regularly to ensure that it is safe, secure, and free of any loose wires or other hazards.
- Put a blanket or other soft material on the floor of your hamster’s cage in case they take a tumble.
- Consider installing a cage ramp so your hamster can safely climb and descend from ledges and other surfaces.
- Teach your children to handle the hamster gently and carefully, as rough handling can cause them to fall.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters are fragile and can get hurt after falling from high places. Always handle your pet with care and never drop or throw them. If your hamster falls from somewhere high up, take them to the vet to ensure they haven’t suffered any serious injuries. Keeping your pet safe is the best way to ensure a long and happy life together.