Bushra Griffith
Hamsters are known to emit a strong odour, which can be concerning for owners. The smell usually comes from waste in their cage or the secretion of pheromones from their scent glands. Syrian hamsters, for instance, are known to have a stronger smell than dwarf hamsters, especially when they are in heat. Owners should be aware that cleaning a hamster's cage too frequently can cause more odour, as the hamster will get stressed and scent-mark its territory. To prevent this, it is recommended to clean the cage every 4-7 weeks, leaving some old bedding in the cage and spot-cleaning every 2-3 days.
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What You'll Learn
Female hamsters smell more when in heat
Hamsters are generally considered low-maintenance pets, but they do require regular care and attention to keep them clean and healthy. While it is impossible to prevent your hamster from smelling altogether, there are ways to reduce unpleasant odours.
Hamsters are very clean creatures and will wash themselves throughout the day. In the wild, they keep their scent to a minimum to avoid being hunted down by predators. However, their cages need regular cleaning to prevent offensive odours from developing. It is recommended to clean a hamster's cage every 4-7 weeks, leaving 1/3-1/2 of the old bedding in the cage and topping it up with new bedding. Spot cleaning every 2-3 days will also help keep on top of things.
Hamsters will usually choose a corner of their cage to use as a toilet, so potty training is possible. Providing a small tray or litter box filled with a substrate such as sand can help to encourage your hamster to use a specific area. This can then be easily lifted out and cleaned when the hamster is sleeping.
Female hamsters, in particular, can give off a strong scent when they are in heat. This occurs every four days or so and can last 12-24 hours. During this time, female hamsters release a musky scent, which some describe as similar to burning rubber or mouldy potatoes. Syrian hamsters are noted for their stronger smell during this time compared to dwarf hamsters. This scent is a way for female hamsters to signal to male hamsters that they are ready to mate.
If you notice an unusual or particularly strong smell coming from your hamster or its cage, it could be a sign of illness. For example, a strong, persistent smell coupled with bald patches on your hamster's flanks could indicate a skin infection. A wet, runny stool that soils the hamster's bedding and cage could be a sign of "wet tail", a stress-related disorder in hamsters. In such cases, it is important to seek veterinary advice.
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Over-cleaning your hamster's cage can cause more odour
Hamsters are sensitive creatures that require a clean home to stay healthy. If you neglect to clean your hamster's cage, your pet may fall ill. However, over-cleaning can also be harmful.
Hamsters are very scent-oriented animals. They have a much stronger sense of smell than humans and can be very affected by scents. They use their scent glands to communicate with each other via pheromones (chemicals secreted from the body). When a hamster's cage is cleaned excessively, they can become stressed, and they will scent-mark everything, making the cage smell much worse than before.
To avoid this, it is recommended to clean your hamster's cage every 4-7 weeks, leaving 1/3-1/2 of the old bedding in the cage and topping it up with new bedding. It is also a good idea to do a "'spot clean'" every 2-3 days, scooping out bedding soiled with urine and faeces and cleaning any areas where they urinate, such as wheels, sand baths, or potty corners. By doing frequent, small cleans, the process will be significantly less stressful for your hamster.
It is important to use mild, hamster-friendly cleansers when cleaning your hamster's cage. Soapy water or a hamster-friendly cleanser should be used, and the cage should be rinsed and dried thoroughly before placing your hamster back inside. Hamsters can be very sensitive to scents, so strongly scented cleaning products should be avoided. Additionally, plastic habitats can neutralise with cleaning and then start smelling again after the deodorising effects of cleaning products fade, so it may be necessary to switch to a different habitat material, such as glass.
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Hamsters' scent glands are usually the cause of a strong musky smell
Hamsters are generally considered low-maintenance pets, but their cages require regular cleaning to prevent offensive odours from developing. While a hamster's cage may smell due to waste or urine, a strong musky smell is usually caused by their scent glands.
Scent glands are a normal part of a hamster's anatomy, and they are used to communicate with other hamsters via pheromones. These pheromones are secreted from the body to mark territory and attract mates. The scent glands are more prominent in male hamsters, and they vary in appearance between different hamster species. For example, Syrian hamsters have scent glands situated on either side of their flanks, while female hamsters have scent glands that they use to signal when they are coming into heat.
The scent produced by a hamster's scent glands can be described as musky, and it may be alarming to owners who are unfamiliar with it. However, it is important to note that this scent is a natural part of a hamster's biology and should not be a cause for concern. While hamsters regularly clean themselves, their cages require manual cleaning to maintain hygiene and minimise odours.
To address the smell, it is recommended to clean the hamster's cage regularly, providing fresh bedding and absorbent materials such as sand or paper-based bedding. Owners should avoid using scented products, standard cleaners, or air fresheners, as these can be harmful to hamsters and may only mask the odour temporarily. Instead, mild soap, hamster-friendly cleansers, or enzyme cleaners can be used to effectively remove bacteria and odours from the cage.
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Lack of cleaning or the wrong type of bedding can cause a bad smell
Hamsters are considered low-maintenance pets, but their cages require regular cleaning to prevent offensive odours. Lack of cleaning or using the wrong type of bedding can cause a bad smell.
Hamsters are fastidious self-groomers, but they rely on their owners to keep their cages clean. It is recommended to clean a hamster's cage at least once a week, providing them with fresh wood shavings and absorbent bedding. Leaving a hamster's cage uncleaned for too long can lead to a buildup of waste and an overpowering smell.
Spot cleaning specific areas used as toilet spots can help manage the odour between weekly cleanings. Additionally, it is important to completely empty and deodorize the cage using mild soap or hamster-friendly cleansers like enzyme cleaners, which use active enzymes and friendly bacteria to thoroughly clean surfaces.
Regarding bedding, it is crucial to use absorbent and hamster-safe materials. Some beddings may not effectively absorb urine, leading to a persistent smell. Switching to a different type of bedding can help alleviate the odour.
Furthermore, some hamsters may have a preferred substrate, such as sand, which can be provided in a potty tray. Sand is an attractive option for hamsters as it is diggable and excellent for soaking up liquids.
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How to clean your hamster's cage to prevent odours
Hamsters can emit a strong musky odour, which is usually due to their scent glands, waste in their cage, or the secretion of odorous pheromones. To prevent bad smells from developing, it is important to establish a routine for cleaning your hamster's cage. Here is a guide on how to clean your hamster's cage to prevent odours:
Step 1: Choose a Safe Space
Select a comfortable and secure place to put your hamster while cleaning its cage. A small animal or cat carrier works well, ensuring that the wire mesh is close enough together to prevent escape. You can also use a hamster ball, but make sure to have someone supervise your hamster.
Step 2: Remove Your Hamster and Items from the Cage
Gently remove your hamster from the cage, being careful to support its entire body. Place your hamster in the temporary enclosure. Next, take out all objects from the cage, including toys, bowls, shelters, and exercise equipment.
Step 3: Examine the Cage
Look for any droppings, wet areas, or stains in the bedding material. If there are many soiled spots, change the bedding. If the walls of the enclosure are dirty or smudged, it is time for a full cleaning.
Step 4: Clean and Deodorize the Cage
Use a mild soap or a hamster-friendly cleanser to scrub down the cage and accessories. Dish soap, antibacterial hand soap, or an enzyme cleaner are good options. Rinse the cage thoroughly to avoid any residue that could irritate your hamster. You can also use baking soda or vinegar after cleaning with soap and water for extra deodorizing power.
Step 5: Dry and Refill the Cage
Ensure that the cage is completely dry before refilling it with your hamster and its items. Avoid using air fresheners or scented bedding, as these can be harmful to your hamster's respiratory system. Instead, opt for aspen wood shavings, paper litter, or pellets to reduce odours. Keep about a third of the old bedding to reduce your hamster's stress.
Step 6: Establish a Cleaning Routine
The frequency of deep cleaning depends on the number of hamsters and the size of their cage. As a general rule, clean the cage at least once a week. In between deep cleans, perform spot cleaning by tidying away waste, removing stale food, and cleaning any stained or smelly areas.
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Frequently asked questions
The hamster itself may not be the source of the smell. The hamster's cage could be the cause, especially if it hasn't been cleaned in a while. Hamsters tend to pick a corner of their cage to use as a toilet, so you should try spot-cleaning those areas regularly.
It is recommended to clean your hamster's cage every 4-7 weeks, leaving 1/3-1/2 of the old bedding in the cage and topping it up with new bedding. You should also do a spot clean every 2-3 days to keep on top of things.
Avoid using scented products, standard cleaners, and air fresheners as these can be harmful to hamsters and may not effectively tackle the source of the odour. Instead, opt for an enzyme cleaner like Bio OneTM, which uses active enzymes and friendly bacteria to thoroughly clean surfaces and remove 99% of bacteria.
