Hamsters are tiny little rodents that make really good gifts for people who love taking care of pets, mostly older children and even adults. Perhaps you got one as a gift, or plan to get one or more for your children. The first step after deciding to get a hamster is to choose the best hamster cage for it. Looking for the top hamster cages, you will find so many and such different choices available!
Unlike cat or dog houses, hamster houses are smaller and so come in a lot of different sizes and shapes. In this blog post not only will you get to look at a multitude of options, but I will also help you choose the best house for your hamster’s needs. These will be best for baby hamsters that like a lot of entertainment and variety.
How Much Space Does My Hamster Need?
Before we try to find the best hamster cage for your little friend, you need to know how much space your hamster needs based on his size. It’s only normal that large hamsters will need more space and smaller hamsters will need less. Among the hamsters that are popular as pets, Syrian hamsters are larger, about 6 inches in length.
Dwarf hamsters are about 2-3 inches in length, while robo hamsters may be on the smaller side of this range. According to ASPCA, Syrian hamsters need at least a 10 gallon aquarium or equivalent space to live. They also recommend dwarf hamsters can be kept in mice cages.
Always keep a single Syrian hamster in one cage, never put more than one together. In case of dwarfs, you can put a pair of same-sex hamsters together, but make sure the cage is big. Never put hamsters of opposite genders together. RSPCA has no specific recommendations in this case, just mentions that the cage should be as large as possible, and that’s my advice also.
Wild hamsters build large, sprawling burrows and travel miles to gather food everyday. Give them a large cage with plenty of floor space, opportunity to burrow and provide a variety of enrichment, and you’re set!
Top Rated Hamster Cages: My Pick for 2022
From the new hamster owner, I have composed a list of cages and housing choices that may benefit the pet you’re bringing home. Let’s take a look at 7 formidable hamster cages!
Here Are the Best Hamster Cages Review 2022
- Favola Large Hamster Cage
- Midwest Critterville Arcade Hamster Cage
- Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage
- SONGMICS Small Animal Cage
- Ferplast Hamster Cage
- Midwest Fun Themed Hamster Cages
- IRIS Hamster Cage
1. Favola Large Hamster Cage
No matter where I looked on the internet, I found this was the best rated hamster cage, as users seem to love it so much! It offers quite enough floor space for dwarf hamsters, and the base is very deep. Even though I would not recommend this to be used for Syrian hamsters, I really think this is the best choice for keeping dwarf hamsters.
There’s a separate level on top of the bedding level, so even if your hamster slips while climbing, the fall isn’t too much. This Favola Hamster cage comes with a few accessories and you can easily purchase additional toys and attach them to the bars.
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The wheel that comes with it is my favorite, it looks big and sturdy! Water bottle, food bowl, a hideout and a ramp comes with this cage. In my opinion this is the best hamster cage if you don’t like a lot of bells and whistles.
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2. Midwest Critterville Arcade Hamster Cage
At first glance this Midwest Arcade cage will make you say “wow”! This is practically an amusement park for your little friend, no wonder they named it “Arcade Hamster Cage”. Even though it offers quite limited floor space, it offers the choice of connecting it with a separate cage or habitat through tubes. It’s also good if your hamster is a baby.
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Taking that into consideration, I think you could keep your hamster in a bigger cage and connect it with the Midwest Arcade to provide a separate playing space for the pet. If you consider that direction, I think it’s the best hamster cage extension you can get.
3. Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Cage
I’m going to start off with what I think is the best cage for hamster in my list. What impressed me at first glance was the floor space. It’s big enough for a Syrian hamster to live comfortably, and will be a sprawling mansion for your dwarf or robo hamster.
Look at all the vibrant accessories this Savic Hamster cage comes with! Two separate levels complete with hideouts, a big enough wheel, food bowl and water bottle, and even a little compartment on the top where you can interact with your hamster without taking him out.
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I’m usually not fond of plastic tubes that come attached with modular cages like these, but this one has perforated tubes that are easy to take apart for cleaning. So I reckon it would not be much of a problem even if a chubby hamster does get stuck in one. I would suggest you secure these with extra tape, just in case. Allow me to say that this is also the best hamster cage for a Syrian hamster.
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4. SONGMICS Small Animal Cage
Let me just say that if I ever get a Syrian hamster, I would be using this SONGMICS cage as it is the best hamster cage in my eyes. You might be wondering, why? This isn’t pretty or cute and doesn’t even come with accessories. Well, I like it simply because of all the space!
Most hamster cages, as attractive as they look, are simply too small for a Syrian hamster. Think, would you not be happy living in a bigger house? Your Syrian hamster is going to love all the space to run around, play and burrow! You can just buy all the additional accessories and decorate your hamster’s mansion as you like.
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This metal grid cage comes with an Oxford mat, which is a nice touch. It would be easy to clean up. However, one thing might be troublesome, and that is the 1.1 inch space between the bars. You should consider adding an extra layer of mesh over the cage to make sure your hamster doesn’t squeeze through.
Consequently, I wouldn’t recommend this for dwarf or robo hamsters. But for Syrian hamsters, this is hands down the best hamster cage. If you can spare the floor space, definitely consider using the SONGMICS.
5. Ferplast Hamster Cage
Before I start on the merits of this Ferplast cage, let me just tell you one thing: choose the largest size! I know I keep bringing up this point throughout the article but I really, really hate seeing hamsters in cramped little cages that are only as big as a doll house.
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They’re living beings, give them space, as much as you can. That said, the large version of this cage offers quite a bit of space for a baby hamster to happily scoot around. It looks like a carnival tent, and will be the show-stopper if you put it in the children’s room.
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6. Midwest Fun Themed Hamster Cages
As much as you want to splurge and spoil your pet, sometimes life happens and you end up with a tight budget. Let me introduce you to the best cheap hamster cage by Midwest Homes! You can choose from four fun themes, and despite the low price this Fun Themed Hamster cage comes fitted with the standard accessories that a rodent pet needs.
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Aside from a wheel, a hideout, a balcony, a ramp, a food bowl and a water bottle, this also comes with a tube connector. You can use extra tubes to connect this cage to another habitat or even a run. I really like the themes, your child is going to love the decals and stickers that come with this cage. It’s really the best hamster cage for a tight budget.
7. IRIS Hamster Cage
This is one of the inexpensive hamster cages that also provide quite a bit of stimulation, in my opinion. It is available in two different variations, 2-tier and 3-tier. I would advise you to get the 2-tier one, as the 3-tier one is quite cramped with all the accessories.
There’s a spot between the wheel and a plastic level where your hamster could get stuck and suffocate to death, as one user informed. On the other hand, the 2-tier IRIS cage is quite fun.
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The floor space is quite small, so I would suggest you only keep one baby dwarf in it till you can afford a bigger cage. If you remove the hiding house from the second level, your hamster might feel pretty comfy in there. I love all the colors. If you don’t like the bright red, then you can go for a sunny sky blue or a cute pink.
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Which Cage Is Best for Your Hamster?
From the above discussion, you must’ve noticed that there are quite a few types of hamster cages or housing options. The best hamster cage could come in a few types.
Common Types of Hamster Cages
Wire cages are quite useful to keep your hamster in, just make sure there’s a separate, deep plastic base to pile bedding and nesting material in. Plastic moulded cages are also becoming common. If you’re worried that your small hamster might escape through the bars of a wire cage, you can pick this.
Modular cages are ones that have different levels and sections that connect with tubes and ramps. These are fun for children, however might be too difficult to maintain. Wood and mesh cages might be a more spacious and healthy choice for your hamster. However, hamsters like to chew and wood houses don’t stay unscathed for too long.
Also keep in mind that some woods might be toxic for small pets. You can also keep your hamster in an aquarium with a mesh top, but I haven’t included those in my list. In my opinion, the best type of hamster cage is one made from wire, as it offers plenty of ventilation, allows the hamster to climb the bars and is also generally an inexpensive option.
Other Factors to Consider
To choose the best hamster cage you also need to consider these factors:
Size: Like I mentioned before, you need slightly larger housing for a Syrian hamster. Conversely, it shouldn’t be too tall if you have a dwarf or robo hamster. They could slip and fall while climbing and falling from too high up could hurt them.
Chewing Habit: If you’re worried that the hamster will chew a lot, get a sturdy wire cage or a moulded plastic cage that does not have any corners or edges that the hamster could sink its teeth into.
Ease of Cleanup: You can get one of those colorful, fun looking hamster cages with a ton of shiny playthings inside, but keep in mind cleaning that will most certainly be tedious. If you don’t have the patience, it’s best to stick to a basic, one-level cage. Additionally, consider getting a smaller, plain cage to keep your hamster in while you’re cleaning out their house once a week.
Accessories: Hamsters need enrichment no matter the size of their cage. Some cages come with entertainment options such as a wheel, hideout, balcony, water bottle and food bowl etc. You can check out those if you don’t fancy the trouble of buying these separately.
Portability: If you’re prone to travelling or moving often, you could consider getting a travel cage for your pet. On the other hand, if you want the ease of moving your hamster’s cage while cleaning it, pay attention to the product’s weight before you buy it.
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How to Stop Your Hamster From Gnawing on the Cage?
Did you know hamsters have incisors (front teeth) that keep growing throughout their lives? In order to keep this manageable, they simply have no alternative but the chew near constantly. This is why chew toys are absolutely essential for a hamster’s health. So, it’s quite common for a hamster to chew on the bars and other bits of their cage.
In some cases, if the cage is too small, the hamster will be stressed- yes, stressed! Just because the hamster is a small ball of fur that brings you happiness doesn’t mean it can’t get unhappy sometimes. Being in a too tiny cage may cause chronic stress and in retaliation your hamster will bite the bars.
You can check out this writeup on the effect of cage space on hamsters. The fix is simple, either provide a larger cage or in case you can’t afford it, take your hamster out at least once everyday and play with it. Another reason for this biting tendency is lack of stimulation in that cage.
Give your hamster plenty of chew toys, burrowing and nesting material, some tubes to scuttle through, ramps or ladders to climb, and you’ll see them stop trying to eat the cage. Even if you buy the biggest, fanciest, best hamster cage you can afford, your hamster might still happily nibble away at the bars.
It’s just habitual, and unless you see their mouth or nose getting injured, there’s not much need to worry. They just like to chew, and also the noise that this produces. If you’re worried about your hamster chewing through the cage material, your best bet is to get one of the heavy duty hamster cages made of sturdy metal bars.
What Should You Add to a Hamster Cage
After getting a cage you should obviously cover the floor with 2-3 inches of bedding material. After this, fill their little bowl with food. That’s not all your hamster needs, though. The other things you should add to a hamster cage includes:
- A water bottle. Water bowls are impractical as hamsters could kick bedding in the water.
- Tissue paper for their nesting needs.
- An exercise wheel: solid and devoid of cross bars which could cause injury.
- Sand baths are great since you can’t give your hamster a water bath.
- Give him enough chew toys. If he ignores them, try slathering a thin layer of nut butter on it. This will reduce bar chewing. Cardboard tubes can be a great toy for your hamster.
- A hideout! Buy a fancy plastic hidey hole or just repurpose a small cardboard box. Hamsters are private creatures and are often shy. So give them some privacy.
- In case the cage doesn’t have bars, provide ladders that they can climb.
A couple things you shouldn’t include are exercise balls, plastic tubes, and salt licks. If you are adamant about getting an exercise ball, just make sure it is see-through and has ample perforation so your hamster doesn’t get stressed or suffocates.
Plastic tubes look fun, but hamsters tend to get stuck in those, and they often chew it which is pretty unsafe. Lastly, salt or mineral licks have become pretty popular additions in hamster cages. However, if you’re feeding your hamster a mixture of good quality pellets and fresh food, he’s not going to need those.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How Big Should a Hamster Cage Be?
A: You should aim to get a hamster cage that is a minimum of 24 inches by 12 inches and at least 12 inches tall. However, to keep your buddy playful & healthy, a more spacious cage is ideal. Some hamster breeds are quite big, and they need a roomy place to run and play.
Q: Do Hamsters Like Being Out of Their Cage?
A: Obviously, there is no doubt that, like every creature, hamsters are playful, and they also need exercise. For that reason, you may need to give them some fun time by letting them be out of their cage. Let your hamsters go out of the cage at least once a week. If it’s possible, take them out and interact with them once a day.
Q: What Does a Hamster Need in His Cage?
A: Inside their cage, Hamsters need bedding and nesting material, food, food dish, water bottle, wheel, a little hideout, toys, etc. The cage setup should be proper and enriching to reduce your pet’s stress. Also, remember that your hamster needs an appropriate diet to maintain a healthy life.
Q: Can You Keep the Hamster in a Glass Cage?
A: Glass cages are more expensive than normal ones. A glass tank with a harmless wire mesh top can be bought for your beloved pet. A glass tank may also protect your hamsters from other pets and small children in the house. It’s not cruel to keep your hamsters in a tank if you often make sure to let them roam free in your home for playing.
Q: How Many Times Should You Clean Your Hamster Cage?
A: Plan to change out the bedding in your hamster’s cage at least once a week. This includes removing leftover food. Cleaning food trays and water bottles is something you should do every day, reducing contamination chances. Accessories like feeding equipment and toys need to be cycled and washed with soap.
Conclusion
Do you now know which is the best hamster cage that you’re going to buy? I hope I was able to steer you towards the right path of raising a hamster in a comfy cage. Keep in mind that a too small cage will eventually cause your hamster to be stressed.
Before I go, let me drop an important tip about cleaning the hamster cage: do not clean all of it altogether! Spot clean when needed and after a week, only clean out half of the bedding and accessories and refill the other half with new bedding. This will keep the cage smelling like your hamster and he will be comfortable in it.