Pet Habitat South Africa

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30 Nov 2014

Can A Cat Live With A Hamster?

Posted By : Guest

Filed Under : Hamsters | Pet Care

This week we were asked… “My partner and I have been thinking about adopting a cat but I already have a hamster. Is this safe?” Here is our advice to you!

We would all love to adopt as many animals as possible but first it’s worth asking yourself if those pets will get along. This mostly depends on the individual pets and their personalities. As you already have a hamster, it may be the case that a new cat will see the home as the hamster’s territory before their own and have no problem by living in the same space. On the other hand make sure you never underestimate your cat no matter how friendly and approachable it may be to you!

Cats and hamsters can live in the same house without any problems. However we suggest taking the following precautions for the safety and comfort of your pet before welcoming another animal into your home.

Firstly, before you make the decision on adopting a cat ensure that if the two pets do not get along you have a plan on how to keep them separated in your home. Make sure your hamster has its own room that the cat is not allowed into as its own ‘safe zone’ in case it is not comfortable being in the same room as the cat. Ensure you have enough room in your home so each pet can each have their own territory – none of the cat’s toys or litter tray should be kept in the same room as your hamster.

As you home your new cat allow the time for them to become happy in their new environment before introducing your hamster. It is important that your cat is comfortable in its environment before the two pets come across each other as there is already a lot for the cat to get used to!

Once your cat is comfortable in your home, it is now time to think about finding out how your pets react to each other in a closer environment. Check that all fixings on your hamster cage are secure to prevent the cat getting inside. Keep the hamster at the far end of the room and let your cat come in. Be very cautious and observe both animals carefully. If your hamster starts to stress, immediately take the cat outside of the room and reconsider introducing the animals to each other. If your hamster reacts normally to your cat’s presence in the room, observe the cat very carefully. Try to act naturally whilst doing this so the cat will pick up on the fact that having the hamster in the room is completely normal.

If your cat sharpens its attention entirely on the hamster and sits stiffly, take the cat outside of the room for the safety of your hamster. It may be worth trying to introduce the two pets at another time when your cat is more relaxed but until then, keep them separated. However, if your cat is relaxed and does not pay too much attention to the hamster it may be the case that the cat is not interested in it.

Once you are sure that both pets are comfortable in their shared environment, set aside a small amount of time every day where your two pets are in each other’s presence so it becomes routine. Make sure you talk to your hamster during these sessions so your cat becomes aware that your hamster is also a part of the family. It is often the case that cats pay attention to their owner’s relationships to things around them and generally follow their lead. After a few weeks both animals will be used to the other and both should be okay living in the same home.

Be aware that even after this point never to leave your hamster alone with your cat, to ensure their safety. When you leave the house in the day, keep your hamster separated from the cat in their ‘safe zone’. It may be best to train your cat to stay in the opposite area of your home so their paths are unlikely to cross without you around. Most of all ensure that the safety and comfort of your pets comes first!