Hamsters are currently one of the best small pocket pets perfect for families. If you just brought a new hamster home or your hamster has been exhibiting changes in his behavior that make you suspect that he is scared, it is important to address the behavior right away.
Knowing what a scared hamster looks like is one of the first steps you can take. After all, these small animals are so used to being prey when out in the wild, so it is normal for them to be always on high alert. Do hamsters pee when scared, then?
Will Your Hamster Pee When Scared?
Yes, there are instances when hamsters pee every time they get nervous or scared. This behavior is due to the sympathetic nervous system, the part of the body in charge of the fight or flight response. The sympathetic nervous system causes the contraction of the bladder that pushes out the urine as a result.
It is also highly possible that a hamster will pee if he is in a new or unfamiliar surrounding or when he is around other animals or people that they don’t know that well. If it seems that your hamster is wetting himself more than he normally does, it could be because he is feeling stressed out.
How to Stop Hamster from Peeing When Scared
The good news is that there are a lot of things you can do to help him feel more comfortable and lower his stress levels. For instance, see to it that the cage of your pet is always cozy and clean, give him plenty of chews and toys to keep him occupied and interested, and allow him to spend more time outside the cage to play and explore.
If ever your hamster still finds it hard to calm down and relax after you tried the above tips, your next best option is to consult with a behaviorist or a vet who will be able to help you identify what caused the problem in the first place and recommend proper treatment that can help fix the issue.
Is Hamster Pee Dangerous?
Use water and soap to wash your hands right away if your hamster peed on them. The urine of hamsters may contain certain types of bacteria that might lead to infections. This is why you must take the necessary precautions and avoid coming into close contact with hamster pee.
If your pet hamster has started to pee more often than usual or if the urine looks bloody or cloudy, it might be an indication of a medical issue. You need to take your hamster to the vet right away for an examination if this is the case.
Bloody or cloudy urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. This is a serious condition that should be treated by a vet. Also, if you have any questions about the health of your hamster, it will always be a wise move to consult with a veterinarian.
How Often Does a Hamster Pee?
When hamsters are awake, it is normal for them to pee every few hours or so. But this frequency of urination may vary depending on many different factors including the health, diet, and age of the hamster.
If it seems like your hamster is wetting himself more than normal, this can be because he is feeling anxious or stressed out. You can do a few things to help calm him down and make him feel more relaxed. You can provide your hamster with lots of exciting hiding spots, observe regular playtime, and create a stress-free environment.
However, if you have already done all of these but the peeing still persists, it might be a good idea to seek advice from a vet who can help you rule out any possible medical issues.
Why Does My Hamster Pee on Me?
Most hamster owners often find themselves wondering why their hamster pees on them. One plausible explanation for why hamsters pee on their humans is because this is their way of marking their territory. Since hamsters are territorial creatures, they may also view their owners as part of their possibility.
One more possibility here is that it might be your hamster’s way of trying to show you his dominance. If a hamster feels scared or threatened, he might begin to urine mark as a means of scaring off any potential threats.
When your hamster constantly pees on you, it might also imply that he is feeling anxious or stressed and needs your assistance for him to feel more comfortable.
The Bottom Line
One of the most exciting experiences you can ever have is to bring a new hamster to your home. Sadly, most first-time hamster owners find themselves turned off right away by the behavior of these small animals. It is because many of them have no idea what to expect in the first place.
Also, many of them don’t understand and realize that most of these hamster behaviors are only temporary. This is why taking some time to learn more about what to expect from your new hamster will help you ensure that you and your pet will have a loving relationship for a long time.
Peeing is often one of the main concerns of hamster owners. Hamsters normally pee every several hours when they are aware. However, they can also pee when they are scared. Also, if your hamster always pees on you, it might also be a sign that he feels anxious or stressed for whatever reason.
If your hamster always pees on you or seems scared that he pees frequently, it is best to help your hamster calm down and feel more relaxed. There are several ways to do it. You can give him some spots for hiding, follow a regular schedule for playtime, and create a stress-free environment in general.
However, if the frequent peeing still continues, don’t waste any time and consult your vet who can help you identify any underlying medical concerns that cause the problem.
