Can hamsters be potty trained? The answer is a big yes! If you want your hamster’s cage to be cleaner without smelling like ammonia, your best choice is to potty train you hamster. Hamsters are intelligent pets that can learn fast.
The good news is that it is quite a breeze to potty train hamsters. They are clean animals that naturally prefer potting in just one spot. It also makes it easier for hamster owners to potty train their pets in just a short span of time.
Once you do so, the cage of your furry friend will smell better, and you will also change the bedding less frequently.
Here are some tips on how to potty train hamsters:
Observe Your Hamsters First
Before potty training your hamster, the first thing you should do is check the cage to determine the preferred potty spot of your pet. You will notice a corner where the hamster loves going to the bathroom. It is where you will find the accumulation of droppings and urine. This very spot is where you will want to put the litter box of your hamster.
If you have a very large hamster cage, it is likely that your pet has several favorite potty spots. Don’t worry if this is the case. All you have to do is put a litter box in every spot. As stated earlier, hamsters are very clean and smart. Your little pet will definitely locate the potties and start using them right away.
Use the Right Equipment
After you have identified the favorite potty spots of your hamsters, the next step is to prepare litter and litter box to start potty training your pet. Some commercial litter boxes already come with a cover that keeps the odors inside. Other options are corner pans that can help save space in the cage of your hamster. Any of these two can work well because it is only a matter of personal preference.
It is also possible to build a litter box for your hamster on your own using materials that you might already have at home. Even a sturdy plastic container that comes with a lid can also be used as a litter box. Just make a hole measuring 2 to 3 inches and then sand it down.
If you want to use glass, you can also make a chew-proof potty using a ½-pint mason jar that looks great and is easy to clean at the same time.
Choose the Litter
If there are several types of hamster litter available at your local pet shop, it might leave you confused about what to choose. The thing that matters most here is to ensure that you pick a clumping, unscented, and dust-free litter for your hamster.
Pellet litter is considered an eco-friendlier choice that is great for both your furry friend and the planet as a whole. Made of paper, grain, grass, or wood, pelleted litter has excellent absorption and superior odor control. Although it might not scoop up that easily compared to traditional litter, most hamster owners find that it is worth the additional work.
Prepare the Setup and Start Training
Once all the supplies for potty training are prepared and you already know where to put the litter box of your hamster, it is now time to get started with the actual potty training. Here are the steps to follow:
- Put the litter box in the preferred part of the cage.
- Pour enough litter inside the box to cover the entire bottom of the pan.
- Place a few droppings and a little bit of soiled bedding. This scent will serve as your furry friend’s guide to their new potty spot.
- Once your hamster awakens, put him inside the litter box. It will probably spark their curiosity as they sniff around. If you’re lucky, your pet might even use it right there and then.
If your hamster refuses to enter the box on his own, never try forcing them inside because it will only discourage them. Instead, allow your pet to explore it in his own sweet time. Sooner or later, your hamster will figure things out on his own.
Common Problems When Potty Training Hamsters
There are several possible reasons why your hamster might not use his litter box even after a few days. Here are some things you need to keep an eye on:
Is there a dedicated sleeping area for your hamster? If your hamster is using the litter box as his bed, it is likely because your pet doesn’t have a hideout or separate sleeping nook.
Are there enough spots for your hamster to hide food? if your little furry friend is using the litter box for hiding his food, it might indicate that the cage is cramped.
Does your hamster eat the litter? Certain types of litter might scratch the cheek pouches of your pet and may also include some dangerous ingredients such as silica. If you notice your hamster munching on his litter, make sure you change it immediately and ensure that the cage is big enough.
Small and cramped cages can make hamsters anxious and lead to the development of behaviors like eating litter or gnawing plastic. To ensure the well-being of your hamster, see to it that the cage is large enough for the litter box, food storage, wheel, and hideout.
The Bottom Line
Most of the time, it is an effortless task to potty train your hamster. After all, hamsters love to keep their cages and themselves clean and tidy. By adding a litter box, you no longer have to frequently change the bedding of your hamster and their cage will also be as tidy as they want it to be.
Adding a potty and learning how to potty train hamsters is one of the best ways to keep your small pets happy and prevented unwanted odors. So, better start potty training your hamster today. This is the ultimate win-win situation for everyone!
