The Best Hamster Cage
If you're reading this, you've probably already fallen head over heels for a furry little companion. Hamsters make great pets as they can be looked after with relatively low hassle and are usually up for a friendly cuddle. Choosing a suitable home for your hamster is one of the most important decisions you can make for their quality of life. This will be their stomping ground, their territory for exercising alone, eating and sleeping, day in, day out, so it's worth carefully considering their needs as you decide. As we searched for the best hamster cages for your pets, we kept our eyes peeled for options that are easy to clean, offer ample space for your little friend to roam around, and any extra accessories that might be included. Our top pick is the colorful cornucopia provided by the Critterville Arcade Hamster Home. This cage comes packed with exercise apparatus to keep your hamster on its feet. If you're looking for an option for keen climbers that offers more vertical space, check out the three-tier enclosure from Mcage. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
The Critterville Arcade Hamster Home
Paw playground
Most little hamsters are full of unbridled inquisitive energy, and they love to have an adventurous landscape to navigate and call their own. The Critterville Arcade Hamster Home is packed to the brim with secret nooks acrobatic challenges, so your furry friend will never be short of areas to explore. This option utilizes both a wireframe and clear plastic enclosure so that your hamster can choose between the fresh open air or a snug interior.
Pros:
- A deep plastic base offers ample room for a thick layer of bedding. It’s easily detached from the wireframe above, saving you hassle when cleaning time comes.
- We like that the clear plastic upper cover is detachable for easy cleaning and retrieval.
- With a wheel and tube run included, your pet will have plenty of options for exercise. Thanks to their clear plastic construction, you can keep an eye on them as they navigate their new home.
Cons:
- This compact landscape might not offer enough of a challenge to the most nimble climbers.
Favola Hamster Cage by Ferplas
Spin me round
We all know that our hamsters love to exercise, so indoor enclosures must provide suitable venues for them to get their blood pumping. This all-inclusive cage from Favola comes with a sturdy 9″ wheel, built to withstand thousands of revolutions. The wheel is a little bigger than other options we’ve found thanks to the extra-deep base, which is ideal for tiring out little legs. And, with the wheel directly connected to the plastic base, it rotates with a quiet action, keeping noise to a minimum during those nocturnal marathons.
Pros:
- A small opening on the top means you can easily retrieve your pets, refill food, or quickly clean up a mess without dismantling the entire cage.
- We think this two-floor structure gives your hamster more room to roam and creates a secluded space below for rest and privacy.
- Though metallic in appearance, this wireframe is made from plastic. It’s easier to clean, and softer on your hamster’s feet.
Cons:
- Some inquisitive hamsters might try to make a meal out of the plastic water bottle lining. Be sure to keep a close eye on their activity and replace any accessories that pose a risk.
Mcage Small Animal Cage
If your hamster is an explorer, they might demand more than just a couple of stories in their abode. This three-level structure cage offers your acrobatic rodent a serious challenge. As any urban planner knows, building upwards can help you make the most out of your real estate. This vertical option provides your little buddy with an open playground, with over five square feet of territory to call their own.
Pros:
- When it’s time to pack down, this large cage can be folded flat for easy storage.
- Each level is adjustable and removable, so you can reshape the interior landscape to house accessories of all sizes or freshen up the atmosphere.
- The bottom tray slides out for your ease when cleaning and replacing bedding.
Cons:
- Though bounteous in space, this sizeable cage doesn’t come with any accessories included.
Aivituvin Three Tier Hamster Cage
Farmhouse friendly
If you tend to favor traditional materials over plastics, or if you’re simply looking for a hamster enclosure with a more rustic aesthetic, this charming wooden option could be just what you’re after. Timber framing doesn’t just lend this cage a handsome appearance. The non-toxic wood is sure to avoid unpleasant surprises for animals who love to bite and chew their way around plastic components.
Pros:
- This cage boasts over 11 square feet of total floor space. With so much room to explore, we think this cage is a great option for larger hamsters or if you own more than one.
- Though wood and glass comprise the bulk of this structure, wire mesh on each side allows you to attach accessories like water bottles and wheels without the need for screws.
- The two enclosed huts give your pets a quiet spot to snooze in peace.
Cons:
- Since the bedding tray isn’t as deep as some other options, this cage might require more regular cleaning.
Amazon Basics Indoor-Outdoor Small Pet Habitat Cage
Plain and simple
Sometimes a simple solution is just what we’re searching for, and you can count on Amazon Basics to deliver the goods here at an affordable price point. It’s a great choice for first-time hamster owners. This versatile playpen provides a humble home with plenty of scope for embellishment. This canvas bottom offers a gentle texture underfoot for pets who prefer a shallow layer of bedding. It’s leakproof and easy to remove, so you can dispose of soiled bedding quickly and in one fell swoop.
Pros:
- We think that this cage is easy to set up straight out of the box, with no additional tools required for construction.
- A central divider allows you to create two private habitats for different pets, or separate known adversaries after a conflict.
- A simple and sturdy design makes this cage suitable for indoor or outdoor use, so you can show your little friends a glimpse of the great outdoors in warmer months.
Cons:
- If your hamster pairs slim proportions with escapist tendencies, you might be put off by the larger than usual spacing on this wire frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change the bedding in my hamster cage?
Though we love and admire our little critters, they won’t clean up after themselves. Frequent changing of the bedding in your hamster’s enclosure helps improve quality of life and avoid infection or disease. Your changing routine might vary based on your pet’s lifestyle, the size of the enclosure, and the number of hamsters you’re housing, meaning there’s really no fixed timeframe. Make sure you check the enclosure several times daily. If it’s getting a little stinky or is visibly soiled throughout, it’s time to change.
How can I tell if my accessories will be compatible with this cage?
Most hamster accessories are designed for attachment to the wire mesh commonly found in these cages. As long as the enclosure has an area with wire mesh and there’s enough room to fit the accessory, you should be able to attach it with ease.
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