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Can Hamsters Watch TV? Surprising Answer!

By Jake Willhoite · · Updated

Can Hamsters Watch TV
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Most of us love to watch shows or movies on a TV or phone, and sometimes the TV stays on for hours.

If you have a pet hamster and the TV is on, you may notice your hamster seems to pay attention to the screen, whether it's in its cage or on the sofa with you.

Your hamster may also seem interested when you watch videos on your phone with it nearby.

However, can hamsters really watch TV? Do they understand what is going on on the TV or phone? Here is the answer.

Can hamsters watch TV? Not in any real sense. Hamsters have poor eyesight, so they can't make out the picture the way we do. They may react to bright light, movement and sound coming from the TV, but they don't follow or understand what's on the screen.

Some hamsters may sit calmly near a TV, especially if they are relaxed around you. Spending quiet time together can help your hamster get used to you, as long as the volume is low.

If you are interested in this topic, keep reading. I will go more in-depth about what your hamster can see and how to keep TV time safe for it.

Can Hamsters See What’s On The Television Or Phone?

These days we spend hours looking at TVs and phones, and if your hamster is nearby, it can seem like it's interested too.

Your hamster can probably detect the light and big changes on the screen, but not the picture itself. In one study, Syrian hamsters had a visual acuity of only about 0.5 cycles per degree, far below human vision. That means fine detail on a screen is lost on them.

Do Hamsters Really Watch TV?

The question of whether hamsters really watch television may have crossed your mind many times. The concise answer is no. A hamster may face the TV, but it isn't following the show.

Some hamsters seem to tolerate a TV in the room, but only if they are used to it and feel safe.

Hamsters rely mainly on their senses of smell and hearing. What looks like "watching" is often a hamster reacting to light, movement or sound.

If your hamster is tame and relaxed, it may sit with you while the TV is on. That can be a nice time to bond, as long as you supervise it closely.

Don't let TV time replace exercise, though. Hamsters need a wheel, toys and space to explore to stay healthy.

Do Hamsters Like To Watch TV?

It really depends on the hamster. Some hamsters ignore the TV, and others may be startled by sudden sounds or flashes of light.

Hamsters can detect the light from a television, but their poor eyesight means they can't see the picture clearly.

Owners sometimes say their hamster "loves" the TV, but it's more likely the hamster is simply calm in a familiar room.

If your hamster avoids the TV or hides, that's normal. New hamsters especially need time to settle into a quiet home. Be patient!

Don't force your hamster to sit near the TV, because it might get stressed.

Can Hamsters Understand What Happens On TV Or Phone?

The straight answer is no! Hamsters don't understand what is happening on the TV or phone. At most, they notice changes in light, movement and sound.

Remember that your hamster has sensitive hearing. Keep the volume low and avoid sudden loud noises near its cage, which can make it uneasy and scared.

Can Looking At The TV Hurt Your Hamster’s Eyes?

There's no good evidence that normal TV use harms a hamster's eyes. However, bright light and noise can disturb its rest.

Hamsters are mostly active at dusk and during the night, and they sleep much of the day. They rely on hearing and smell, and in the wild they spend daylight hours in burrows.

To keep your hamster comfortable:

  • Avoid putting the cage right next to a bright TV.
  • Don't leave a bright TV flashing near the cage in an otherwise dark room for hours.

If your hamster’s cage is near the TV, lower the brightness and volume, or move the cage to a quieter spot.

Your hamster has sensitive hearing too. If it is exposed to loud sounds, it might get scared or anxious.

Final Thoughts

Hamsters can't really watch TV. Their eyesight is poor, so they may only notice light and movement, and they don't understand what's on the screen. They can hear the TV, and loud sound can stress them.

There's no evidence that TV harms a hamster's eyes, but a bright, noisy TV next to the cage can disturb its sleep.

What precautions should you take? First, keep the cage away from a bright, loud TV. Second, keep the volume down. Third, give your hamster a quiet, dim place to sleep during the day. If you have concerns about your hamster's eyes or behavior, ask a vet who treats small mammals.

Source: animals.mom.com, hamstersaspets.co.uk

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