Do Hamsters Cry?

If you watch your hamster closely, you may sometimes see wet eyes or hear sounds that seem like crying. New owners often wonder what that means.

Do hamsters cry? Hamsters don't cry emotional tears like people do. They do make crying-like sounds, such as squeaks and screams, when they are scared, stressed or in pain. Watery, crusty or swollen eyes are not "crying" and can be a sign of an eye problem that needs a vet.

Do Hamsters Really Cry?

Hamsters, like other mammals, make tears to keep their eyes moist. They don't shed tears because they are sad.

If your hamster's eyes look wet, crusty or swollen, don't put it down to humidity. The Merck Veterinary Manual says conjunctivitis (pinkeye) in hamsters can be caused by injury, infection or dust, and can occur with facial swelling from dental problems.

Discharge from the eyes or nose can also be a sign of pneumonia, along with breathing trouble, poor appetite and low activity. See a vet if you notice any of these.

What Do Hamster "Crying" Sounds Mean?

A hamster's "cry" usually sounds like loud squeaking or even screaming. It usually means your hamster is scared, stressed, in pain or being handled in a way it doesn't like.

Hamsters are mostly active at night and sleep during the day. They may squeak if woken suddenly. Some also twitch or make small noises while asleep, which is normally harmless.

Why Will Your Hamster Cry?

A new home. New hamsters are often frightened by unfamiliar smells, sounds and a new cage. Squeaking during the first days is common.

Not yet trusting you. A hamster may squeak when you reach in before it knows you. Go slowly and let it get used to your scent.

Fear. Sudden noises, other pets and being chased around the cage can all cause fear squeaks.

Pain or illness. A hamster that cries out when touched, or more often than usual, may be hurt or sick.

Being woken up. Hamsters startled from sleep may squeak or bite.

Another hamster. Syrian hamsters live alone. Two adults kept together will often fight, and squealing can be a sign of fighting.

What To Do When Your Pet Hamster Cries Out?

If your hamster is new, give it time. Keep the cage in a quiet spot and sit nearby so it gets used to you.

If your hamster squeaks when you come close, back off and try again later. Offer a treat on your open hand and let it come to you.

Remove things that frighten it where you can. Keep other pets away from the cage and avoid loud noises nearby.

If your hamster seems to be in pain, has eye or nose discharge, or squeaks when touched, see a vet who treats small pets.

If your hamster is asleep, leave it alone. Picking up a sleeping hamster can frighten it and lead to a bite.

Can Hamsters Get Depressed?

Hamsters can't tell us how they feel, but they do show signs of stress, such as hiding constantly, overgrooming, bar chewing or not eating.

A roomy enclosure with deep bedding, a solid-surface wheel, places to hide and things to chew helps keep a hamster active and calm. A hamster that stops eating or becomes very inactive should see a vet.

Final Words

Hamsters don't cry tears from sadness, but they do squeak and scream when scared, stressed or in pain. Give new hamsters time to settle, handle them gently, and see a vet for any eye discharge, pain or change in appetite.

Sources

• Disorders and Diseases of Hamsters, Merck Veterinary Manual
• Providing a Home for a Hamster, Merck Veterinary Manual