Hamsters are very popular pets, especially with kids. They are primarily independent and easy to care for, and some owners develop strong connections with their hamsters. If you own a hamster and believe you have developed a sentimental bond, you may be wondering how deep that bond can go.
Though hamsters can recognize other members of their species and react accordingly and likewise learn to recognize their caretakers somewhat, they do not have the ability to sense human emotions.
Can Hamsters Feel Your Emotions?
No studies on hamsters have proved that they can recognize or feel human emotions. However, some studies hint that hamsters have the potential to identify you as their caretaker. In a study involving hamster memory, it was found that hamsters recognize other hamsters by virtue of their scent and physical contact with other hamsters 1. The scent alone isn’t enough for a hamster to recognize another hamster or person; however, they may be associated with other cues, such as sounds and, more importantly, touch.
The combination of scent and physical contact allows hamsters to recognize other hamsters. Although it isn’t tested whether hamsters can use this to identify you, it might be a possible hypothesis. However, it doesn’t involve recognizing your emotions.
Do Hamsters Know When You Are Sad?
No, hamsters cannot tell whether you’re sad or not. They can remember familiar hamsters 2, but it is usually a survival tool to avoid a confrontation with familiar hamsters they’ve fought with over territorial disputes.
There is no indication that hamsters can discern what your emotional state is.
How to Tell if Your Hamster Notices a Difference in Your Emotions
Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell if your hamster notices a difference in your emotions. This aspect of interspecies understanding and high levels of emotional intelligence haven’t been investigated in hamsters. However, they are unlikely to possess these abilities, as they are primarily solitary animals.
Hamsters can recognize other hamsters, which is crucial for establishing dominance hierarchies and territorial networks. Thus, they have the ability to discriminate and recognize other hamsters. However, they can’t tell if you’re depressed or upset.
How to Bond With Your Hamster
Though hamsters cannot appreciate our emotions, it is still important to bond with them. Bonding can help owners determine when something is wrong with them and make the experience of having a pet more rewarding.
Open the cage each day and allow your hamster to smell your hands. Don’t attempt to pick them up hastily; allow them to become familiar with your smell. Continue to do this every day until your hamster willingly climbs onto your hand. Gently pet your hamster, but avoid any quick movements.
You can also hand-feed your hamster treats to gain their trust and familiarize them with your scent. One day, you’ll see your hamster eating from your hand or curling up in your pocket to fall asleep.
You can also talk to your hamster softly and gently so that they become familiar with your voice.
Tips to Keep Your Hamster Safe
Your hamster’s living space is where they will spend most of their time, so it must meet all the necessary criteria for your pet to stay safe. If your hamster doesn’t feel safe, it may also affect their ability to bond with you.
- Make sure your hamster’s cage is big enough for them.
- Ensure the cage is secure, especially if your hamster is an escape artist.
- If in doubt about the cage size, remember that bigger is better.
- Make sure your hamster’s cage has plenty of sleeping and nest areas.
- Toys, games, and wheels will prevent your hamster from getting bored.
- Provide gnawing blocks and hay to help wear their teeth down.
- Ensure your hamster has a deep layer of bedding because they love to burrow.
- Try not to use newspapers since ink can be toxic to hamsters.
- Place your hamster’s cage in a quiet and calm area.
- Keep the temperature steady.
- Clean your hamster’s cage at least once a week.
- You might also like: Do Hamsters Recognize Their Name
Conclusion
While hamsters can’t sense human emotions per se, they can recognize and identify other hamsters. However, hamsters should establish bonds with their owners. It promotes animal welfare and makes them more enjoyable as pets. Ensuring they’re in a comfortable environment and have their needs met is a good starting point for a healthy relationship with your pet.
- Related Read: Can Hamsters Get High? How Drugs Affect Rodents
Featured Image Credit: JarkkoManty, Pixabay
