How to Deal With Your Hamster Dying

Co-authored by Adam Dorsay, PsyD

Last Updated: June 24, 2024 Approved

Hamsters make fantastic and loyal pets. However, their lifespan of 2-3 years can seem cruelly short. If your hamster pal is suffering from old age or disease, know how to reduce suffering for you and your pet by reading this article.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Preparing for Loss

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There are many reasons that may claim the life of your hamster. Old age, for example, may make your hamster’s eyes go dull. You may notice his fur getting thin. It may make your hamster listless and cause his appetite to disappear. Your hamster may exhibit unusual signs, such as urinating in its nest. ^{[1]
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Your parents may be able to offer advice on how to help your hamster. You may be able to talk to an experienced professional, like a vet, for more specific details on how to care for your hamster. She will give you advice on diet, exercise, and care.

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If your hamster in too much pain, you may want to consider other options. Euthanasia may be the best option to stop his suffering. This is a painless process and the professionals will do what they can to make the last stages of your pet’s life as comfortable as possible. ^{[2]
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You want to tell those close to you about what is going to happen. This may be your child’s first experience with death, and you want to approach it with care. Be honest and approach with empathy. ^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Aiding in the Process

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In your hamster’s last days, make him as happy as possible. Put soft material in his cage. Let him sleep as much as he wants. Put his favorite toys in his cage.
Your hamster may lose energy and may not participate in its usual exercise. You do not want to make him excessively tired by holding him.
Talk to your vet or parents about what diet would be best. If your hamster is suffering from heart damage, for example, you may want to avoid fatty foods like sunflowers. Teeth issues can also plague older hamsters. Try feeding him soft foods like rice or cereal.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Grieving Your Loss

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You are going to be upset and are going to hurt. You might feel strong emotions like anger, grief, depression, or guilt. It is okay to feel these strong feelings after a loss of a loved one.^{[4]
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Your hamster was a part of your family and you will need time to grieve. Consider taking time off work or school to feel your grief. Statistics show that the pain you feel when you lose a pet is akin to losing a human family member. ^{[5]
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Your loved ones probably are aware of how much you loved your hamster. They can help you through the grieving process if you reach out to them. Talk to them about what you are feeling, and they may help to ease the passing.
Remember the positive things about your friend. You can go through pictures of your pet. You can think about the games and toys you played with him. These good things may make your grief a little less painful.
You can start a blog or journal. Writing out your feelings may help you work out your grief. You can write about the positive memories and thoughts of your beloved family member. ^{[6]
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There are national resources you can reach out to if you need someone to talk to you. Reaching out to resources like the ASPCA hotline can connect you to people who understand.^{[7]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Moving On

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Once you start the healing process, you might hesitate to bring a new hamster into your home. You can volunteer at a local animal shelter to help others in need. Helping animals in need might help you with the grief process.
After you start to heal, you may feel up to bringing in a new hamster. Visit your local shelter or pet store for a new addition to your family.
To fully move on, it might be best to get back to your day to day schedule. It might hurt for a while, but if you take one day at a time, you will find that your grief lessens. ^{[8]
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Everyone experience loss, know that you are not alone with your loss. This may be a very hard time for you, but things will get better. Remember these steps and take time to grieve your loss.

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How do I deal with the guilt of my hamster dying?

Community Answer

It's okay if you feel guilty. Remember that it is not your fault. Feel happy as your hamster is out of suffering and is in Hammy Heaven.

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How do I honor my dying hamster?

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Keep your hamster as happy as possible. Give him his favorite toys and treats. Keep his cage clean and stocked with plenty of food and water. Let him sleep as much as he wants to. If your hamster is already dead, you can get a small box and fill it will bedding. Decorate the box with pictures or stickers however you like. You can then bury your hamster in your backyard. Make sure it is buried about 3 feet deep into the ground so predators cannot get to him.

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If I get a new hamster, I feel like I'll be betraying my old hamster. What should I do?

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It's not a betrayal at all. Your hamster that died loved you very much, and he would want you to be happy with a new hamster. He would also want another hamster to have the opportunity to live a great life as your pet.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Burying your hamster in the backyard can help you memorialize it. Make a little grave, put some of its favorite things there, and visit whenever you want. Having a special spot can help you feel better.
Please don't keep your feelings bottled up - talk to friends about what you're going through. They can listen, comfort you and say what you feel is normal. Don't be alone in this.
Spend lots of quality time with your hamster at the end. Hand feed it treats, pet it gently, and talk to it softly. Making those last days really happy will mean a lot.
Don't rush to get a new hamster right away after yours dies. Wait until you've fully grieved so you don't compare them. Only get a new one when you really feel ready.
If seeing that empty cage hurts too much, try moving it somewhere less visible for now. Or carefully put it away until you feel up to having it around again.
If you have other hamsters, give them extra love after losing their friend. They might be sad too. Comfort them with pets, treats and playtime.

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Warnings

You can reuse your hamster's cage, bowls, and toys. Make sure you properly disinfect these items as to not pass on any diseases. Discard old bedding and purchase new for a new hamster friend.

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Do not flush the hamster down the toilet. This will cause serious plumbing problems. Memorialize your hamster by burying it or cremating it. Talk to your vet about options.

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