Are you someone that is trying to learn how to train your hamster to cuddle?
It seems like something that would happen naturally right? Well, it doesn’t always end up the way you want it to!
There are many times a hamster is going to stay to itself and will even fear being around you. This is normal and there is nothing to worry about. You are doing nothing wrong! Instead, it’s time to strengthen your bond with the hamster.
By understanding how to train your hamster to cuddle, you will start to pick up subtle cues. These cues are going to make your life easier.
This guide will teach you how to train your hamster to cuddle, what to look for, and how to make sure you are using quality hamster treats to woo the small animal.
Best Treats for Training Hamsters (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Supports dental health through natural chewing activity
- Made with sun cured timothy hay and apples
- Great enrichment and foraging for small animals
Last update on 2023-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Kaytee Timothy Biscuits are a show-stopper when it comes to bonding with your hamster. If they start to associate these delicious baked apple treats with your presence, this is an immediate win and will make cuddling a reality.
These biscuits are specifically made for hamsters and are right in line with their taste buds. They are made with apple and timothy hay making them an ideal option for your pet.
Along with having a great taste profile, these hamster treats are wonderful for a hamster’s teeth. As soon as they start biting into them, their teeth will improve in quality too. This is a bonus that cannot be ignored.
How To Train Your Hamster To Cuddle
Use Quality Hamster Treats
A good starting point is to create a way to bond with the hamster.
Now most people are going to use traditional methods such as positive affirmations and that’s wonderful, but you also have to create something tangible to help woo the pet.
One of the best ways to do this is by using hamster treats to train your pet. These treats are going to work well because the hamster will begin to correlate getting a delicious treat with being around you. This is when the bond strengthens.
Remember, hamsters are clever animals and are going to know when there is something in it for them.
After a while, they are organically going to want to be around you even when hamster treats aren’t involved. This is when you know the bond has been created and they are going to want to spend time with you.
Always invest in the best hamster treats for training hamsters, so you see good results and keep winning them over heading into the future.
Start by Introducing Your Hand in the Cage
There are several ways of doing this but one of the best methods is to simply introduce your hand into the cage.
What does this do?
It’s going to allow the hamster to understand you are a safe part of the hamster cage and won’t harm it. When your hand is in the cage, don’t try to push forward and grab the hamster aggressively! This is going to have a horrible impression on the pet and may ruin your chances of building a proper bond.
Your goal should be to let the hand sit in the hamster cage and wait until the pet approaches it.
Let them sniff around the hand and wait until they start getting comfortable with it. This is when you are going to earn their trust.
When you try to rush this part of the process, you are going to have an aggravated hamster that doesn’t want to be around you.
This is a negative association no one wants to build with their hand and the hamster.
Be patient when you are doing this and wait until the hamster is ready. Even if this takes 20-30 minutes, it is okay. You have to be patient.
Handle Your Hamster Every Day
A lot of hamster owners learn this the hard way, but your pet can easily end up heading in the wrong direction when it comes to building a strong bond.
Yes, if you haven’t been around the hamster for 2-3 weeks, they will easily forget about you and become used to the new normal.
This is when hamster owners get frustrated and believe there is something wrong with their pet! However, it simply has to do with you not taking the time to focus on the hamster or not being around them enough.
The goal has to be to stay around the hamster every day. This is when they are going to enjoy your company and become used to you.
If you are unwilling to do this, you are going to realize how hard it is to train a hamster. They are not going to want to cuddle when you are not a big part of their daily routine. They will eventually forget about you and think about other things.
Some hamster owners find this challenging, but it is also rewarding. You want a pet that builds a strong bond and that is something hamsters can do, but consistency is something they ask of you.
Use a Hamster Ball
One of the smarter methods that tends to work is to make going outside the hamster cage a fun activity.
Since your hamster is going to want to move around and explore, why not invest in a good hamster ball? This is going to allow the hamster to get its feet moving while you can also become a positive part of their time outside the cage.
When they have done a good bit of working out with the hamster ball, you can start to pet them and hold them.
They may be more likely to like this experience after they have worked out.
Of course, it’s important to be gentle during this part of the process and not rush it.
Too many hamster owners get aggressive because they assume the pet is on the same wavelength as them. Unfortunately, this doesn’t have to be the case, so you are going to have to work with the hamster to see how it feels.
If you believe the hamster is apprehensive after spending time in the hamster ball, it’s okay to take the day off and try again later.
This is a major piece of advice you have to understand when figuring out how to train your hamster to cuddle.
Gently Pet Your Hamster
Your touch is essential when it is time to bond with your hamster.
As you start to learn how to train your hamster to cuddle, you will want them to get used to the idea of being around your hands and your body. This means taking the time to pet them on their back or under their chin.
As you do this more and more, they will become comfortable with your touch and trust you. This is when you have won them over!
If you are not touching them gently or taking the time to be around them, they will eventually steer clear of you.
This is not something you want to happen but it can if you are not diligent enough!
Be smart and make sure you are using good hamster treats and regularly petting the hamster. Sometimes, you are going to have to do this for 5-10 minutes for them to build a good relationship with your touch.
Each hamster is unique and that is why you have to stay patient during the initial weeks.
Final Thoughts
Do you want to learn how to train your hamster to cuddle?
The tips and tricks that are listed here can be a wonderful starting point. You are going to get the opportunity to appreciate what works and what doesn’t as you begin to understand your hamster’s tendencies.
Whether it is using hamster streets or a hamster ball, you will want to implement a proper strategy as soon as you get the chance to do so.
This is how you are going to start to feel good about what you are doing and how it all works out.
Along with learning how to train your hamster to cuddle, please also take the opportunity to read through the following guides – top ways to keep a hamster warm indoors, best ways to get a hamster to adore you, how to set up a good sand bath for hamsters, and reasons to use a good hamster ball at home.