5 Cute Toys for Your Pet Hamster

From exercise and play to dental hygiene, there are an incredible number of adorable toys available to keep the most inquisitive and active hamster healthy and happy. Check out these five fun options for those looking to think outside the wheel.

  1. Exercise ball racing loops: even if you've never had a hamster

before, you're probably familiar with the popular transparent spheres that let little rodents explore the big world without getting lost. Not only are these devices wonderful exercise for your pet, they also provide great entertainment for their human companions. However, you do still have to watch that they don't roll down the stairs or get stuck in a corner. Many pet stores carry additional accessories, such as plastic racetracks, that let your pet have their fun without the extra supervision. You can even link together multiple sets to make a custom track for your pet: a great project for kids!

2. Climbers: ever undaunted, hamsters are avid climbers, and always appreciate having a complex environment to explore. You'll find everything from wooden ladders and climbing blocks to swings and elaborate hamster houses. If you can't find something in the rodent section of your local pet store, you might want to consider checking the bird toys for hamster-appropriate ladders, ropes and ramps.

  3. Seesaws: another great choice for providing exercise

and entertainment, hamster seesaws make a fun addition to your pet playground. Plus, unlike a human, even a lone hamster can enjoy running back and forth to make their toy teeter and totter. You'll find tubular and plank-style seesaws in wood and plastic.

4. Cutesy Chew Toys: like all rodents, hamsters need to chew constantly in order to keep their ever-growing teeth in top condition. In the past, many hamsters had to settle for toilet paper rolls, cardboard, or sticks (which are fine options). However, these days there are seemingly endless varieties of chew toys made with rodents and rabbits in mind. Wooden chew toys make an ideal choice, though you should avoid cedar or other evergreen woods, since they can be toxic to your pet. Some of the cutest chew ables include toys in the shape of miniature human foods: from layer cakes and ice cream cones to juicy wooden burgers, complete with sesame bun.

5. Foraging toys: these toys come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and are designed to exercise brains as well as bodies. Most have small compartments where owners can hide morsels of food that pets have to work to find. These toys are perfect for satisfying your pet's foraging instinct, keeping them inquisitive and active. Click here to learn more about a veterinary clinic in San Jose for your hamster.