How to tell if a hamster is dying: Signs and symptoms

Hamsters have short lives, most only live to be between one and a half to three years old. As such, it’s likely you’ll notice your pet slowing down as time goes by.

However, it can be difficult to know whether the changes you’re seeing are a normal part of ageing, a sign of illness, or something more serious. Our guide explains what symptoms to look out for – and answers a common question for hamster owners: is my hamster dying, or could they be in torpor?

If you’re worried about your hamster’s health, be sure to contact your vet. Some symptoms can indicate a treatable illness, so it’s always worth getting advice sooner rather than later.

For more information about how to keep your hamster healthy and care for their wellbeing, read our guide to your hamster’s health.

How do I know if my hamster is dying?

Hamsters are prey animals, which means they instinctively hide signs of illness for as long as possible. By the time symptoms become obvious, a hamster may already be very unwell. Knowing what to look out for can help you to act quickly.

Signs that your hamster may be seriously unwell or nearing the end of their life include:

• Significant loss of appetite or not drinking – if food and water remain untouched over a 24 hour period, contact your vet
• Lethargy (a severe lack of energy) and not emerging at their usual time. A healthy hamster will be active in the evening but a hamster that stays hidden or barely moves during their usual active hours could be unwell
• Noticeable weight loss or a thin, frail appearance
• Laboured, noisy, or irregular breathing
• Stopping grooming, resulting in a dull, unkempt coat
• Seeking isolation – hiding more than usual, or moving to an unfamiliar spot in the enclosure
• Little or no response to being gently touched or spoken to

It is worth noting that some of these signs – particularly loss of appetite, laboured breathing, and lethargy – can be symptoms of treatable illnesses rather than signaling the end of life. A vet who specialises in small mammals will be best placed to advise you on the cause of your hamster’s symptoms. You can read more about what a healthy hamster looks and acts like on our hamster health page.

Is my hamster dying or in torpor?

Finding your hamster cold, still, and unresponsive can be very distressing. Before assuming the worst, it’s worth considering that your hamster may be in torpor – a short-term, sleep-like state that hamsters can enter when they are too cold, have limited access to food and water, or experience reduced daylight. You can read more about this on our hamster hibernation and torpor page.

A hamster in torpor can look very similar to one that has died. The key differences to check for are:

• Breathing – a hamster in torpor will still breathe, though very slowly (as little as one breath every two minutes). Watch their chest carefully for several minutes for signs of breathing
• Flexibility – a hamster in torpor will feel limp and soft, whereas a hamster that has died will become stiff due to rigor mortis in the hours after death, then gradually loosen again
• Temperature – a torpid hamster may feel cool but is usually still slightly warm, but a hamster that has died will feel cold all over
• Location – a hamster in torpor is typically found curled up in their nest but a hamster that has died may be in an unusual position away from their sleeping area

If you suspect torpor, move your hamster gradually to a warmer area (do not place them directly on a heat source). Do not put them in water. If they begin to show small movements or twitching over the next hour or two, they are likely coming out of torpor. If there is no change, or if you are at all unsure, contact your vet.

If your hamster has passed away, it is natural to feel upset. The bond we form with our pets is very meaningful and losing them is a genuine loss.

The Blue Cross guide to saying goodbye to a small pet has compassionate advice on what to expect and how to look after yourself during this time.