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The Top 10 Best Hamster Cages of 2019 – (Buying Guide)

Your hamster’s cage is more than a home – it’s his entire world.

The type and quality of the cage have a dramatic effect on your hammy’s health and happiness. Give your furry buddy the best life possible by selecting the perfect cage. Here’s the ten best hamster cages for 2019:

1. Prevue Pet Products 528 Small Animal Home

Hamsters, gerbils and other small animals will feel right at home in this wire cage from Prevue Pets. It’s 18 inches long by 12 3/8 inches wide. The tight 3/8-inch wire spacing keeps your pet safely inside while allowing for plenty of airflow.

The 6 1/4 tubby base provides extra space for your hammy to run and play. It’s deep enough to prevent wire chewing while also increasing your pet’s feelings of safety and security. You can add a platform and ramp to the side of the cage to create a second story.

Two large doors make the cage easy to maintain. Each measures 12 3/4 inches long by 9 1/4 inches wide. The top door is great for removing the cage’s contents when it’s time for a thorough cleaning, while the side door works great for daily tasks like refilling the water bowl.

2. MidWest Homes for Pets Hamster Cage

It’s more than a hamster home – it’s a hamster play center. The Critterville Arcade home is a multi-level hamster habitat with tubes, wheels, a ramp, hidey hole and more.

It has a wire top to let air flow in while the deep base is made from easy-to-clean, durable plastic. You can add additional tubes and accessories (although they’re sold separately).

This is a great choice for new hamster owners because it includes everything you need. Aside from the cage, you get an exercise wheel, water bottle, food bowl, circular nest, and interior tubes.

3. Ferplast Hamster Cage

Double the levels means double the fun for your furry friend. Ferplast’s cage has a unique two-tiered design. The lower level is in a deep, clear plastic bin filled with sawdust. A ramp leads up to a wire room with a plastic nest.

It’s a modular cage. Multiple cages can be connected with plastic tubing. It can be a fun way to create a unique habitat for your hamster (although it’s best to keep just one hamster in the structure).

Access to the cage is easy due to a locked access door at the top. Both the plastic and mesh sections are easy to keep clean, making this cage a good choice for anyone concerned about hamster smells.

4. Kaytee Critter Trail 2-Level Habitat

Colorful and fun, this cage is ideal for young, active hamsters. It has tubes, a spiral ramp and even a running wheel mounted on top of the cage (it’s completely enclosed for maximum safety).

Kids will love watching the hamster race up the ramps, play in the tower and run on the wheel. Plus, the cage has a removable section which reveals a petting zone.

Parents will love how the cage is an all-in-one kit with a wheel, food dish, water bottle, and plastic nest. It’s easy to expand because it’s compatible with all other CritterTrail accessories.

5. Ferplast Hamster Cage

Compact but packed with activities, this cage from Ferplast is ideal for smaller breeds like dwarf hamsters. It has two stories connected by a fairly long and windy plastic tube.

The upper platform holds a plastic nest and water bottle while the lower plastic bin has an exercise wheel and food bowl. It’s an all-in-one set with everything except bedding. Plus, you can connect it to other Ferplast accessories.

6. Hamster and Small Animal Cage from Rosewood Pet

Rosewood Pet has created a spacious cage for large hamsters which fits just about anywhere. It’s a vertical cage with ramps and rails for the hamster to climb on. It’s 50 cm wide, 47 cm tall and 36 cm deep. The wire mesh spacing is a secure 8.5 mm.

By adding ladders and levels, the tall cage is an easy way to keep a large hamster healthy even if you don’t have much space in your home for a large cage.

7. Habitrail Cristal Hamster Cage

Keep your hamster healthy by keeping his cage clean. Habitrail’s Cristal Cage features durable, safe plastic and wire construction. It’s 16 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9.5 inches tall.

The deep plastic pan contains bedding. Patented lock connectors keep all items secure, but they’re also easy to remove for quick cleaning with soapy water.

The cage includes a small nest area, exercise wheel, water bottle, and food dish. Habitrail is a trusted name in pet care, with every product designed for the animal’s comfort and needs.

8. Prevue Pet Products Hamster Haven

The first thing you’ll likely notice is the nest at the top of the cage shaped like a hamster face. Kids love it! The entire cage is colorful, bright and fun.

It’s a tri-level design with a slide ramp, exercise wheel, dome, platforms, burrowing space and more. The cage is 14 inches long, 10.5 inches and 16 inches high.

Cleaning is easy with a small door in the front and a larger access door on top.

9. Lixit Animal Care Savic Hamster Heaven

Your hamster can explore above and beyond with this unique cage from Lixit Animal Care. It has a plastic tube which extends out and across the top of the cage. Your hamster can have a whole new view!

The inside of the cage is packed with ramps and hiding areas. Your hamster has three levels to explore. It also includes an exercise wheel, water bottle, food bowl and even a toilet (although there’s no guarantee your hamster will use it).

10. IRIS Hamster Cage

With a design featuring rainbows and blue skies, this cage is peaceful and relaxing with a slight feminine touch. It’s a three-level habitat with wire sides, a clear plastic front, painted back wall and blue plastic bin.

It’s 17 by 12 by 19 inches. Three yellow ramps provide plenty of places for your hamster to crawl and explore. It includes a wheel, water bottle, and food dish.

The cage design combines the ventilation of wire with the visibility of plastic. You can watch your hamster run and play, but he still has plenty of fresh air.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Different Types of Hamster Cages?

Not all hamster cages are the same. Fortunately, cage features are divided into a few simple categories. When shopping for a hamster cage, consider the following factors:

• Size
• Type
• Ventilation
• Escape-proof rating
• Levels

Thoroughly inspect any cage before placing your hamster inside. Also, keep a close watch on your hamster for a few days after placing him in his new home. Hamsters are curious creatures who will explore every inch of their cage. You want to identify any potential dangers, escape points and other problems before your hamster does.

What’s the Best Size for a Hamster Cage?

Hamsters aren’t just pets. They’re wild animals, too. When in nature, hamsters live underground in large burrows.

Generally, hamsters love room to roam. The ASPCA recommends a cage no smaller than 10 gallons. Bigger is almost always better so carefully consider your budget and home space then buy the largest cage possible.

What are the Different Types of Cages?

There are three:

• Wire
• Plastic
• Glass

Wire

Cages made from wire mesh are the most common. The four walls and top of the cage are made from wire. However, the bottom of the cage consists of a plastic pan which is about as high as your palm.

The plastic area is where your hamster will spend the majority of his time. It’s arguably the most important part of the cage. Make sure the plastic is durable, non-toxic and has no weak sections a hamster could chew through.

Not all wire cages are appropriate for hamsters. For instance, most bird cages will have wires which are too widely spaced to confine a hamster safely. If a hamster’s head fits between the wires, his body can, too.

Wires spacing should be more than one centimeter for dwarf hamsters. For all other types, spacing should be no wider than 1.5 centimeters.

Wire Cage Pros:

• Well-ventilated
• Easy to clean
• Durable, sturdy and long-lasting
• Easy to disassemble and transport

Wire Cage Cons:

• Finding the right wire spacing size can be difficult
• Doesn’t hold bedding well
• Doesn’t mask hamster smells
• Hamster’s paws can get stuck at times

Plastic

Plastic cages have plastic walls and a floor with a wire lid on the top. They’re usually see-through. The plastic is durable, non-toxic and specifically made for small animals.

You can also make your own plastic cage by attaching wire mesh over a plastic storage bin. However, this usually isn’t recommended. The type of plastic used in storage bins isn’t necessarily safe for hamsters to chew. Plus, it can be difficult to maintain proper ventilation in a homemade cage.

Plastic Cage Pros:

• Less of a chewing hazard than wire
• Bedding remains inside the cage
• Easy to attach tubes and tunnels
• Higher plastic walls allow for deeper bedding

Plastic Cage Cons:

• Poor ventilation
• Requires more frequent cleaning than wire cages
• Less portable
• Smells can become trapped

Glass

Hamsters can live in glass aquariums, too. Use a lid made from a wire mesh screen. Make sure the aquarium is at least five and a half gallons for dwarf hamsters and 10 gallons for all otheres.

Glass Cage Pros:

• Less risk of chewing-related injury than wire
• Allows for deep nest building and burrowing
• Gives you a clear view of your furry friend

Glass Cage Cons:

• Cleaning is a hassle
• Ventilation can be poor
• Hamster might feel too exposed
• Usually colder than wire or plastic

What Accessories Do I Need?

Your hamster needs a few relatively-simple things to be happy:

• Food
• Water
• Bedding
• Sleeping area
• Exercise wheel

Food

Hamsters eat food pellets out of a small dish. The specific type and amount will depend on your breed of hamster. The dish should be tall enough to keep out bedding but also easy for the hamster to access.

Water

Hamsters drink from hanging water bottles. Wire cages are the easiest because you can hang the bottle from just about anywhere.

With plastic cages, you can drill holes in the walls to anchor the bottle. Just make sure the hole is exact. Even a slight space can give your hamster an opening to chew through the entire cage!

You can also hang the bottle from the side, which works well for both plastic and glass cages. Additionally, free-standing water bottles can go right into the cage.

Bedding

Bedding has two types:

• General floor cover for the majority of the cage
• Nesting material for the sleeping area

Most bedding is shavings, although pellets and stripes are also popular. There are many different bedding options available including:

• Wood
• Paper
• Grass
• Grains

Remove soiled bedding daily. Your hamster will typically pick one spot in the cage for urine and another for feces.

Change bedding completely every month. Mix a bit of old bedding in with the new. This keeps the hamster’s scent in the cage, which makes him feel comfortable.

Sleeping Area / Nest

Create a small area with softer bedding, which your hamster will use to sleep and de-stress. You can find plastic domes, small boxes and other shelters specifically made for small animals.

Nests are extremely important for the hamster’s emotional well-being. He’ll bring food and bedding into the nest from time to time. Hamsters feel the safest when sleeping in small, private areas.

Exercise Wheel

Hamsters have lots of energy they need to burn off. A hamster wheel is necessary for good health. Choose a wheel made from solid sections. Avoid wire wires. The spaces between the wires can cause accidental injury.

What’s the Best Type of Hamster Cage?

Hamsters, like people, have individual preferences about how they like to live. But all hamsters have a few basic conditions which must be met so they’ll feel comfortable:

Generally, hamsters prefer to live alone. They’re usually aggressively protective of their territory. Two hamsters in the same cage with often fight frequently – even to the death! Plan on keeping one hamster per cage.

Also, hamsters need a steady supply of wood, treats and other safe things to chew on. Hamsters are rodents, which means their teeth never stop growing. Chewing helps manage tooth growth properly and keeps the hamster comfortable.

Keep the environment between 65 and 75 degrees. Hamsters enjoy moderate, consistent temperatures. Although you should keep your hamster inside at all times, it’s okay to place the cage near an open window on nice days. He’ll enjoy the fresh air.

Cage Placement

Place the cage somewhere relatively quiet but not isolated. For example, the family room or the kitchen is probably too loud and busy. A bedroom is usually the better option.

Hamsters don’t want to be around constant noise and bustle. But, despite their solitary nature, they do enjoy seeing their human family. Keep in mind hamsters are nocturnal, so keep the cage in a spot where he can run on the wheel and otherwise make noise at night without waking the household.

Preventing Illness

If a hamster doesn’t feel comfortable in his home, he’ll develop physical symptoms. Sometimes this condition is referred to as “cage rage.” Symptoms of cage rage include:

• Red eyes
• Ruffled coat
• Erratic sleeping patterns
• Excessive cage chewing

Experiment with Cage Styles

Fortunately, the solution for cage rage is usually as simple as an upgrade to a larger cage. You can also try shifting the type of environment. Some hamsters love tunnels and tight spaces, while others prefer more open areas. Some love to run on the wheel while others like tubes and ramps. Feel free to remove or add accessories to find the best setup for your hamster.

How Do I Safely Reach into the Cage?

For the first few days, avoid handling your hamster. Let him explore his new home at his own pace. Also, cover his cage with a blanket for a few hours each day. The extra privacy will help him feel comfortable and secure.

When your hamster starts to feel more comfortable, you can start to handle him gently. He’ll likely grow more comfortable with you over time. While reaching into his cage might cause him to scurry at first, in a week or so he should become comfortable with daily “intrusions” like food refills and litter changing.

Final Thoughts

Hamsters are fantastic furry companions which kids and adults love. The right home, along with lots of love, will keep your hamster happy and healthy.