Hamsters are very clean animals and they groom themselves frequently. They also tend to consume a lot of their fur while grooming.
However, you may have noticed that your hamster smells like urine and you’re not alone.
Many hamster owners report that their pets have a strong ammonia-like odor. There are a few possible explanations for why this may be the case.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 possible reasons why your hamster smells like pee, and offer some tips on how to fix the problem.
Why does my hamster smell like pee?
Hamsters have a sebaceous gland on their abdomens that produces an oily substance. This substance helps keep their fur clean, free of debris, and healthy-looking. But also has a strong scent that some people say smells like pee. These hamsters’ natural oils may stink.
This oil gland is responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that helps to keep the hair and skin healthy. Sebum is composed of lipids, waxes, and fatty acids. It helps to keep the skin soft and supple, and it also provides a barrier against water loss.
Sebum also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which helps to keep the skin clean and free of infection, and the scent produced is often used to mark territory and warn off potential rivals.
By the time a hamster reaches adulthood, the ventral gland is typically barely visible. However, some hamsters continue to produce a small amount of oil throughout their life.
Other possible reasons
The above-mentioned reason has to do with anatomy. But some behavioral reasons may cause your hamster to smell like urine. For example:
- Water intake. One possibility is that your hamster is simply not getting enough water. This can happen if you’re using a water bottle rather than a bowl, as the spout can get clogged and prevent the water from flowing freely. If your hamster’s water intake is low, their body will start to break down stored fats and proteins for energy, which can lead to an ammonia-like smell. You can solve this problem by simply switching to a bowl and making sure to clean it out regularly.
- Diet. Certain foods can cause their urine to smell stronger, so if you’ve recently changed their food or added anything new to their diet, that could be the cause.
- His cage is too small. A cramped cage can cause stress, which can lead to behavioral problems like overgrooming. In extreme cases, this can lead to self-mutilation and even death. Make sure to give your hamster plenty of space to exercise and explore, and consider upgrading to a larger cage if necessary.
- Your hamster is sick. Ammonia-like odors can be one symptom of various illnesses, so if you notice any other changes in your pet’s behavior or appearance, take them to the vet for a checkup. With proper care and attention, you can help keep your hamster healthy and smelling sweet.
If your hamster smells like urine, the mentioned above facts are a few possible reasons why. It could be that they are not cleaning themselves properly, they could have an infection, or they could be marking their territory.
10 Good Tips to Fix it
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to clean your hamster’s cage and make sure they are healthy. Here are 10 tips to help you fix the problem:
1. Check the cage for cleanliness
The first thing you should do if your hamster smells like urine is to check its cage. If it is dirty, your hamster will likely continue to smell bad no matter what you do. Make sure to clean the cage regularly and spot clean as needed.
2. Give your hamster a bath
If your hamster is not cleaning itself properly, you may need to give him a bath. Be sure to use a gentle soap and avoid getting water in their ears or nose. You should also make sure the water is not too hot or cold.
3. Take your hamster to the vet
If you’ve tried cleaning your hamster’s cage and bathing him, but the smell persists, it’s time to take them to the vet. They may have an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.
4. Change their diet
If your hamster’s diet is lacking, it could be the reason they are smelling bad. Make sure they are getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as high-quality pellet food.
5. Add more bedding
If your hamster’s cage doesn’t have enough bedding, this could be causing the problem. Be sure to add more bedding, and make sure it is clean and fresh.
6. Get a bigger cage
If your hamster’s cage is too small, this could also be the reason they are smelling bad. Make sure to get a bigger cage so they have enough room to move around and stay clean. Hamsters need at least two square feet of space for every inch of body length.
7. Move their cage to a different location
If your hamster’s cage is in a humid or drafty location, this could be making the problem worse. Try moving their cage to a different location, such as a room with better ventilation.
8. Give them more toys
If your hamster is bored, this could be another reason they are smelling bad. Make sure to give them plenty of toys to keep them entertained, such as a wheel, tunnels, and chew toys.
9. Use air fresheners
If the smell of your hamster’s cage is still bothering you, try using an air freshener. Be sure to choose one that is safe to use around animals.
10. Consider getting another hamster
If you’ve tried everything and your hamster is still smelling bad, you may want to consider getting another one. This way, they will have a friend to clean them and keep them entertained.
Final thoughts
Hamsters are naturally clean animals and they groom themselves frequently. However, sometimes they can develop an odor, usually due to poor hygiene or medical condition.
If your hamster smells like urine, there is an anatomical reason why.
There are a few things you can do to try to fix the bad smell. Be sure to clean their cage regularly and provide fresh bedding as needed.
You may also need to try to change the diet or bathe him.
If all our suggested tips fail, you may need to consult with your veterinary. There could be a medical condition that is generating the smell.
