Hamster sounds and noises: squeaks, hisses and what they mean

What sounds do hamsters make and what do they mean?

Hamsters do not chatter like guinea pigs. Burgess explains that hamsters use various sounds, some of which are too high pitched for people to hear, so most of what they say passes you by. The sounds you can hear are squeaks, hisses, teeth chattering or clicking and, rarely, a scream. Chewy goes as far as saying a hamster making an audible noise is generally not a happy one, while The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guide links many squeaks with feeding and play. Both are true: the meaning depends on the body and the moment.

The table draws on Burgess, The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guides, Jollyes, Chewy, PDSA and Crittery. Our guide to hamster behaviour and body language covers the postures that go with these sounds.

Why is my hamster squeaking?

Usually because something has happened: food, play, a surprise or a bit of annoyance. Jollyes describes happy squeaks as high pitched, short and sharp, usually once or twice, and says a longer, drawn-out squeak points to annoyance, often from a hamster that is tired and wants to sleep. The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guide calls squeaking the most common hamster sound and says it can also mean injury, irritation or hunger.

Crittery notes that young hamsters can be quite vocal and that occasional squeaking is nothing to worry about, and that some females are louder when they are in heat. A hamster that squeaks a lot, more than it used to, or every time you touch one spot, may be stressed or in pain, and is worth a vet check.

Why does my hamster squeak when I pick it up?

Because it is scared. Jollyes describes squeaking during handling as a fear response that means handling is too much, too soon. Hamsters are prey animals, and being lifted from above feels like being caught. Go back a step: let your hamster sniff your hand, then walk onto it inside the cage or a playpen, and keep sessions short. The RSPCA also says hamsters find being handled while resting stressful, so wait until they are awake. Our guide on how to tame a hamster walks through it step by step.

Why is my hamster hissing?

It feels threatened, angry or uneasy and wants you to back off. The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guide says hissing is common in hamsters new to a home and should fade as they settle, and that a hamster hissing on its own may be bothered by something in its space, such as a new item or a cramped cage. Crittery says an angry hamster may hiss or scream, especially if woken or disturbed in its nest.

Why is my hamster chattering or clicking its teeth?

Loud, fast teeth chattering is a warning. Burgess describes a hamster standing on its back legs with front paws raised as one that may get aggressive if you do not back off, and says this may come with teeth chattering. Stop what you are doing and give it space.

Softer teeth clicking or grinding is less clear. The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guide says owners disagree on it: some link it to frustration or health problems, others to contentment. Hamster teeth grow all the time, and PDSA warns that overgrown teeth can stop a hamster eating and cause pain, weight loss and drooling. So if clicking comes with eating less, dropping food, drooling or a swollen face, see a vet.

Why did my hamster scream?

A scream is rare and means strong alarm, fright or pain. The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guide lists being dropped, fighting, pain and high stress as causes. Check your hamster straight away for injury, look for anything that could have frightened it, and if two hamsters share a cage, separate them: the RSPCA notes hamsters can be aggressive towards other hamsters, and The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guide lists keeping them together, especially Syrians, as a cause of stress. If your hamster fell, is limping, bleeding or not behaving normally afterwards, ring a vet the same day.

Which hamster noises mean you should see a vet?

Breathing noises. A small squeak, click, wheeze or rattle with each breath is not a voice. Jollyes says a respiratory infection may make a squeak-like sound during breathing, and that unsuitable bedding may play a part. PDSA says breathing problems in hamsters often point to a lung infection or heart disease, and can cause trouble breathing, loss of appetite and low energy. It advises contacting your vet immediately about changes in breathing.

• A squeak, click or wheeze that comes with every breath.
• Breathing that looks fast, laboured or open-mouthed.
• Sneezing that keeps happening, or a wet nose or weepy eyes.
• Teeth clicking with drooling, dropping food or weight loss.
• Any new, repeated squeak when you touch one part of the body.

PDSA also warns that wood shavings, sawdust and scented bedding can irritate the airways, so check the bedding first while you wait for the appointment. Our hamster health guide lists other signs to watch.

Why is my hamster so noisy at night?

Because night is their day. The RSPCA says wild hamsters are usually only active at dusk and through the night, and Burgess says pet hamsters may exercise for three to four hours each night. Most of the noise is behaviour, not voice: the wheel, digging, shifting bedding and gnawing. Crittery notes wheel running in particular can get very noisy. We share our home with a dwarf hamster, and the night-time soundtrack is mostly the wheel.

1. Check the wheel. A wobbly or rattling wheel is the loudest thing in most cages. The RSPCA says wheels must be good quality with a large diameter, and the vet-reviewed Vet Desk guide suggests a solid wheel. Our guide to hamster wheel size gives the measurements.
2. Move the cage. Chewy's advice is simply to move the cage if the noise keeps you awake. A spare room is better for you and quieter for the hamster in the day.
3. Do not stop the activity. Never take the wheel away at night to get some quiet; your hamster needs the exercise.
4. Look at bar chewing separately. Rattling the bars is a sign of stress, not normal play. See the next section.

Why does my hamster bite the cage bars at night?

Usually because the home is too small or too boring. The Vet Desk's vet-reviewed guide on cage rage lists excessive bar gnawing among its signs and says the most common cause is a cage that is too small or not cleaned often enough. It suggests a home no smaller than roughly 40 × 20 in (about 100 × 50 cm) of floor. Jollyes adds that stressed or bored hamsters chew the bars to soothe themselves, and that bar chewing can damage teeth and make dental problems worse.

The fix is a bigger home, deep bedding to dig in, plenty of things to chew and a good wheel. Our guide to hamster cage size explains how much space each type needs, and our complete hamster care guide covers the rest.