The life expectancy of a hamster depends on its general health and care. On average, a hamster lives for two to three years; with the right care, hamsters can live up to five years.

 

Maximum life expectancy: A very healthy hamster that is kept with a lot of care can reach twice the average life expectancy: four to five years.

 

Breeding: Some hamsters, especially the popular hamster species "Teddyhamster", are produced by inbreeding and are more susceptible to disease. As a result, they have a shorter life expectancy.

 

Health: To ensure that the hamster lives a long life, it should be kept away from toxic vapours and pollutants. The hamster cage should be cleaned regularly so that the hamster inhales less ammonia.

 

Stress: A common cause of death in hamsters is stress-induced diarrhoea. Noise and excessive handling contribute significantly to hamster stress.

 

Reduce risk: Injuries and infections often occur in hamsters. These should be treated professionally and quickly by a vet.