Hamsters, like other rodents, love to gnaw on things—and cage bars are no exception. Chewing is a natural and normal behavior in hamsters, but biting cage bars can be harmful.

From boredom to stress and basic instincts, there are a few key reasons hamsters sometimes bite their cages. So what can you do to stop them? Finding safer alternatives for your hamster to chew on and understanding why your hamster has been bar chewing can help prevent major issues. Here's what you need to know.

Why Do Hamsters Bite Their Cages?

There are a few main reasons why hamsters may chew on their cage bars.

• Wearing down their teeth: Unlike people, hamsters have teeth that grow continuously throughout their little lives. Because of this, they need to chew on things to keep them from getting too long and causing problems. Sometimes the food that is offered to a hamster doesn't provide enough chewing action so they look for other items in their cage that they can gnaw on.
• Boredom: If there aren't enough toys to play with or chew on, a hamster may begin bar chewing due to boredom. Hamsters need mental and physical stimulation just like other pets and if they are isolated to a small, rectangular cage with nothing to do they could resort to this activity.
• Stress: Hamsters may start bar chewing to alleviate stress caused by a variety of factors in their environment. Common examples of stressors include overly interested cats, children who don't understand how to be gentle when handling, cages that are too small, and bedding made of cedar and pine, which can be irritating to a hamster's lungs and skin.

Why Is Cage Biting a Problem?

Although it is natural, and even essential, for hamsters to gnaw on things, chewing the bars of their cage should be discouraged for a variety of reasons.

• Tooth trauma: Hamster teeth can be broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged if they chew on hard cage bars, and this can result in pain, inappetence, and infection. Even if a tooth doesn't appear broken, damage may have been done under the gum line, and veterinary treatment may be required.
• Toxicity: While it is always recommended to look for the safest and most secure cage for your hamster, some are painted and made of metal that can be toxic if ingested.
• Indication of stress or boredom: Bar chewing can occur as a symptom of boredom or anxiety. Allowing your hamster to be chronically stressed or bored is not healthy or fair and can lead to bigger behavioral or health problems. You should be looking to better manage their environment to avoid this issue.
• Escape: If a hamster is successful in its attempt to chew through the cage bars, and it damages them enough to fit through, it may escape. A hamster outside its cage can be in great danger of starvation or injury from other pets, people, furniture, and more.

How to Stop Your Hamster From Biting Its Cage

There are a few simple ways to keep a hamster from chewing on its cage bars.

Give Your Hamster Safe Items to Chew On

First, you'll want to ensure that there are plenty of safe items for your hamster to chew on in its cage. Wooden toys like ladders, houses, and rodent chew or food blocks are great options and can be easily replaced as necessary.

Keep Your Hamster Entertained

Next, make sure your hamster has an exercise wheel and other items to climb, explore, and have physical fun with.

Reduce Stressors

Finally, make sure your hamster isn't stressed. Small cages may need to be replaced with larger types and you may need to move where the cage is located. If the cage is by a window, birds outside may appear threatening to your hamster and if the cage is close to the ground or if you have a cat that can get to it, it may need to be moved so your other pets don't scare your hamster.

Noisy or excitable children can also be a source of stress. You may need to put the cage in a quiet room, and always make sure your hamster is handled gradually, positively, and gently, with adult supervision.