Winter white, Chinese, Syrian, Roborovskii's and Russian; hamsters come in all shapes and sizes, with varying requirements and needs, personalities and preferences. For example, Syrian hamsters, which are also known as Golden hamsters, are large and solitary. Dwarf hamsters on the other hand are sociable and can be kept in familial pairs.
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It seems only right then that there are many types of hamster cages for these cute little critters to call home. However, for the sake of animal welfare and health, a hamster cage must meet certain standards.
We’re here to help you find the best hamster cages that are safe, secure and fun for your pet hamster.
The RSPCA has a great page dedicated to information on how to look after your pet hamster, including a range of criteria about a hamster’s home, i.e. hamster food, cage and shelter.
You can click the list below to jump to our best picks of the best hamster cages:
1. Best cage for dwarf hamsters: Ferplast Plastic Duna Fun Hamster Cage
2. Best two-tier hamster cage: Ferplast Favola Two-Tier Hamster Cage
3. Best large hamster cage: Savic Plaza Rat and Syrian Hamster Cage
4. Best all-in-one hamster cage: Savic Gerbilarium Gerbil and Syrian Hamster Cage
5. Best hamster cage for multiple hamsters: Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Hamster Cage
6. Best extra-large hamster cage: Pico XL Hamster Cage Silver
The best Hamster Cages:
Ferplast Plastic Duna Fun Hamster Cage
Pros: Plastic construction, multiple levels to explore Cons: Fitting the wheel to the wire mesh can be fiddly
The Duna Fun Hamster Cage will make a lovely home for a dwarf hamster, providing the little fellow roughly 430-sq. inches of space. This is plenty of room for them to get digging and playing, with three levels, ladders, a wheel and a tube to be explored. The cage comes with a food bowl, nesting shelter and water bottle.
There’s room for some expansion here, with the tube section being expandable with additional piping and pods (sold separately).
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| For | Dwarf hamster |
| Size | L55 x W39 x H37.5 cm |
| Materials | Plastic and metal |
Ferplast Favola Two-Tier Hamster Cage
AmazonPros: Plastic, two-tier system makes efficient use of space Cons: No room for large internal-cage accessories
The base of the Favola Hamster Cage measures a little smaller than we are typically comfortable recommending, at roughly 340-sq. inches. However, unlike other small cages, this one has an extensive second tier that almost doubles the available area. The transparent plastic lets you keep an eye on your hamster and is easy to clean.
The cage comes with a shelter, drinking bottle, bowl, wheel, ladder, and can connect with tubes and other habitats from Ferplast.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| For | Dwarf hamster |
| Size | L60 x W36.5 x H30 cm |
| Materials | Plastic and metal |
Savic Plaza Rat and Syrian Hamster Cage
Pros: Large and well built Cons: Small shelf
Specifically designed for the chunky end of the hamster genus, this Syrian hamster cage is ideal for a larger critter. With a floor space of around 770-sq. inches, there’s plenty for a hamster to explore and exercise. While the shelf is on the small side, the ladder is lengthy and promises lots of stumbling fun for a hamster. The overall size of the cage allows for some engaging accessories to be added in later.
It's worth noting that the door for this large hamster cage is on the side, so making sure that it’s closed tight after handling or cleaning to prevent any rogue adventuring.
Cage includes a stainless steel feeding bowl, 150 ml drinking bottle, exercise wheel and hamster shelter.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| For | Syrian hamster |
| Size | L100 x W50 x H50 cm |
| Materials | Plastic and metal |
Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Hamster Cage
Pros: Lots of activities Cons: Lots to clean
While the Hamster Heaven cage comes in slightly smaller than the Savic cage above, measuring roughly 614-sq. inches, it makes up for this reduced size with plenty of shelving and activities. There are two shelves (one is shaped into zig-zagging pathways), two shelters, a slide, a wheel and a tunnel and pod network. The kit also includes a water bottle.
The bottom plastic tray is nice and deep too, so there’s a little extra defence against the shavings and nesting materials that will inevitably be flung around as the hamster digs.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| For | Syrian hamster |
| Size | L80 x W50 x H80 cm |
| Materials | Plastic and metal |
Savic Gerbilarium Gerbil and Syrian Hamster Cage
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Pros: Comes with a lot of fun elements like a play tube, and is large in size Cons: Might be too large for just one hamster.
This hamster cage simulates a natural environment with a lot of space to burrow and climb. The stimulating, full of the fun interior will be a comfy home for your hamster. They'll get the exercise they need plus it's made from durable plastic which makes it value for money.
The cage comes with a wire dual-level roof, ladder, feeding bowl, water bottle and a play tube.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| For | Syrian hamster |
| Size | H51 x W70 x D37 cm |
| Materials | Plastic |
Pico XL Hamster Cage Silver
jollyes.co.ukwww.jollyes.co.uk
Pros: Large size, easy to clean, and lots of ladders and shelves. Cons: As it's fully furnished, there's not much room to add anything else.
If you're looking for a cage that is fully furnished and has a lot of places for your hamster to make a den then this is for you. There are multiple shelves and ladders so your hamster can move around freely and make the most of its space while getting exercise. The cage has a loft den that will be nice for your hamster to sleep in but also means you can easily access your pet. You'll know they're safe but they'll still get privacy with this one. You can lift off the cage and the accessories as one unit for convenient cleaning. It also has 8.5mm bar spacing.
The cage includes a unique loft den, water bottle, food dish and solid wheel.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| For | Russian, Dwarf and Syrian hamsters |
| Size | L47 x W50 x D36 cm |
| Materials | Plastic and metal |
What do hamsters need from a cage?
Location
First of all, regardless of the cage you choose, it needs to be placed in a location that is draught-free, quiet and with a stable temperature. It should also be away from direct sunlight. You can find out more from the RSPCA on this topic here.
Material
The cage should be either plastic or metal. Avoid wood, as it's absorbent and difficult to clean, with surfaces quickly becoming smelly, unsanitary and potentially rotten.
Size
As PetHelpful.com notes, there’s some inconsistency from various animal welfare groups about the exact dimensions of the cage, which has led the RSPCA to suggest “as large as possible”.
The type of hamster that you have will dictate the size cage needed, with Syrian hamsters needing double the open space of dwarf hamsters. We strongly recommend that you do not go for an option smaller than our picks below.
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While it may be tempting to pick up a cage intended for a gerbil or rabbit to give you hamster as much space as possible, pay heed to the gaps between cage bars. Those found on larger cages are often wider apart, which allows for hamsters to escape.
Activities
When it comes to the cage and its contents, it needs to have a dark nesting box shelter and a quiet, private place to hide - the more choice, the better, because hamsters are timid creatures and can easily be spooked.
There also needs to be plenty of engaging items to keep them entertained and happy, including wheels, tubes and gnawing items, as well as an area of open space. It’s worth noting that tubes and extensions cannot be counted as part of the cage’s overall size. Think of these more as extra-curricular activities that help your hamster stay fit, healthy and entertained.
Essentials - The best bedding confetti and woodshavings
AmazonMuch like we humans, hamsters love their beds to be soft, clean and warm. We think that Carefresh Complete Natural Paper Bedding Confetti is the best around, being all-natural, highly absorbent, as well as dust and odour-free.
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www.petsathome.com
Soft, dust-free with natural odour control, these wood shavings make a great covering for your hamster's cage (recommend coverage between 3-6 cm.) They're biodegradable and absorbent so best of both worlds.
What are the most common breeds of hamster?
Syrian hamster: They are also known as Golden hamsters and are large and solitary. Syrian hamsters are the most popular breed to keep as a pet as they are easy to handle.
Winter white hamster: A breed of dwarf hamster, they are small and quick. Because they are so small a glass hamster cage is preferable to a wire one.
Russian dwarf hamster: Similar to a winter white, Russian dwarf hamsters are also small but not as easy to handle. They make good pets and have a life span of around two years.
Chinese hamsters: Most recognisable for their striped fur, Chinese hamsters are good-natured and mostly nocturnal.
Roborovskii hamsters: A very sociable breed Robrovskii hamsters are nocturnal but very sweet-natured.
What are the types of hamster cages?
Hamster bin cage: The most affordable style of a hamster cage, the hamster bin cage is simply a plastic storage bin with a lid. As long as you drill holes for ventilation this DIY type of cage will suit any type of hamster.
Wooden hamster cage: A good choice if you are happy to get your toolbox out and build something for your hamster. The wood must be untreated so that the hamster can chew on it and no glue must be used as it can be poisonous.
Alaska hamster cage: The most common type of hamster cage, also known as a wire-top cage often has a plastic base with a wire mesh top which makes it easy to fix water feeders and toys to the sides. They can come in varying sizes and provide lots of space for your pet.
Glass hamster cage: Also known as aquarium cages, a glass cage can be a fun option if you want to see what your pet is doing. They can be heavy to handle and a more costly option.
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William Lobley is a Content Writer and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in technology, gaming, and outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.
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