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Why does my hamster run away? How can I bond and make it less afraid?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed

She's really not the best outgoing hamster haha sometimes she gets really scared and runs if I'm around the cage and sometimes she's okay and will come out.. any tips on ways to bond with her and make her less afraid?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2017

Hamsters natural inclination being a small rodent is to be afraid/hide. Some patience and treats may help earn your hamsters trust. First try spending some time each day just sitting quietly outside your hamsters cage. You can read a book or something that doesn't require movement, just be near the cage. Once your hamster doesn't run away while you are quietly sitting you can start just placing your hand in the cage without trying to pick her up. Placing a tasty treat near your hand to entice her to come near. If you do this every day, eventually she will hopefully come to find you less scary and allow you to interact with her more!

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on November 26th, 2017

    If she wasn’t handled much as a young hamster then it may be hard for her to feel safe with a human. Always have a treat for her, and move slowly. Unfortunately she may never be very social. Just keep trying and being patient.

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