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My hamster is suffering. Should I euthanize or let her die naturally?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Female

Hi my name is Kate and my hamster is a Syrian in a 40 gallon And I noticed yesterday she was laying in a really tight ball not eating moving drinking so only move twice and I’m really scared and I hate seeing her suffer I think she’s passing away of old age but she’s breathing and I don’t know if she’s passed away in her body is still working or if she’s suffering and I hate to see her like this do I let her go in peace naturally or do I take her in and get her put down? Plzzz help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 20th, 2017

Hi Kate. So sorry you are having to deal with this and I sincerely apologize that no one was able to respond to you sooner. If Nibbles had not already passed away and is still showing the same symptoms you mentioned above then I suggest you take her to your vet to be euthanized humanely. You don't want her to suffer. Just letting animals pass at home sounds nice and peaceful but that is not often the case. Usually they are suffering. Again, my apologies for no one responding to you sooner. Unfortunately we are not an emergency service and not all the vets on this forum are comfortable answering questions about hamsters. Best wishes.

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