Winter is here—and while you might be wrapped in blankets with a hot drink in hand, your hamster doesn’t get to choose their thermostat. Knowing how to keep a hamster warm in winter is one of the most important parts of hamster winter care, especially for new owners. Hamsters may look fluffy and cozy, but they’re actually very sensitive to cold temperatures. If your home feels chilly to you, there’s a good chance your hamster feels it too—especially if their enclosure setup already includes common mistakes covered in what not to do with your hamster.

What Is the Ideal Temperature for Hamsters?

The ideal temperature for hamsters is between 65–75°F (18–24°C). When temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C), it can become too cold for a hamster. At this point, hamsters may enter a dangerous state known as hamster torpor.

Torpor is not true hibernation. It’s a stress response where the hamster’s body temperature and activity level drop dramatically. Without intervention, torpor can be life-threatening.

Signs Your Hamster Is Too Cold

If you’re wondering how to tell if your hamster is cold, watch for these common warning signs:

• Unusual lethargy or stillness

• Curling tightly into the nest and refusing to come out

• A body that feels cool to the touch

• Reduced appetite or movement

These are clear hamster too cold signs and shouldn’t be ignored.

How to Keep a Hamster Warm: 10 Safe & Effective Tips

1. Place the Cage in a Stable, Warm Area: Move the enclosure away from: Drafty windows, Doors, Air vents. Choose a location with a consistent room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight—warm is good, overheating is not.
2. Use Deep, Insulating Bedding: One of the easiest ways to keep a hamster warm in winter is proper bedding. Use paper-based bedding or aspen shavings and Provide at least 2–3 inches of depth. This allows your hamster to burrow and regulate their own body temperature naturally.
3. Upgrade the Hideout: Plastic hides can feel cold during winter months. Choosing enclosed hamster hideouts for winter helps reduce heat loss and gives your hamster a secure place to rest. Materials like ceramic or wood retain warmth better than plastic, making a ceramic or wooden hamster hide ideal for colder seasons. 
4. Offer Plenty of Nesting Material: Unscented toilet paper, paper towels, or commercial nesting material work perfectly. Hamster love shredding and building nests - and it helps them stay warm without stress.
5. Use a Warm Water Bottle (Short-Term Only): A bottle filled with warm (not hot) water, wrapped in a towel, can be placed outside or against one side of the cage. 
   ‼️ Important safety notes: Never place it directly inside the cage. Never use boiling water. This is a temporary solution, not a permanent heat source. 
6. Watch Nighttime Temperature Drops: Many homes get colder at night when heaters are turned down. If you’re adding blankets before bed, your hamster may need: Extra bedding, More nesting material, A better insulated hide. 
7. Skip Hamster Clothing: Hamster sweaters may look cute, but most hamsters find them stressful. Clothing can: Restrict movement, Cause overheating, Lead to tangling or injury. Let your hamster stay warm the way nature intended—through nesting.
   
8. Slightly Increase Calories (In Moderation): In winter, a small boost in energy can help. Safe options (small amounts only): Cooked egg white, Dried mealworms. These should supplement—not replace—a balanced hamster diet.
9. Use a Thermometer Near the Cage: A small thermometer helps you monitor your hamster’s environment accurately. If the room temperature drops below the hamster temperature range, it’s time to adjust.
10. Limit Handling to Short, Gentle Sessions: Your hands may be warm, but your hamster isn’t a hand warmer. Short interactions are fine—just be sure they return to a warm, secure nest afterward.

Can Hamsters Get Cold at Night?

Yes. Hamsters can get cold at night, especially in winter when indoor temperatures drop. Nighttime chills are one of the most common reasons hamsters enter torpor, making consistent warmth essential.

Final Thoughts: Hamster Winter Care Made Simple

Learning how to keep a hamster warm doesn’t require fancy equipment—just awareness, proper bedding, and a stable environment.

With the right setup, your hamster can stay cozy, safe, and comfortable all winter long.

No frozen whiskers.
No hamster popsicles.
Just a happy, warm little companion living their best tiny life. 🐹❄️