Hamsters are small, incredibly adorable and one of the most common choices for pets everywhere. Dwarf hamsters are tinier, and they are becoming very popular lately. Without denying their cuteness, we should mention that they can be quite crafty at escaping from their habitat.
Therefore, it is necessary to choose the best dwarf hamster cage for your furry little friend. It needs to be comfortable, secure, safe, and healthy. This will provide for a happier life for the little one.
Furthermore, there are quite a few things you need to pay attention to when choosing a cage for the ball of fur. Before we reveal our list for the best dwarf hamster cages, we would like to share with you a short checklist that would be very helpful when you are making a choice.
Best Dwarf Hamster Cage Checklist
Check the size
Think about what kind of home you would like to have. Maybe you already have your dream home. How big it is or would it be? Do you have enough space to walk around freely? Do you have enough space for all your possessions? You would like to breathe and live comfortably.
Well, it is the same for your little furry companion. Even though it is small, it still needs ample space for a healthy and happy life, because a small area can cause stress to the hamster.
So, if you want to take care of a hamster, the first thing you need to consider is the size of the habitat. The bigger the cage is the better. Why? Because it will reduce feelings of aggression, it will give the hamster more space for exercise, and you won’t have to clean it that often.
For dwarf hamsters, it is recommended to have a floor space of a minimum of 120 square inches and around 7 inches from the surface of the bedding to the ceiling.
The material matters too
Metal, glass, or plastic, whichever you choose, ensure it is the right one for your little friend. The most common ones are cages made of plastic or wire. However, wire habitats need to have a plastic bottom, because it won’t be safe for the hamster if it is made of wire.
If you choose a habitat made of wire, take a look at the spacing. It shouldn’t be too wide because the hamster may be able to escape. But, with wire cages, there is enough air circulation because of the spacing of the bars.
Plastic habitats are a little bit more popular among hamster owners because they are easier to clean. However, if you choose a plastic cage, you’ll need to provide your hamster with more accessories because it won’t be able to climb up the wall.
Glass tanks are a bit pricey, and they are difficult to clean because they are heavy. Although, if you decide to keep the little one close to where you sleep, they are a quieter option.
Coziness
As you would like to have space for all your gadgets, your hamster would be happier if it would have as well. Hamsters are very active creatures and they enjoy having enough space for running around and playing.
Besides having ample space for running, the habitat has to have enough room for the toys and wheels also.
The cage has to be homey for the hamster so that it feels cozy and free in its living space.
Let’s not forget about the bedding
If hamsters enjoy something, that would be digging. They are burrowing creatures and providing them ample space for digging will make their life so much happier.
So, how can you, as a hamster owner, make your furry ball happier? Take the depth and the type of bedding into consideration. Take a look at the lower tray and see if there are at least two inches for bedding. As with the size of the caged, the same goes for the depth of the bedding. The deeper the space for bedding is the better.
If you choose a wire habitat, this is a very important feature you need to examine. As wire cages have spacing between the wires, the hamster can push items and bedding through them.
Is it easy to clean?
This is another very important thing to have in mind when choosing a hamster cage, not only for the little one but for you as well. If you don’t choose the right habitat, you could be living in a place that smells of your little furry friend’s urine and droppings.
A simple set up in the cage will make it easier for you to clean it. Although tubes and other accessories make it more exciting for the hamster, it is quite difficult to maintain a clean habitat with all those gadgets inside.
Cages made of wire are easier for cleaning because you can access and clean the cage from various angles.
Your ball of love needs oxygen as well
Yes, I think it’s not a surprise that they need oxygen to live, like all living creatures. If you don’t give them a space with enough ventilation, they might suffocate. Proper ventilation of the habitat is of paramount importance.
As we mentioned above, wire cages provide enough air circulation because the only closed space is the bottom where you put the bedding.
If you decide to get a glass or plastic tank, try to buy one which has little openings with wire meshes to allow for more airflow. However, even this feature may not provide the necessary ventilation.
Is it safe and secure for the little critter?
Hamsters are small, crafty, and active beings. Because of their size and curiosity, they can easily get stuck between wires or they can even remove the latch of their habitat.
They are naturally curious and some of them are even stubborn chewers. Therefore, they could chew on the bars of the cage.
Before choosing your hamster’s habitat, make some inquiries about its character. However, the best chew – proof hamster cage would be a glass tank.
Your hamster’s playground
Okay, we already mentioned that hamsters love to be active, very much. So, you need to keep your little critter occupied by providing it a lot of gadgets.
Therefore, you will need to choose which toys you want to buy for your ball of love so that you can decide on the type and size of the habitat.
One toy is a must, and my little hamsters enjoyed it greatly, and that is an exercise wheel. However, there are a few things to which you need to pay attention. Firstly, the size of the wheel will determine the size of the cage. The wheel needs to have a diameter that is a little bit bigger than the length of the body of the hamster.
Secondly, the wheel needs to be safe, so that your little one doesn’t get injured while spinning.
And lastly, get a wheel with a solid surface.
There are more things you can get for your hamster’s entertainment, like tubes for example. You can even connect two cages with tubes so that it can have more space to explore.
Some habitats come with their own playground as well.
All in all, take all this in your mind when you decide on a home for your furry companion.
How easy it is to access the inside of the cage?
When it is cleaning time, you will need an easy access point to remove the toys and the bedding, as well as your hamster.
A hamster cage needs to have accessible entries, maybe with tops or bottoms that can be removed.
Depending on your preference, habitats with metal bars have several entry points, whereas glass or plastic tanks offer easier assembly.
Alone time
Hamsters like their privacy. Yes, you read that correctly. They like to have their space in their home where they can be alone and rest.
This is something that many hamster owners don’t take into account when they shop for a cage.
You can provide your pet with some space for alone time in several ways. Try getting a home with a little deeper bottom.
Another way you could give your hamster some sense of privacy is to provide it with an extra mini-home for its habitat.
Also, another great idea is to buy balconies or stairs and place them in the cage.
Speaking about balconies…
Think about adding a level in your ball of fur’s home. Try buying balconies and give the critter more adventurous times.
Although they might require a little bit more cleaning time, it would be worth it when you see your ball of love playing and enjoying.
If you decide to spice up its life by adding an extra level, keep in mind the size of the habitat. If it is tall, the height between the bottom and the second level may be too big, and you will risk your hamster getting injured from a fall.
Where are you going to keep the little ball of fur?
This is something you need to bear in mind before you choose the type of your hamster’s home. Are you going to keep it mainly indoors or are you planning to take it outdoors from time to time?
Cages with metal bars are a great choice for inside because they provide sufficient airflow, but if you decide to take your critter outside then it may be vulnerable and you risk it being attacked by other animals.
Furthermore, plastic habitats are a good choice for indoors and outdoors due to their closed space and holes that provide ventilation.
Are you moving frequently?
If you are a person who is moving often, or maybe you are traveling a lot and you want to bring your hamster with you, then portability is another feature you would want to bear in mind.
The appropriate habitat for this would be lighter and with fewer accessories to move around.
Also, it would be better for you to choose a cage from a more durable, sturdy material, because with lots of moving it can break easily it isn’t durable.
Perfect! You have chosen the right habitat for your hamster, but do you know how to set it up?
Now you know what to look for, and how to choose the best dwarf hamster cage. However, once you buy it, you will need to set it up.
What are the most important things you will need to consider when setting up your hamster’s home? If you are curious to find out, the answer is in the text below.
Find a location that is comfortable, and the environment is at room temperature.
Where are you going to place it?
Hamsters are really active at night, so I wouldn’t put it in the room where you sleep. I made that mistake.
But, you also need to pay attention to your hamster’s needs and make sure you don’t place it somewhere with lots of noise, because these critters tend to rest during the day.
Bedding, bedding, and lots of bedding
We wrote about bedding above, and you know how important it is to have enough bedding for the hamster to dig, but also to protect its feet and absorb any liquids, and smells.
Spread the bedding nicely on the bottom of the habitat, and make sure it is deep enough. You might want to consider the type of material for the bedding as well. Make sure that is suitable for your little one’s needs.
What about the accessories?
You have decided where you are going to put the cage, and you have placed the bedding. What about the rest of the equipment?
Provided you have chosen the best hamster food, firstly find space for the food and water bowls. Then you can start adding the rest of the toys, tubes, and balconies. Or whatever you have decided to buy for the little one.
One thing to remember is to avoid overcrowding the space because, as you know, hamsters need space to run around and explore.
And now, the part you’ve been waiting for, the reveal of our top choices for best dwarf hamster cage is just around the corner.
Our Top 6 Choices for Best Dwarf Hamster Cage
Caspian Universal Small Animal Cage w/ Wire Spacing
Tucker Murphy™ Pet offers a great variety of toys, accessories, and other essential items which makes it effortless to take care of your pet.
Caspian Universal Small Animal Cage with wire spacing made of metal and the bottom is plastic. The spacing between the bars is ideal and it prevents your hamster from escaping.
It has easily accessible for cleaning and the ramp is removable. Yes, the ramp comes with the cage, isn’t that amazing? This adds an extra organized look and space for food and water, without crowding the rest of the habitat.
And to add to that, it is water-resistant, rust-resistant, rot-resistant, and what is even more important, it is chew resistant.
You can even use it outdoors, and it is easy to carry around.
The bottom is deep enough and it has enough space to add some fun accessories for your little one.
Pros:
- It is portable
- It has a perfect spacing of the bars
- It is water, rot, and chew resistant
- It has easy access
- It offers deep bottom for bedding
- The ramp comes with the cage
Cons
- It may not be as sturdy as other habitats
- It is a little bit big
Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage
Ferplast started in 1966 and it is owned by an Italian family. Their business is built on commitment and ideas to satisfy their customers’, and their pets’, needs.
This habitat is made specifically for hamsters and offers your pet a comfortable home.
The key feature of this cage is its wire net structure with a transparent plastic bottom, which gives your critter space for burrowing and privacy.
The bottom is deep enough to put your chosen material for bedding.
The upper area is a perfect additional space for food and water, as well as a little bit of relaxation.
The space between the bars is wide enough to stop your hamster from escaping.
If you can’t decide what accessories to get for your little companion, this home offers everything your hamster needs for a happy life. It comes with all necessities, a food bowl, water bottle, and exercise wheel.
Furthermore, the door on the top makes it easy for you to clean the cage regularly, while you can easily unlock the base and the cage for more thorough cleaning.
The bars are made of robust plastic and the base is connected to the top area with a ladder.
Pros:
- It has a double floor design, which makes it more fun for the ball of fur, and more organized
- It contains all basic items a hamster needs
- The bottom is deep and transparent, so you can keep an eye on your hamster
- It gives you easy access to clean
- The spacing between the bars is wide enough
Cons:
- It may be small for some hamsters
- There is space only for the water bottle that comes with the cage
4-Story Chew Proof Small Animal Cage
Ware Pet Products manufactures its items with the greatest materials and expertise. Their pet products are easy to clean and even easier to assemble, while at the same time they are safe and secure for your pet.
This cage offers four stories for your curious little hamster. Yes, that’s right, four stories.
Your little critter will have so much fun exploring and being active.
Besides having several levels, the 4-Story Chew Proof Small Animal Cage is made of durable and chew-proof powder-coated metal.
The ramps and shelves come with the cage, and it also has two front doors, making it easier for you to remove items and clean.
This cage will ignite the natural instinct and desire for exploring.
You’ll need to be very organized and place the accessories in a smart way. For example, you could place the food bowl and water bottle on the top floor, and the lower levels kept them for other fun accessories.
Besides being chew-proof, it is also water and rustproof. In addition, if you decide to leave your hamster a little bit outside, it will keep it safe from predators.
Pros:
- It has two front doors which makes it easier for cleaning
- The spacing between the bars is at the appropriate width
- It is chew, water, rust, and predator resistant
- It is very durable because it is made entirely of metal
- Considering its metal construction, it is quite affordable
- It offers four levels for the little one to play
Cons:
- The bottom could be deeper
- The latches may need a little bit of tightening
Henton Arcade Hamster Cage w/ Feeder
Archie & Oscar is a brand that offers affordable accessories and furniture for pets in various styles that complement your current look.
This Henton Arcade Hamster Cage with feeder from Archie & Oscar will provide your ball of love with an abundance of entertainment.
Furthermore, it has a unique design with vertical space for playtime, and the cover is bright which contributes to visibility. Your hamster can access this area easily through the tubes.
And, the benefit for you is that it is easy to clean because of its detachable cover and top door.
You can watch your critter climb and play at night.
Moreover, when the little one is ready to nap it has a cute circular cubby to rest.
This habitat comes with a feeder, water bottle, tunnel, ramp, and running wheels. Wow! Isn’t that fantastic?
If you want to connect more items for entertainment, this cage has side ports and connectors.
The Henton Arcade Hamster Cage with the feeder is portable and it is rot resistant.
Pros:
- It offers design with vertical space for playtime
- It comes with all the necessary accessories
- It is rot resistant
- It is portable
- It is easy to clean
- It has a strong construction
- It is very easy to assemble
Cons:
- It isn’t made for outdoor use
- The plastic bottom part isn’t deep enough
- The wheel that comes with the habitat may make some noise
Hesse Deluxe Critter Small Animal Cage
Hesse Deluxe Critter Small Animal Cage is another incredible habitat from Archie & Oscar.
The cage is easy to assemble and it is safe for your hamster because there aren’t any gaps or pinch points.
The construction is heavy-duty, which means it is strong and sturdy. Besides having five shelves and three ramps, this home offers a cute, soft, plush hammock for the little one.
The doors can be closed easily with a two-finger locking mechanism. And, when it’s time for cleaning there are two large entry points for you to use. In addition, the tray is removable which makes it easier for you to clean.
Furthermore, the cage is easily movable due to its metal and hard rubber casters that can be locked in place when you need them.
The built-in shelf can be used for storing toys and treats for your critter. Also, the ramp is removable.
The habitat is suitable for outdoor use, and it is water, rust, and rot-resistant.
Pros:
- It offers multiple levels for your hamster’s amusement
- It is easy to clean
- It contains a slide-out tray
- Its construction is sturdy
Cons:
- The bottom for the bedding isn’t deep enough
- It isn’t chew resistant
- The stairs may be too steep
- It is a little bit pricey
You & Me Small Animal High Rise Tank Topper (only)
The wire topper from You & Me is a great add on to a glass tank. It will provide more space for the hamster to explore and deeper bottom for it to burrow.
The space between the bars is great for dwarf hamsters because it prevents them from escaping.
It is chew resistant and safe for your little one.
However, this is only a topper, and it is too small to be used as a cage on its own. If you decide to get this topper, ensure you buy a separate tank. The ladder and the shelf will allow your critter to go from the tank to the wire cage where you can put its food bowl, water bottle, and any other accessory.
Pros:
- It is chew resistant
- It fits perfectly on a 10-gallon tank
- It has a ladder and a shelf
- The spacing between the bars is suitable for a dwarf hamster
Cons:
- The floor is wire mesh which can cause inflammation of the pads on the hamster’s feet
- It is only a topper
- The assembly may take some time
The Grand Reveal
One more thing is worth mentioning, and that is before you choose, think about whether you would want to take care of only one hamster or you would like to have more.
If you think that you will ever want to get another one, get a cage without tubes and compartments. Hamsters are social animals, but they can display territorial behavior as well. To avoid that, go for a habitat with open plans.
Now, without further delay, our top pick is, well it’s actually two, Henton Arcade Hamster Cage with feeder and Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage. So many great choices, and it is very hard to pick only one.
The reason we picked these two is that besides the general features, they come with extra accessories which is very helpful for new hamster owners. You can just enjoy watching your critter play and have fun, and not think about what play toys you need to provide for it.
