Can hamsters swim?

Hamsters can swim, but they are at risk of drowning or catching pneumonia from doing so. Hamsters should not be bathed unless they are very dirty or sticky, as they are susceptible to chilling and extreme temperature changes.

Hamsters regularly clean themselves, so owners should simply remove soiled bedding and excess food often to keep habitats clean and reduce odors. Using a water bottle instead of a water bowl also helps maintain cleanliness.

When not eating, sleeping or cleaning themselves, hamsters enjoy playing with exercise wheels and balls, as well as burrowing into their bedding or substrate to hide or sleep.