Stray Cat

　　1. Hamsters should not be free-range

　　Cats are natural hunters and are especially interested in active small animals. If hamsters are free-range, they will definitely attract the cat's attention and become the cat's favorite "toy." Therefore, providing a sturdy hamster cage is the primary condition to ensure safe coexistence between cats and hamsters.

　　2. Provide a hamster exercise ball

　　Hamsters feel very constrained living in a cage because wild hamsters travel several miles daily to find food. Therefore, pet hamsters tend to become overweight due to insufficient activity in a cage. However, since there are cats at home, hamsters cannot be let out directly to play. It is necessary to prepare a hamster exercise ball to ensure the hamster does not become prey to the cat while getting enough exercise.

　　3. The owner must supervise when cats and hamsters are together

　　When cleaning or replacing the hamster’s cage bedding, it is inevitable that the hamster will be left outside the cage temporarily. In this case, the owner must stay nearby and always monitor the cat's movements. If the cat uses its paws to swipe at the hamster, stop it immediately and educate the cat to ensure the hamster's safety. The "free time" for the hamster outside the cage should never be too long. When the hamster is first let out, the cat usually observes it out of curiosity before deciding what to do next. If the hamster remains outside too long, this may trigger the cat's hunting instincts and prompt action.

　　4. Only relax when the cat has accepted the hamster

　　Only when the cat and hamster have spent sufficient time together, the cat has lost interest in the hamster’s movements, and accepted the hamster as a family member, can the hamster be let out to play with the cat safely. We have seen many heartwarming scenes of cats and hamsters coexisting. When your hamster has lived with your cat for about a year and both are familiar and trusting of each other, only then can you safely allow their coexistence. and rodents are natural enemies, whether rats or hamsters. Although hamsters have a gentle temperament and won’t harm cats, hamsters carry a substance called taurine, which can enhance the cat’s night vision. Clever cats always wait for an opportunity to catch prey for satisfaction; thus, we must not be careless—careful supervision is essential when cats and hamsters coexist. (Source：PetsZone)