[Esmy]

I love the idea of Vicks! Going to have to try that!

That being said, I used to have Guinea Pigs and my cat would stick her paw through the cage. She could have easily stuck her claws out and latched onto them, so she got the boot from thr room. Imagine how easy it would be for a cat to catch a hamster with its claws? Anyway, I have two cats and my hamsters are in a room that is just for them and no cats allowed. They will get very predatory in the room and jump onto the tank lid and stare as close as they can get to the hamsters. My cats don't have claws now so it increases the paw safety aspect. Cats should stay separated from hamsters. I hate to say it, but it's good to have a safe room plan before getting them. Hope you find something that works for all!

Playing with your cats (burning their energy) before going in the room to spend time with the hamsters may help, as well as having some climbing trees against windows in other parts of the house to divert their attention.