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Old 09-06-2016, 04:24 PM   #1
ALH5
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Exclamation Hamster caught by cat!

I'm really worried about my little Syrian hamster, he's 16 weeks old approx. And whilst handling him/ letting him roam on my bed this evening my cat went for him.

The poor little guy was a bit shaken at first, but I've checked and rechecked him all over and he has no visible wounds or bleeding. He has eaten fine and returned to his normal inquisitive self shortly after. It's been a long time since I've owned a hamster and I haven't found myself in this predicament before. My anxious brain wants to get him to the vets ASAP, but it's currently midnight here and I wouldn't be able to get home seen for another 12 hours or so.

Really not sure what to do, but I'm seriously panicking. Any advice would really be appreciated!
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Old 09-06-2016, 11:21 PM   #2
souffle
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

It sounds as if he has just had a bad fright. Keep him very calm and quiet now and monitor him for signs of any tummy upset and if this happens then see the vet.
I would ensure in future though that the cat has no access to him whatsoever which may involve you locking the door to the room he is in as cats can be very sneaky about door opening! When handling, the kitty should not be allowed in the room. With cats being predators they can cause a lot of stress to hamsters.

Last edited by souffle; 09-07-2016 at 01:08 AM.
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Old 09-06-2016, 11:45 PM   #3
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

It does sound like he had a lucky escape & only had a fright but that's great advice from souffle for the future to make sure no harm comes to him & he doesn't get stressed by having the cat around him in or out of the cage.
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Old 09-07-2016, 12:20 AM   #4
ALH5
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

Thank you both for your advice. I don't usually allow the cat in the room whilst handling but he snuck in before I had noticed.

I've looked over Smeagol this morning, and he seems fine in himself, but I have noticed what appears to be a small wound on his butt area so I'm going to take him to the vets today and get it checked over.
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Old 09-07-2016, 01:09 AM   #5
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

Good idea if the cat may have clawed or nipped him. You don't want him getting an infection so wise to have it checked over.
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Old 09-07-2016, 02:40 AM   #6
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

Hope all goes well at the vets. As the others say, it means real vigilance to ensure the cat is never in the same room with the hamster, either in or out of the cage. Just the scent of the cat nearby will cause the hamster stress. Poor little guy, I hope he is ok. He might need a couple of quiet days in his cage now, and lots of nice extras to distract him from his trauma (you could hide a treat or two in his substrate or in different parts of his cage and/or a new chew stick or extra special treat like a very small piece of cheese

This may set taming back a bit if he is nervous being out of the cage or handled now, but taking it slowly and gradually should help rebuild his confidence.
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Old 09-07-2016, 05:40 AM   #7
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

Cats will always try their luck, even if the cage is high up, a cat will attempt to climb.
Your little ham got a fright and so did you. Is your ham kept in your bedroom? This room will need to be a cat free zone from now on, a cats smell can stress a ham out.
I'm glad you've got an appointment at the vets later on, but, like the others have said, be sure to let him recover for a few days before you let him out again.
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Old 09-07-2016, 05:52 AM   #8
ALH5
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

Hi guys, took Smeagol to the vets and he's got the all clear! He has a tiny scratch on his rear end but thankfully no bites! I've just been advised to ensure it's clean and monitor for any signs of infection, so I'm going to keep a close eye on him for the next few days. I've also picked up some hamster tea tree skin cream to help soothe the area - I've also spoilt him with a little coconut shell hut for him to use as a bed and a new treat block to nibble on to keep him happy. He is fast asleep now and aside from cleaning his cage this evening to reduce the risk of infection I'm going to leave him to his own devices, but he has been his usual chirpy self even on the journey too the vets and whilst being handled by the vet.

The bedroom is definitely going to be a kitty free zone from now on, I feel so awful that my little floof experienced such a fright.

Thank you all for your advice and comments, I really appreciate it!

X
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Old 09-07-2016, 05:59 AM   #9
Thin Lizzy
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

Such wonderful news. Taking him to the vets has put your mind at rest. The coconut seems a popular choice with most hams. I would avoid doing a major cage clean for a few days, I'd check his toilet area but I'd let him relax, he's had a fright and a cage clean might unsettle him., having his smells around him will be that extra comfort to him.
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Old 09-07-2016, 06:01 AM   #10
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Default Re: Hamster caught by cat!

Excellent news
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