Traveling with Wasabi couldn't get any more confusing.....

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

She knows how to do it but every time there's food in the room or someone comes near her food bowl Wasabi runs out and waits by her food bowl. Not sure why she does this.....but I'm OK with it since it means I can pet her more.

[AprilPearl]

I agree that leaving Wasabi (and full instructions for her care) with friends or family will be your best bet. You have time now to educate them on hamster care before you go, and you can call periodically to check she is being tended to.

As for her coming out to her food bowl, well she is obviously a very clever hammy who has learnt that people = food. That habit of hers should remind whoever you leave her with to feed her!

[Thin Lizzy]

Souffle has given really great advice.
Your best bet is to leave Wasabi with a friend, a to do list. You would need to work with your friend before you go, showing her how you care for Wasabi, his likes and dislikes, his routine.
I know it sounds a lot but if you show her she'll quickly pick it up.

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

If Wasabi runs to her food bowl every time someone comes near it or every time she smells food is there something nothing wrong with her?

[Drago]

I wouldn't say running to the bowl is abnormal. It's sort of like a Pavlovian response. They learn that their bowl=food so when you near it, they assume that food is coming and will wait enthusiastically. I wouldn't worry about it, but make sure that you're not giving treats/food every time you see her otherwise that's all she'll begin to expect!

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

I think I have a solution. Just to confirm, the only thing the pet sitter has to do is feed her and give her fresh water right?

[Drago]

Originally Posted by ChocoMintAnswersSincere

I think I have a solution. Just to confirm, the only thing the pet sitter has to do is feed her and give her fresh water right?

You won't be gone very long so yes, that's the bare necessities she'll need. As long as someone is there to refill water, food, and ensure all is alright with her, then there's no need for concern. Make sure to leave a card with your vet's number on it so they can contact them if any problems arise. Good luck

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

I have another problem. Wasabi has started kicking bedding in her bowl once she has finished her food. It's like she's saying, "Mom! I'm done! Come feed me! Now! Mom?! I'm hungry!" and when I don't give her more food she sits in her bowl and waits. I give her 2 1/2 tablespoons of food at around 7 am and she finishes her food at about 11 pm so she runs on her wheel, chews her chews, and sleeps in her food bowl. During the day she sleeps in her hut after pouching some food. Is this normal?

[Drago]

Originally Posted by ChocoMintAnswersSincere

I have another problem. Wasabi has started kicking bedding in her bowl once she has finished her food. It's like she's saying, "Mom! I'm done! Come feed me! Mom?! I'm hungry!" and when I don't give her more food she sits in her bowl and waits. I give her 2 1/2 tablespoons of food at around 7 am and she finishes her food at about 11 pm so she runs on her wheel, chews her chews, and sleeps in her food bowl. During the day she sleeps in her hut after pouching some food. Is this normal?

Most burrowing rodents tend to bury their bowls after (or even while) eating so this isn't a concern. Bowls aren't super necessary either so you don't need to pull or dump bedding out if you don't want to. 2.5 tbsp is a lot for a Syrian to have every day. On average, your hamster will only eat 1 tablespoon every 24-48 hours so anything more isn't necessary. Giving in to her begging will only teach her to beg more, it's a vicious cycle, but it can be broken by showing some tough love and ignoring her when she does that. It's completely normal for her to pouch her food then sleep. Just as it's normal that she chews on her toys and runs about in her wheel, I'd say all her behavior sounds perfectly normal

[ChocoMintAnswersSincere]

My neighbor said she might be able to take care of Wasabi! But she has a cat and would like to know what she has to do to keep Wasabi safe. I don't know anything about cats and hamsters. So what should I tell her?