Hamster and a crazy cat living together - how??

[Mdorothy]

Hello everyone,

First of all I’m sorry if this is the wrong topic, I couldn’t really fit my problem to any of the topics I’ve found.

I have a 2 month old, male dwarf hamster, who’s been staying with me for a month now, I love him, everything was going really well with him. But now, out of personal reasons, I have to take care of my friend’s cat for around 4 months, meaning I have to bring her to my place, and therefore house the cat and the hammy in the same appartment. I know it’s not impossible, I have place to keep them in separate rooms, but (I know it may sound weird,) the cat is crazy. She’s been living in a tiny appartment for all her life, and it drove her nuts, she’s really agressive to all living creatures, be it animal or human. I actually don’t blame her, I think it’s cruel to keep a cat in a 40 squaremeter appartment, but I don’t get to make decisions in this case.

So my question is, what could I do to know my hammy in full safety? I’ll keep him in a different room, with closed door at all times, and will set up a very massive lid on top of the cage. But I’m still super worried, all I can think about is that it’s gonna be a quest for the cat - trying to figure out how to open the door (she’s bored - I think that’s all she would be trying to do), and then figure out how to get in the cage. As I’m living alone, they wouldn’t be supervised 24/7, that’s my other concern, what will happen when i’m not home?

I also have an in case of emergency option, my parents live pretty far, but in a nice country home with a garden. My dream would be to bring the cat there and give her the happy, outside life she wants, but I don’t think my friend would ever agree on that. So I could also bring my hammy there, to know he’s safe, but that would break my heart, because I can’t stand the idea of not being with him. But knowing he’s in constant danger is even worse.

Am i just being overly protective? Will they be doing okay together? Any experience or tip would be appreciated!

[herbi7]

I have a cat who is a lethal, restless hunter and two hams under the same roof. My cat can go outside though so it's not exactly the same. But they are all in here for a lot of the time. I house the hamsters so there are always two doors between them and the cat. On the occasions when he is next to the door they are behind he is very interested and sits by it hoping I will open it because he knows there is something there. But he isn't the sort of cat who would open a door so I dont have to worry. If he gets into my bedroom he will immediately go to the hamster cages but I just get him out quick! The cages are both secure so he couldn't do anything except terrorise them by watching them. Cats aren't that tactical, they go by their instincts in the moment so if you keep your hammy in a separate room and make sure you don't ever let her in there you should be fine.

Ps if you have time, play with the cat loads so she has plenty to do and she will probably feel more chilled

[Westie UK]

I've had two cats for several years and we've had almost 10 rodents during that time. Unfortunately, one was caught by the cat, but we learnt from our mistake and the cats are used to seeing the others. They have access to smell it, but from a safe distance and are not allowed around the homes unsupervised.

I'd recommend watching "My Cat from Hell" to find ways of entertaining and tiring out an indoor cat. It is cruel in most cases, so I'd continue trying to encourage your friend to find ways to improve the cat's life. "Catios" are fantastic and lots of stimulation, just like with any pet - including hamsters.

Keep the door closed. Keep the lid tight on the cage. As it is a dwarf hamster, there shouldn't be any bars, except out of reach of the hamster, yes? If so, the hamster should be protected, as long as the cat can't get to it and it won't be possible to knock the cage off of a table or anything. You shouldn't have to worry if the door is always closed, though - just be vigilant about keeping them apart.

If your friend's cat is always cooped up and barely played with, it will likely be bored and unhappy. There's no harm in calling a rescue group (like RSPCA) to check on the cat (when it's with your friend) for unintentional neglect, in regards to stimulation and socialisation.

For what it's worth, whilst it doesn't seem safe to allow them to be in the same room in your case, one of my cats almost completely ignores the hamsters now (as he knows he can't get to them) and the other enjoys just watching them. In fact, my late Russian Dwarf hamster would tease my cats by following them in her SECURE exercise ball or going to meet them at the side of her (impenetrable!) plastic cage, where they would occasionally swat at her and she wasn't phased.

Exhaust the cat with cat toys, treats and hunting games that don't involve live prey