During firework season, you often hear about the light and noise scaring cats and dogs. But what about hamsters? If you own any of these little sweeties, you know they can be just as affected by the outside world as larger pets. The bright flashes of light and loud booming noises can be terrifying for a hamster.
Luckily, there are also ways that you can make sure your pet is comfortable no matter what is going on outside. Here are five tips for fireworks prep to make sure your hamster is safe and happy.
The 5 Ways to Keep Your Hamster Calm During Fireworks
1. Cover Your Hamster’s Cage
One of the easiest ways to help your hamster is to cover their cage or hutch. A covering will block out any light and can help muffle noises too. Some cages come with built-in curtains that help you to block light. You can also put a sheet or a blanket over the cage.
Many pet owners swear by layering a few blankets or a thick duvet over the cage. This will give you the most effective noise muffling and light blocking, but you need to be careful as well. Thick blankets can cause ventilation issues and overheating. Make sure that your hamster’s cage isn’t too warm and that there’s space for airflow if you go this route.
2. Move Away From Windows
Another option is to cover windows or move the cage into a more central part of your home. If you have blackout curtains in the room where your hamster’s cage is kept, they’re a great choice.
You can also temporarily move the cage. You might put the cage in an interior room, a walk-in closet, or a basement for a few days. Moving the cage to the interior of the home will keep your hamsters from looking out the windows. It might also give you an added bonus of better noise reduction, especially if fireworks will be going off right outside your home.
3. Let Them Dig Deep
Hamsters often burrow into substrate to sleep, but burrowing is also a way for them to feel safe during stressful times. Giving your hamster several inches of fresh substrate will help them feel safe and comfortable if they are scared by noises. Make sure that the substrate is clean and that there’s plenty for digging and tossing around. You can also make above-ground hides available for your hamsters so that they have more options.
4. Think About Music or TV
Although playing a noisy action movie might not be the best choice, a little bit of background noise can be a good thing. Putting on the radio or TV might fill in the space with a hum of chatter and changing noise that will help fill in the gaps between fireworks. Just make sure that whatever you play is relatively calm and constant noise, without anything that might add to the tension of the evening.
5. Prepare in Advance
Changes can be stressful, so a little bit of advance prep can be a lifesaver. If you decide to move your hamster’s cage, consider moving it a day or two before you’ll actually need it. The best time to make these changes is in the daytime. This will give your hamster a little bit of time to settle down in the new area.
You can also give your hamster a few days to get used to any changes in routine that you’ll be doing for firework prep. For example, covering the cage or putting on the TV for a few hours a day can help it become safe and familiar. Preparing in advance also has another added bonus—if your neighbors decide to celebrate early, you’re already ready!
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the Fourth of July, Guy Fawkes Night or New Year’s Eve, some of our holidays have the potential to scare our favorite pets. Hamsters might be easily forgotten, but they’re just as likely to experience stress over fireworks as bigger pets. The good news is that a few simple precautions can help you to celebrate the holiday with minimal disruption to your pet. Prepping for fireworks is key to a happy, stress-free hamster over the holidays.
Featured Image Credit: Alex Milan, Shutterstock
