Why Does My Hamster Stare At Me? This Is Why!

Staring is one of the unusual behaviors of hamsters. For old owners, this is normal but for beginners, it is not. Your hamster’s stare has many meanings. However, hamster owners, especially the beginners, don’t understand why their hamster is staring at a particular thing. When their hamster stares at them, they start to ask why does my hamster stare at me? 

Do you want to know why your pet hamster stares at you? If you are a beginner, don’t leave because I will tell you why your hamster stares at you. 

Your pet hamster can detect you from a distance because they have a great sense of hearing and smell. Your hamster uses this ability to look out for predators or any other danger. Hamsters often stare at their owners if they want food or water. Expressing affection and curiosity are some other reasons for such behavior in hamsters. 

If your hamster stares at you, it might mean something. That is why you have to know the body language of your pet hamster. Sometimes, when their food bowl is empty, your hamster will stare at you.

 It is critical to know the reason why your hamster stares at you because if the reason why your hamster stares at you is they have no water or food, your hamster might get hungry or thirsty. Also, observing your hamster is essential to build trust and bonds with your pet hamster. It will help you understand your hamster better!

The Reasons Why Your Hamster Keep Staring At You

If you are a beginner, you may feel uncomfortable or worried if your pet hamster stares or gaze at you. However, don’t worry. Because I will tell you the reasons why your pet hamster keeps staring at you! The reasons why your pet hamster stares at you are:

• Food: If your pet hamster’s food bowl is empty, then there are high chances your pet hamster will stare at you. Sometimes, a stare might mean that your pet hamster is asking for a treat or more food. 
• Water: If your pet hamster’s water bowl is empty, your pet hamster may stare at you. You have to check the water bowl of your hamster regularly because your pet hamster might get dehydrated, especially if it is summer. 
• Curiosity: Hamsters are naturally curious folks. Your pet hamster will sometimes stare at you because they are curious about what you are doing or the reason why you are near them. Sometimes, your pet hamster will be angry at you if you don’t pay attention to them. 
• Strong senses: As I have said, hamsters have an amazing sense of smell and hearing. That is why your pet hamster can hear you come from a distance and will start staring at you to see if you will react or not. 
• Happiness: If your pet hamster is having fun or happy, your pet hamster will often stare at you. Otherwise, your hamster might hide from you or not stare at you at all. 
• Watching out: Your pet hamsters are prey animals. That is why they have to be aware if there are predators near them. Your pet hamster may stare at you to look out your back. If your hamster loves you, your hamster will gaze to confirm that the predators cannot sneak up on them or you. 
• Threats: Your pet hamster may stare at you if you bring your friend or a new dog around the house that is peculiar for your pet hamster. Your hamster may also stare at that stranger and watch the stranger’s movement and be prepared to run if needed. 

If you notice that your pet hamster is staring at you, it is critical to observe their body language. You have to learn how to observe your hamster and for you to be able to do that, you have to read more about hamsters and practice observing your pet hamster. 

Once you know the different body language of hamsters, you will be amazed! By doing this, you will also know what your hamster likes and find so amusing. 

Your Hamster Is Staring At You Because They Want Food

Like I have mentioned above, your pet hamster may be staring at you because your pet hamster wants food. 

Hamsters are a little bit picky when it comes to food. Also, hamsters love to eat. Hamsters will stare at their owners when they are hungry, want more food, and want treats. 

It is essential to know if your hamster wants food. That is why you have to know the different reasons why your hamster stares at you. If you fail to feed your hamster, your hamster may die because of hunger.

It is essential to give your hamster some treats at least thrice a week. You can go for some fresh veggies such as carrots, cabbage, or fresh fruits. You can also buy some treats for your pet hamster at your local pet shop. 

If you stare at you, start giving your hamster a treat, and your hamster jumps right into you, you will know the answer to why your pet hamster stares at you. 

After giving your pet hamster some treats, it is tempting to give them another one because they will continue to stare at you. However, you have to make sure you just give a tiny portion of the fruit or the vegetable. Never fall for the cute stares of your pet hamster because your pet hamster may get some complications if given too many treats. 

Also, make sure that you check the mouth and cheek of your pet hamster. Why? Because sometimes your pet hamster may hide food inside their mouth. It can lead to rotting of the mouth and teeth. 

Lastly, you have to make sure that your hamster is eating at the right time. You have to make sure that their food bowl has some food so that when your hamster becomes hungry again, they have some food to eat. You must make sure that all uneaten food is taken out of the cage because it might attract ants and cockroaches. 

Your Hamster Is Staring At A Potential Threat

Like I have mentioned above, hamsters are prey animals. That is why your pet hamster is very cautious about its surroundings. 

Hamsters have a great sense of hearing. They need it! Because in the wild, hamsters depend on their hearing most for survival. Your pet hamster can hear threats around them. 

Never introduce your pet hamster to strangers or new pets if your pet hamster is not yet comfortable with you. It can make your pet hamster stressed.

Your Hamster Is Staring At You Because They Want To Be Petted

Hamsters are dominant little folks. They know about hierarchy. If you have multiple hamsters, there will surely be one boss. That boss would want full attention from you! 

Dominant hamsters will crave and expect full attention from you. It may be annoying because the dominant hamster may show signs of aggression if you don’t give the dominant hamster enough attention. Those dominant hamsters are like clingy girls. 

Your pet hamster will start staring at you for a long time. Your pet hamster would wait for you to take the hint. If you fail to notice it, your pet hamster will start using manual actions. Your pet hamster may start making weird noises, chattering their teeth, and bite you if your pet hamster has a chance. 

You must make sure that you act cautiously when handling your pet hamster. You have to make sure that your pet hamster won’t hurt you and you don’t hurt your pet hamster as well. 

Your Hamster Is Staring At You Because They Want To Play With You

Hamsters are playful and active animals. They love to play! That is why if you have multiple hamsters, you will notice that they run around their cage most of the time. 

Another reason your pet hamster is staring at you is that your pet hamster wants to play with you. However, this only happens if your pet hamster is already comfortable with you. 

When playing with your hamster, make sure that your pet hamster will not get hurt. Play simple games that you and your pet hamster will enjoy. 

Sometimes, your hamster stares at you not because they want to play with you but because they want to play by themselves. Hamsters love to chew things, and it makes them entertained. If your pet hamster is staring at you, it might mean that they want you to give them their toy.

Your Hamster Is Staring At You Because Their Water Bowl Is Empty

The other reason why your pet hamster is staring at you is that their water bowl is empty. All living things need water. Even plants do! Water is one of the most essential things for living things to live. 

Your pet hamster will work out. After working out or playing with their fellow hamsters, hamsters will drink lots of water immediately. Also, your pet hamster will drink water after eating their food, a small sip of water if their body needs it. You will rarely see your pet hamster drink during the day since your pet hamster is very active during the night. 

That is why it is very essential to always check if your pet hamster has water. If you fail to check their water, your hamster may get dehydrated if it doesn’t drink enough water. 

Your Hamster Might Only Be Sleeping

Sometimes, your pet hamster is not really staring at you. Sometimes your pet hamster is just sleeping. Yes, it may seem like your pet hamster is staring at you because when your pet hamster is sleeping, its eyes are half-opened. 

It might be more likely to happen during the day because hamsters are very active during the night and sleepy during the day. Most hamsters sleep eight to ten hours a day. 

How Do Hamsters Sleep?

When your pet hamster sleeps, your pet hamster enters a state known as self-contradictory sleep. It is similar to rapid eye movement sleep in human beings. 

Hamsters also dream. That is why sometimes you see your pet hamster shiver or shake in its sleep. Sometimes, it is scary to see your pet hamster shiver while sleeping because it looks like your pet hamster is dead. It is normal for beginners. But let me tell you that you don’t have to worry about it because your pet hamster is just sleeping. 

Some hamsters prefer to sleep in their hideouts, and some hamsters prefer to sleep next to their beloved owner. It depends on the hamster. If the hamster is already comfortable with its owner, the hamster will sleep with its owner. 

If your pet hamster loves to sleep with you, it means that your pet hamster is already comfortable and trusts you already. It may also mean that your pet hamster is asking you to guard them while they sleep. 

Your Hamster Love You Already

The other reason why your pet hamster stares at you is that your pet hamster loves you already. Hamsters have their own way of showing affection towards their owner. Sometimes, especially beginners, fail to understand these signs. 

If your pet hamster stares at you while in a relaxed or comfortable position, it may mean that your pet hamster loves you. Below are the ways hamsters show love or affection to their owners. 

How Do Hamsters Show Love To Their Owners?

Hamsters are cute, and they are lovable. They can prove themselves to be deserving of being loved. However, sometimes, hamsters have moody days and can be extremely naughty or angry. 

Hamsters are naturally scared of human beings. It is innate since hamsters are prey animals. They think that humans are predators, the reason why is because of our large size. 

However, domesticated hamsters are not like that. If hamsters are exposed to humans, they are capable of showing love to humans. However, the trust of hamsters is only for their owner. That is why sometimes when you bring a pet hamster home, the hamster constantly hides from you. But it does not mean that the new hamster is not capable of loving you. 

You need to have patience so that you can build up your relationship with your pet hamster. You need to be observant with your pet hamster because the way your pet hamster behaves, is how they feel about you. If your pet hamster is happy, your pet hamster will run towards you or come to you. 

Does Your Hamster Stare At You Because You Are Sick?

Many hamster owners believe that their pet hamsters can detect if they have illnesses. Hamsters have a great sense of smell. That is why they can effortlessly observe some changes in their environment and respond to it accordingly. 

Your pet hamster may unlikely stare at you because you have some illness. However, your pet hamster might sense some changes in your behavior or emotions. Yes! It is hard to believe. 

If your hamster loves you so much, your hamster will try to cheer you up. However, this behavior is not usual on hamsters. This behavior can often be seen in dogs. If you are anxious or depressed, your pet hamster becomes alert. 

Final Verdict

Your pet hamster stares at you because they want food, to play with you, have no water in their water bowl, to be petted, and to guard you. You have to learn how to read the body language of your pet hamster so that you can act accordingly. The more you respond right with your hamster’s body language, the more your hamster trusts you. Good luck hamster owners!

Source: researchgate.net, sciencemag.org