Can hamsters be given cotton wool?
Hamsters and comfort are inseparable concepts. In nature, these rodents live in secluded minks. There they rest, hide from dangers, raise offspring, create pantries with supplies. At home, minks for hamsters are replaced by special houses. But in order for them to be warm and cozy, they need to be properly equipped. Novice owners are often interested in: is it possible to give hamsters cotton wool as a “building material”? He talks about it in our article.
It would seem that cotton wool is an excellent material for warming the house. Soft, fluffy, pleasant, and, most importantly, warm … But in practice, it is cotton wool (as well as newspaper, any paper) that turns out to be the most impractical and even potentially dangerous option for rodents. And that’s why.
- I’m confused!
It is very easy for a rodent to get confused in cotton wool. Look at his paws with thin fingers and claws. They will cling and get stuck in the fibers. Cotton wool can pull the hamster’s paw and disrupt blood circulation. In the worst case, the rodent will lose a limb. There is also a high chance of injury. A entangled hamster will get frightened and in a panic will try to free itself. All this can result in sprains, dislocations and fractures.
- It’s hard for me to breathe!
Small fibers enter the rodent’s nose, mouth and make breathing difficult. Hamsters can suffocate in cotton wool.
- I choked!
Cotton wool clings to wool, and while washing, the hamster licks off its fibers. In addition, he may accidentally “bite” his dinner with cotton wool. As a result, hamsters choke on cotton wool. Sticky fibers are not easy to spit out or swallow.
- I have a stomach ache!
Swallowed cotton wool causes digestive problems, bloating, and flatulence. It forms lumps in the gastrointestinal tract and can cause intestinal obstruction. In severe cases, surgical intervention is indispensable.
- I got dirty!
Thin fibers get tangled in the hamster’s fluffy fur and spoil its appearance.
- My house is dirty!
Cotton wool gets dirty quickly. Food, hairs, feces and other impurities – all this will get tangled in it. Doesn’t feel very cozy. Do you agree?
But if cotton wool is not suitable for hamsters, how to insulate the house and cage? It’s simple: with special cleaned sawdust or corn litter for rodents (as an option, Fiory Wild Berries corn litter). You can buy them at any pet store. Both of these materials perfectly retain heat, absorb moisture, retain unpleasant odors, and it is also very easy to keep clean with them. And, of course, they are completely safe for pets.
Try it. Your hamster will thank you!
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