Can Hamsters Eat Paper? (Cardboard, Toilet Paper Roll & More)

As responsible pet owners, it is important to understand what types of materials are safe and appropriate for our pets to consume. Many hamster owners may wonder whether it is safe for their pets to eat paper or whether it could pose any risks to their health. So, let’s learn more about it.

Hamsters can eat small amounts of paper, but it is not a nutritious or recommended part of their diet. Ingesting too much paper can cause digestive issues like intestinal blockages or impaction, which can be potentially life-threatening.

It is important to provide hamsters with a balanced and appropriate diet and avoid giving them paper to eat.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the potential risks and benefits of giving paper to hamsters, and provide tips for ensuring that your furry friend stays safe and healthy.

Picture Credits: Dora, The Syrian Hamster; Instagram Handle: thehamstercalledmouse

Is Paper OK For Hamsters?

Paper is generally safe for hamsters to play with, as long as it is plain white paper or newspaper and does not contain any harmful chemicals or inks.

Hamsters enjoy shredding and chewing on paper, which can also help to keep their teeth healthy and worn down.

However, it is important to note that paper should not be used as the primary substrate in a hamster’s cage.

Hamsters need a suitable bedding material that provides adequate absorbency, odor control, and nesting opportunities.

Recommended bedding materials include aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or shredded paper designed specifically for small animals.

Additionally, any paper given to hamsters should be free of staples, glue, or any other potential hazards that could cause harm if ingested.

Always supervise your hamster when giving them new items to play with, including paper, to ensure their safety.

Why Does My Hamster Keep Eating Paper?

Hamsters are natural chewers and may eat paper as part of their normal behavior.

Chewing on objects helps them to wear down their constantly growing teeth and satisfies their need to gnaw.

However, there can be several other reasons why your hamster may be eating paper, including dietary deficiencies or a compulsive behavior known as pica.

Dental Problems

One of the most common reasons why hamsters eat paper is dental problems.

Hamsters have constantly growing teeth, and if they don’t wear them down enough, they can become overgrown and painful.

In this case, the hamster may chew on paper to help wear down its teeth. This can also happen if the hamster’s diet lacks proper nutrients and minerals that are essential for dental health.

Dietary Deficiencies

Another reason why your hamster may be eating paper is due to a lack of nutrients in their diet.

If your hamster’s diet does not contain enough roughage or fiber, it may try to supplement its diet by chewing on paper or other objects.

This is especially true if the hamster’s diet is primarily made up of soft, processed foods.

Compulsive Behavior (Pica)

Finally, hamsters can also develop a compulsive behavior known as pica, where they feel the urge to eat non-food items like paper, fabric, or plastic.

This can be caused by stress, boredom, or even a genetic predisposition to the behavior.

Pica is more common in hamsters that are kept in small cages without enough toys or activities to keep them mentally stimulated.

Recommended Reading:

Can I Give My Hamster Paper Towel?

While paper towels are not toxic to hamsters and may seem like a good option for bedding or nesting material, they are not recommended as the primary substrate for a hamster’s cage. Here are some reasons why:

  • Absorbency: Paper towels are not very absorbent and may not be able to handle the moisture and odor from a hamster’s urine. This can lead to a damp and unhealthy living environment for your hamster.
  • Nesting Material: Hamsters like to burrow and nest, and paper towels are not suitable for creating a comfortable and secure nest. They are thin and easily torn, and may not provide adequate insulation or warmth for your hamster.
  • Digestive Issues: Hamsters that ingest paper towels may suffer from digestive issues like intestinal blockages or impaction, which can be life-threatening.

Instead of using paper towels, it is recommended to use a safe and appropriate substrate like aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or shredded paper designed specifically for small animals.

These materials are more absorbent, provide better insulation, and are less likely to cause digestive issues if ingested.

If you do decide to use paper towels as a temporary substrate or nesting material, make sure to monitor your hamster closely for any signs of illness or discomfort and replace them regularly to maintain a clean and dry living environment.

Is It OK For Hamsters To Chew Cardboard?

It is generally safe for hamsters to chew on cardboard as long as it is clean and does not contain any harmful chemicals or inks.

Chewing on cardboard can help to wear down a hamster’s constantly growing teeth and satisfy their natural urge to gnaw.

However, it is important to note that cardboard should not be used as the primary substrate in a hamster’s cage.

Hamsters need a suitable bedding material that provides adequate absorbency, odor control, and nesting opportunities.

Recommended bedding materials include aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or shredded paper designed specifically for small animals.

Additionally, any cardboard given to hamsters should be free of staples, glue, or any other potential hazards that could cause harm if ingested.

Always supervise your hamster when giving them new items to play with, including cardboard, to ensure their safety.

In summary, cardboard can be a safe and appropriate chew toy for hamsters, but it should not be used as the primary substrate in their cage.

Can I Put Toilet Paper In My Hamster Cage?

Toilet paper is not recommended as a primary substrate for a hamster’s cage, as it is not absorbent enough to handle urine and can become damp and smelly quickly.

However, toilet paper can be used as a nesting material for your hamster, as long as it is unscented and free of any potential hazards like glue or ink.

If you choose to use toilet paper as nesting material, make sure to tear it into small pieces and avoid using too much, as your hamster may try to eat it.

Additionally, monitor your hamster closely to ensure that they are not ingesting the toilet paper, which can cause digestive issues like intestinal blockages or impaction.

Overall, it is recommended to use a suitable bedding material like aspen shavings, paper-based bedding, or shredded paper designed specifically for small animals as the primary substrate in your hamster’s cage.

These materials are more absorbent and provide better insulation and nesting opportunities for your hamster.

What Paper Is Good For Hamsters?

When it comes to choosing paper for your hamster, it is important to consider a few key factors, including absorbency, safety, and suitability for nesting. Here are some types of paper that are good for hamsters:

  • Paper-based bedding: Paper-based bedding is specifically designed for small animals and provides a soft, absorbent substrate for your hamster’s cage. This type of bedding is usually made from recycled paper and is free of harmful chemicals and inks.
  • Shredded paper: You can shred plain white paper into small pieces and use it as bedding or nesting material for your hamster. Make sure the paper is free of staples, glue, or any other potential hazards that could cause harm if ingested.
  • Unbleached paper products: If you want to give your hamster something to chew on, unbleached paper products like paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls can be a good option. Make sure to remove any glue or tape before giving it to your hamster, and monitor them closely to ensure they are not ingesting too much.
  • Tissue paper: Tissue paper can be used as nesting material for your hamster, as long as it is unscented and free of any potential hazards like glue or ink. Tear it into small pieces and make sure to replace it regularly to maintain a clean and healthy living environment.

Overall, it is important to choose paper products that are safe, clean, and suitable for your hamster’s needs.

Always monitor your hamster closely when introducing new items to their cage, including paper products, to ensure their safety and well-being.

Can Hamsters Choke On Paper?

Hamsters can potentially choke on paper if they ingest large pieces or if the paper is not torn into small enough pieces.

When hamsters chew or shred paper, they can create small balls of paper that can become lodged in their throat, causing choking or difficulty breathing.

To reduce the risk of choking, it is important to monitor your hamster closely when giving them paper to play with, and to tear the paper into small pieces or provide pre-shredded paper designed for small animals.

Additionally, always make sure to remove any potential hazards like staples, tape, or glue before giving paper to your hamster.

If you suspect that your hamster is choking or having difficulty breathing, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.

Signs of choking in hamsters may include drooling, gagging, pawing at the mouth, or wheezing.

Overall, while paper can be a safe and enriching material for hamsters to play with and chew on, it is important to take precautions to prevent choking and other potential hazards.

How Do I Stop My Hamster From Eating Paper?

If your hamster has a habit of eating paper, there are several steps you can take to discourage this behavior and keep them safe:

  • Provide plenty of chewing alternatives: Hamsters love to chew and gnaw on things, so providing plenty of safe, chewable materials like wooden toys, chews, and sticks can help redirect their chewing behavior away from paper.
  • Remove paper from their environment: If your hamster is consistently eating paper, it may be best to remove all paper products from their cage, including paper-based bedding and nesting materials. Instead, consider using other safe and natural materials like shredded paper or aspen shavings.
  • Supervise playtime: When you allow your hamster to play outside of their cage, make sure to supervise them closely to ensure they do not ingest any paper or other potential hazards.
  • Offer a balanced diet: Make sure your hamster is receiving a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their nutritional needs. A lack of certain nutrients or a diet that is too high in carbohydrates can sometimes cause hamsters to engage in unusual behaviors like eating paper.
  • Provide mental stimulation: Boredom and stress can also cause hamsters to engage in destructive behaviors like chewing on paper. Provide plenty of opportunities for mental stimulation, including toys, tunnels, and exercise wheels.

If your hamster’s paper-eating behavior persists despite these measures, it may be best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for further guidance.

Mohini

Hello, I am Mohini, the founder of this blog. I am a qualified Animal Nutrition. I am here to help everyone understand their pets better.

Recent Posts