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Hamster's lifespan

Hamsters kept as pets have a lifespan of two to three years, while wild hamsters' typical life expectancy is as little as 12 months.

Although there are numerous breeds of hamsters, their lifespan generally remains very similar. So whether you have a Roborovski Dwarf Hamster or a Syrian Hamster, you can expect each to live approximately the same two to three years.

Here are the 4 most popular pet hamster breeds and their life expectancy:

Hamster breed	Hamster lifespan
Roborovski hamster	3-3.5 years
Syrian hamster	2-3 years
Whinter white dwarf hamster	16 months - 2 years
Chinese hamster	2-3 years

What affects a hamster's life expectancy?

Breed
Diet
Living conditions
Stress
Genetics
Care

There are factors that are out of your control, like genetics or breed. As you've already seen, certain hamster species have a longer lifespan than others. Also, hamsters are prone to different illnesses, and that also depends on the breed.

But as for other things on the list, it's your responsibility to make sure your hamster gets the best care possible. From spacious clean cage and proper foods to entertainment and visits to the vet, there are ways to help your hamster live a happy and long life.

How to increase a hamster's life expectancy?

There are several ways to increase the lifespan of your hamster:

1. First, you must get a healthy hamster from a reputable breeder. Many pet stores sell animals with genetic disorders or other health issues, so make sure you research where to buy before purchasing your hamster.

2. Avoid stressors: aggressive pets (like cats and dogs), loud noises, and overcrowded living spaces. All these things can impact the lifespan of any hamster species.

3. Provide plenty of space for your hamster to run around and explore in its cage without being bothered by outside stimuli such as noise pollution (i.e., cars driving down streets).

4. Regular exercising is also vital when extending the life span of all animals including hamsters. So make sure they have enough room to run.

FAQ

What is pet hamster lifespan?

A pet hamster lifespan is typically two to three years. But there are cases when domesticated hamsters lived longer than that.

How long do hamsters live in the wild?

In the wild, hamsters live up to 12 months. Such short hamster life expectancy in the wild is due to natural predators cutting their lives earlier.

Why is hamster lifespan so short?

Hamster lifespan is so short, because, like most other small mammals, they have higher metabolic rates. Also, domesticated hamsters are prone to different illnesses, which shorten their life expectancy.