Hamsters are known for their relatively short lifespans, aging much faster than humans. Thanks to social media, people can see some pretty interesting animal videos. One such video was posted by @angelinasanhz to TikTok, with her showing off her geriatric hamster. This humorous post went viral, amassing over seven million likes! Continue reading to find out how long hamsters typically live.
Hamsters usually don’t live very long lives.
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Hamster Lifespan
Hamsters have relatively short lifespans. Because of their short lifespans, it is surprising to see an elderly hamster, like the one featured in the video. Most common pet hamsters live on average for about a year and a half to three years. While lifespan differs by species, this range is typical. A Syrian hamster lives longer than most, typically around two to three years, while a dwarf hamster may live up to two years. A hamster that lives longer than three years is considered exceptional, though such cases are rare. The hamster in the video above is showing signs of aging, such as hair loss, which is somewhat similar to what humans experience as they age. So, what are some other age-related changes that hamsters experience?
Many physical and behavioral changes occur as a hamster ages. One way to tell if a hamster is aging is by an overall reduction in activity. Older hamsters tend to move around less and appear less energetic, although the hamster in the video seems to be an exception. Hair loss is also common. Thinning fur or bald spots can result from natural aging, but may also be caused by poor nutrition. The hamster in the video is experiencing hair loss, as well as another sign of aging: weight loss.
It is common for aging hamsters to lose muscle and fat or to develop more fragile bones. This often affects their mobility as well, making them slower. These are most of the signs observed in the video, but other age-related issues can include declining vision, hearing, and general health. While the age of the hamster in the video is unknown, its physical traits clearly indicate it is older.
