Providing your hammy with plenty of the best hamster toys is vital when it comes to ensuring they stay physically and mentally fit. While most of us understand the importance of giving the brains and bodies of our cats and dogs a good workout, we often forget that it’s equally crucial to make sure our pocket pets are getting the stimulation and enrichment they need to thrive.
“There's a bit of a myth that hamsters are not very bright or complex because they're small and thought of as 'children's pets',” says Sarah Argrave, founder of the Starlight Trust. “But actually they're very clever animals who travel great distances in the wild so they can quickly become bored in captivity if not given enough space and enrichment. This can lead to them becoming depressed or even aggressive.”
When it comes to how to play with a hamster and which toys to provide them with, we suggest selecting some options that you can engage with together and that your fur friend can also play with independently. Hamsters like to dig, climb, chew and burrow so the toys you select should reflect that. As well as an exercise wheel, be sure to also consider chew sticks, bridges, and tunnels.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best hamster toys available right now, with plenty of great options to suit every budget. To enable you to comfortably accommodate your hammy and their new toys together, we recommend a minimum cage size of 31 inches x 19 inches, with bigger being better. Check out our guide to the best hamster cages if you’re in need of an upgrade.
Sarah co-founded the Starlight Trust in 2008 and has a passion for animal welfare and rescue. She undertakes most of the day-to-day running of the trust, including caring for the animals at HQ.
PetsRadar's pick of the best hamster toys
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The Trixie suspension bridge will bring out the intrepid adventurer in your cute little pet. It incorporates loads of features; a rope ladder, suspension bridge, hoop and rope ring, all in one bright and attractive toy that hangs from the roof bars of the cage.
This little hamster gym will tax even the most active of pets, with monkey bars to really build their muscles! The suspension bridge is made from wood, as is the rope ladder, making it safe if your pet stops its workout for a quick snack or nibble. While this has the benefit of keeping their teeth in shape as well as their body, it would be wise to check the accessory from time to time to look for signs of wear and tear. After all, you don’t want them taking a tumble.
When your pet has finished working out, there’s a fluffy hammock for them to chill out in. The hammock is made in brightly trimmed nylon and is lined in soft polyester fleece, making it fairly durable, but owners will likely want to mop up any accidents quickly to avoid it becoming smelly. Despite this, the hammock is a lovely addition if you want to spoil your pet and is useful in providing a great hideaway where they will feel comfortable and safe in their cozy lookout.
An important consideration of this accessory is its size, more particularly the hanging space required in the cage. It is more suited to larger hamster cages with a decent drop. That said, if your hamster has a sizeable residence, it will enjoy scaling this imaginative toy. Given the multipurpose nature of this accessory, its play and discovery possibilities, and the added bonus of somewhere cozy for your hamster to rest its tiny paws at the end of the day, it offers plenty of bang for its buck.
This has to be one of the best budget options for any small caged pet. To you, it might be just a simple tube made of corrugated cardboard and designed to look like a log, but to a hamster, it’s an activity center, hideaway, and delicious snack all in one.
Cardboard has some big advantages: It’s cheap, easily recyclable and incredibly appealing in texture and taste for little hamsters. The only drawback is that it may prove too irresistible, with hamsters keen to explore and nibble it, taking a ‘seek and destroy’ approach! At best, they are likely to play with it for a toy for a while before shredding it, but you can rest assured the material used is safe and non-toxic, and the product, even when shredded, has no sharp edges like plastic. Even though it may seem like a waste, all the shredding will keep your pet stimulated and its teeth trimmed and healthy. They might even use it as bedding, which would save you from topping up the sawdust.
Nibbling, gnawing, and shredding apart, the play and exploration possibilities are many and varied. Most hamsters just love scuttling through the tube and peering out from the ends of the tunnel. Others quickly discover that they can have fun chewing the tube. For some, though, it’s just a good place to have a quiet nap. Just as important as providing physical and mental stimulation is the need to give your hamster somewhere to feel safe and secure, and the tunnel is a perfect place to hide.
This has got to be the most adorable little hamster bed we've ever seen! While it's technically not a toy, it's a lovely accessory that we felt was well worth adding to this guide. Made from a coconut shell, it's 100% natural, safe and non-toxic.
With easy access into and out of the shell, this coconut hut will provide your hammy with a cozy and peaceful hideaway for them to retreat to when they're needing a bit of downtime. Furnish it with bedding materials and you'll create the comfiest little bed your pocket pet will have ever slept in.
Eco-friendly, super durable, and beautifully designed, this will coconut hut will really add a talking point to your hammy's cage. The only downside is that the base often comes unstuck during the shipping phase, so you'll want to have some strong glue on hand to reattach it to the shell itself.
The ninja of hamster wheels, this beauty is so silent that you’ll be none the wiser when your furry friend is furiously working up a sweat. Designed with dual ball bearings to make it ultra-quiet, your hamster can happily run through the night while you get the beauty sleep you need.
With a wide running track and a reasonably sized running drum, your furkid’s back will stay relaxed while working out, giving their muscles a good stretch. Designed so your pet can get in and out safely and easily, the solid base offers excellent stability and the adjustable height means you can tailor it to suit your hamster.
Available in a range of cool colors and three different sizes, this hamster wheel is made from durable plastic and acrylic and is the highest-rated product of its kind, with pet parents praising it for its sturdy design. It’s super affordable too and the mix of pastel and bright colors will really freshen up the decor of your furry friend’s habitat.
This simple but pleasing ball is one of the best-looking small pet toys and a clever addition to any hamster environment. A bonus is that pet owners will appreciate its carefully crafted, natural appearance that will look good in any hamster home. If you’re an eco-conscious pet owner, you’ll appreciate the toy’s natural construction, and as it’s compostable, there will be no waste when your pet has finished with it.
The ball is made from natural willow and is pesticide free, with low levels of salicin, making it a safe and irresistible choice for small pets to nibble, gnaw and chew. Gnawing and chewing make up quite a good portion of your pet’s day, and without a safe, hard material to gnaw on, they can develop dental problems. It’s a much better (and cheaper) option to provide your hamster with a material that will keep its teeth healthy, plus there are other benefits too.
At approximately 14cm in diameter and designed with a range of small pets in mind, this toy is quite large for a little hamster, but it will no doubt have fun pushing and moving it around its cage, or your floor when it’s playtime. This will provide the hamster with lots of exercise and contribute to its physical well-being as well as helping to prevent boredom and stress.
As with all-natural materials that appeal to gnawing animals, the willow ball’s condition should be checked for damage at regular intervals and replaced when it’s beyond help. It’s not one of the cheapest play balls on the market, but for the quality and health benefits, we think it represents good value for money and is the perfect toy for a hamster with an appetite for some gnawing destruction!
The clever design of this running disc makes it one of the best activity toys around for small pets. In their natural habitat, hamsters would cover a lot of ground just looking for food, so running is second nature to them. This wheel allows them to run to their heart’s content inside their cage.
Unlike the traditional running wheel with metal rings, this one has a flat, solid running surface that protects the hamster’s spine. The running disc is big enough for a small hamster to use without bending its back and the smooth-running disc means that it cannot injure itself on metal rungs. The running disc is slip-resistant too, making it a safe place for a hamster to exercise while having fun.
Anyone who has a hamster knows just how annoying the noise generated by a hamster running on a wheel can be. The Trixie wheel is different in that it is not fixed to the side bars of the cage, so the cage doesn’t make a racket. Coupled with the smooth action of the free-standing running disc, this accessory is a much quieter affair than a traditional hamster wheel. When you consider that your hamster is most awake and lively when it is dark, the near-silent action of this disc should not result in anyone being unnecessarily disturbed by their hamster’s exercise… just tell them to chew quietly!
The only drawback of this toy is its material, which may be a deal breaker for eco-conscious pet owners. Made of plastic, the disk may be easy to clean, but a metal wheel would last longer. If your hamster chews anything and everything you may worry about it consuming some pieces of plastic, meaning you would have to be vigilant in checking its condition. And, when it is time to buy a new wheel, this one would probably be destined for landfill, which isn’t good news.
Treat your special friend to a super cozy WINOMO Pet Hammock Hamster Hanging Toy Hut and they'll have space to both sleep and play.
Featuring a super soft plush material, you can either sit the hut on the ground so it becomes a cozy place for your hamster to rest or clip it to the top of the cage using the hanging clips and it transforms into a hamster swing.
If your hammy is a little on the larger side, then this snug retreat is much roomier than you might expect at first glance.
Multiple hamsters will love nipping in and out of the holes, which is just as entertaining for you as it is for your pet. Simply hang a bell or another hamster toy above it for extra entertainment value.
Some pet owners report having difficulty attaching chains to the top of the cage or finding the chains too long but the multi-functional approach of having the hut either as a bed or swing means you're guaranteed to always find a use for it.
A practical yet suitably adorable addition to any hamster cage, the Trixie Large Wooden Digging Tower satisfies your little critter's need to dig while you can watch them.
Thanks to the product's acrylic window, you can simply stand back and observe your small friend burrow their way through the sawdust. There are two entrances, including a top hole your hamster can poke their head through.
It's pretty sizeable too for your furkid to delve in deep and tunnel their way through. Be sure to check the measurements of your cage before purchase, however, as this handy hideout may look small but it's actually much bigger than you were expecting.
As it is made from wood, expect your hamster to enjoy chewing on the walls as much as diving in the contents, but it's reasonably high quality so should last a good while.
Best hamster toys: FAQs
How to choose the best hamster toy
You know your hamster best. Perhaps they like their treats a little too much and avoid exercise, or maybe they lack mental stimulation. Whatever the case, it’s best to choose a toy that’s tailored to their needs. Look at what the toy promises and try to think whether a toy’s function will suit them and enrich their little furry life… or simply clutter up their cage.
Another important consideration is the material from which a toy is made. Plastic may be easy to clean but can be a worry if your pet gnaws it. Wood, on the other hand, is eco-friendly and non-toxic, making it a better choice all-round. It tends to be fairly durable, but if your hamster is on a mission, it could gnaw through a toy in no time. Then there’s fabric. Cute hideaways can often be made of cozy fleece, but while your hamster may love snuggling up in them, you may not love the extra washing they create!
Last but not least, it’s important not to crowd your pet’s cage with too many toys or enormous gym kits if your hamster lives in a compact property. And of course, budget plays a role too. It may be tempting to splash out on something luxurious, but bear in mind you’ll probably have to replace toys sooner rather than later.
Types of hamster toys
If you're considering what kind of hamster toys your furry friend will appreciate, then there's plenty on the market to choose from. From essential buys to little luxuries, our guide to hamster toys will run through what you need to know about each type.
Hamster wheel: Possibly the most common type of hamster toy out there, the hamster wheel is a classic addition to your hamster cage.
It's a great way to provide exercise for your little critter but it also emulates their natural behavior in the wild. Hamsters will walk several miles in search of food.
When choosing a hamster wheel think about the size and material. A large hamster will require a minimum of 8 inches, while for smaller hamsters, its around 5.5 inches. Your hamster's back should not be arched while using as this indicates it's too small for them.
Opt for a full weighted plastic version, and look for a wheel that's silent - for obvious reasons!
Hamster chew toys: Like most small animals, hamsters love to use their teeth so it's important to nurture their natural instincts.
For a great budget option, simple cardboard tubes provide a way for your hamster to both hide and chew. Cardboard rolls from paper towels or toilet paper are common household items that can be popped into your hamster's home.
When buying a chew toy for your hamster, the most important consideration is that it's made with non-toxic materials. Wood can be a great choice but ensure it's pesticide and chemical free.
Hamster balls: A hamster ball is an exercise device that allows your furry friend to roll around the floor. It's often seen as a common toy for a hamster but it's not always regarded as the best choice by pet charities.
There are concerns that a hamster ball may actually cause stress to a hamster due to their eyesight being poor. You may instead wish to look to look for a larger cage or an exercise pen to allow them to explore their environment on their own terms.
Climbing toys for hamsters: Hamsters enjoy climbing and are rather curious creatures. Look to provide opportunities for your furry friend to explore.
Key considerations here are safety. Hamsters do have poor eyesight so ladders with large gaps may present a hazard. A good option are large tunnels that imitate their natural environment in the wild and you may opt for bendy bridges instead.
Digging opportunities: Hamsters love to dig so look to provide a deep layer of sawdust at the bottom of their cage. Providing potting compost is a great option too and you can always consider a digging tower.
Often made from wood, this is a specific area for a hamster to exercise their love of burrowing. You fill it with sawdust and there's usually a hole at the top for your critter to jump in and enjoy.
Do hamsters need to chew wood?
When hamsters live in the wild, they will ensure their teeth are in tip-top shape by chewing on various items. Hamsters will often use pine cones to grind down their teeth so providing a wooden alternative can help with dental hygiene. Just be sure to go for untreated, unpainted wood, preferably bought in shops but be wary of bits of wood found outside which can carry parasites.
“Hamster teeth grow continuously but, in a healthy hamster, the teeth will be worn down by eating and by rubbing against each other,” says Sarah Argrave, founder of the Starlight Trust. “So it isn't necessary for them to chew wood but it can be a good source of enrichment. Nibbling and chewing release endorphins and helps keep them happy and calm. Just make sure that the wood is safe and hasn't been treated with anything potentially harmful.”
What do hamsters need in their cage?
As well as a place to sleep and rest, you should always include an exercise wheel. As scientists found in a study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology, exercise protects our furry friends against articular cartilage degeneration. Hamsters are also naturally active and exercising not only releases endorphins but helps to reduce boredom.
“A wheel is a really valuable bit of cage furniture as they do enjoy running in them,” says Argrave. “But it's really important that the wheel is big enough – most wheels sold for hamsters are too small and can be harmful. Your hamster's spine should be straight when they're on their wheel. If it's curved then the wheel is too small and too much time in it could cause the hamster pain.”
Otherwise, ensure a hamster has plenty to gnaw on and provide toys that allow digging and burrowing. Interactive toys are also great for a hamster's mind. “A thick layer of a good quality substrate in the bottom of the cage will enable the hamster to burrow and bury things.
“Paper or card based substrates are best as wood shavings and sawdust have been linked with respiratory and liver problems in some small animals. Shelves and ledges strategically fixed to the bars of the cage will keep things interesting and help make the most of all the space in the cage too.”
