As much as we want to keep our hamsters safe and sound in the comforts of our home and in their cage, there are times that we will be needing to take them on a short trip. May it be because we had to move home or if and when they need to meet the local vet for a check-up.
In cases like this, we can’t just grab their cage with them in it. In cases like this, we need to use a travel cage. Of course, we wouldn’t want to use just any cage, but the best hamster travel cage.
As with any other hamster accessories, a hamster vet cage has its own standards we, pet lovers, should adhere. We wouldn’t want to use an enclosure that will put their health at risk or a cage that will quickly go down with just a couple of use, or worse, a pen that they’ll be able to easily escape from.
We want to use a hamster travel carrier that is made from non-toxic materials. Durable and will last a long time. And most of all, secure and comfortable for your hamster.
Keen to learn more? Let’s take a look at the following considerations that you should keep in mind when buying a hamster vet cage:
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT HAMSTER TRAVEL CAGE AND VET CARRIER
There are a couple of things to know when it comes to buying a hamster travel carrier. The materials it’s made out of, the size, how well-ventilated it is.
Also, a travel carrier that lets us attach necessary hamster equipment to keep them comfortable while on the road. After all, hamsters are very fragile creatures; hence, we must always ensure that they are as safe as they can be wherever we place them.
ALSO READ: How to choose the best hamster cage
Have a look at the following factors that make the best hamster vet carrier:
Material
The very first thing to consider if we want to make sure that we are getting the best hamster travel cage is the material it is made of. Plastic is alright, hamster carriers for travelling, but we want it to be thick enough to withstand your hamsters’ uncontrollable instinct to chew things. This is especially true if you reckon your travel time will exceed more than two hours.
A hamster travel carrier made from fabric isn’t good because your hamsters’ feet may get entangled with the loose fibres, which can hurt them. Wood is fine; however, since wood absorbs water and odour, you may find yourself buying a new hamster vet cage when it gets too smelly or dirty, causing you an unnecessary expenditure that you can easily avoid.
The best material for a hamster vet cage is glass or high-quality fibre plastic because it is durable, chew-proof, and can easily be cleaned.
ALSO READ: Common hamster illness
Size
We wouldn’t recommend a hamster vet cage that is too big because it may harm your little critters. The same goes for travel cages that are too small; it can cause stress to your hamsters’, worse, it may suffocate them.
It’s best to use a regular-size travel cage, one that would easily fit in your car’s backseat or can sit comfortably on your lap if you are not driving. A hamster carrier with a size no smaller or bigger than 10×10 to 15×15 in (25-38cm) should do the job.
If you use one with metal bars, make sure that the spaces between the bars are small enough to avoid a baby hamster escaping. You can use mesh wire over the bars for this.
Airflow
The best hamster travel cage is one that will let your hamster’ breathe. Ideally, it should have holes, and the entrance should also be big enough so that the air can flow in and out of the cage giving your pets’ a comfortable travel time with you.
But be sure that the holes aren’t big enough because hamsters are a curious bunch, and you don’t want their heads or feet stuck where they shouldn’t be stuck. Big holes or mesh spaces will also be a gateway to escape.
Deep base
Great hamster carriers for travelling should have a deep base. This will allow you to make thick bedding which will ease the bumpy ride. It will also give your hamster make a nice sleeping burrow plus, you can hide food and yummy treats under to keep your pet happy and busy.
Basic necessities
And one last thing, a great hamster travel bag should be able to attach or place inside these hamster accessories, such as a water bottle, food bowl, and a den to your hamster vet cage. A food bowl and den aren’t really necessary since you can simply hide food and treats under the bedding. At the same time, a den can simply be making a burrow in the bedding.
However, a water bottle is necessary for long-distance trips. This is especially needed if the trip will take a couple of hours. You don’t want your hamsters to go thirsty or hungry during the travel time. If you don’t see your travel exceeding 30 minutes, then you shouldn’t worry about it.
We don’t recommend you add a hamster wheel in the travel cage as it can only hurt your hamster due to bumps and sudden breaks while inside the car.
Repurpose Old/Wrong Cage
If you are like me, I made a mistake with my first hamster, I bought a small critter trail that is not suitable for a permanent hamster cage. Instead of breaking it or throwing it away, you can repurpose this and use it as a travel cage or vet carrier.
Of course, you first have to make sure that it is escape-free, and the best is if you can add a water bottle, food bowl, and sand bath in case you need to drive or travel with your hamster for longer than an hour.
ALSO READ: Taking care of a hamster for beginners
Hamster Exercise Ball
I don’t recommend this as a long-term travel cage, but if you don’t have a vet carrier yet and have to transport your hamster to the vet right away, you can use the hamster exercise ball for now.
You can’t attach a water bottle or place a food bowl on the ball, so you can’t use it as a permanent travel pen. Since a ball also has many holes, it won’t hold the bedding well. Read about hamster exercise ball pros and cons if you are planning to let your hamster use one.
TIPS ON USING A HAMSTER TRAVEL CARRIER
When preparing for a trip, either to a vet or for a move, you should add bedding from the cage and not fresh bedding. In this way, your hamster will feel a bit at home. You should also hide treats under the bedding to keep your hamster happy.
Clean the vet carrier after use. When travelling with hamsters, they tend to be much more nervous, causing them to pee and poo everywhere. Cleaning the carrier will stop any bacteria to build up.
WHY HAMSTER TRAVEL CAGE IS IMPORTANT
If you bring a hamster home from the shop or rescue centres, a hamster transport cage will help you make a comfortable home for the ride. Often, hamsters from the pet stores come in a box, like a happy meal box, where most hamsters can and will escape by chewing through it.
A hamster carrier will also allow you to bring your pet to the vet comfortably or whenever you have to move home. Another great purpose of a hamster travel carrier is to be able to keep your pet in a closed, safe container while you clean the hamster cage.
BEST HAMSTER TRAVEL CAGE AND HASMTER VET CARRIER
Of course, this article won’t be complete if we don’t give you a list of the best hamster travel cage for your hamsters. To help you decide which of these travel cages for hamsters is the best, remember our tips above.
Alfie Pet
This cage is not only aesthetically pleasing but is also made from a non-toxic plastic material. It has almost all of the features of the best hamster travel cage; breathable holes that allow air to flow freely into and from the cage. It has the right size; not too big, but not too tight. Best of all, it also comes with its own water bottle. Considering its features, it’s best used as a travel cage for longer travel times.
- Pros: Aesthetics, well-ventilated, and equipped with a water bottle
- Cons: Not the best hamster travel cage when it comes to durability; sometimes it comes with a tiny wheel; remove it
Megawa Animal Carrier
Another travel cage that’s not only pleasing to the eye but also provides a safe and comfortable temporary home for your hammies during your travel. It is made from plastic, but it isn’t toxic, so you can rest assured your pets’ health won’t get compromised.
Its holes are designed to let the air in, which will keep your hamsters from suffocating. It also comes with its own water bottle, which can easily be attached to the bottle holder. With its small size, it’s also meant for vet visits.
- Pros: Aesthetics, non-toxic, and breathability are its best features.
- Cons: It’s quite small, so it can’t be used for extended travel time.
Living World Animal Carrier
This is a sturdy hamster vet carrier with a well-ventilated design. Its handle makes the cage easy to carry from your home into the backseat of your car and from your car into the vet clinic.
The material is made out of non-toxic and shouldn’t cause irritation or any adverse effect on your hamsters’. It’s best used only as a vet carrier.
- Pros: Durability, easy to grip, and well-ventilated
- Cons: With its design, it’s hard to attach hamster accessories such as water bottles to it
IRIS Extra Small Animal Carrier
This animal carrier is suitable for short walks or trips to the vet clinic. It has an aesthetically pleasing design which makes it look like a premium hamster vet carrier. Its holes allow air to flow into the cage, which lets your pets breathe easily.
It comes with a sturdy and foldable handle making it easy to carry it to your destination. It also has a water bottle inside.
- Pros: Great design, two big enough entrances, and breathable holes make this hamster carrier the right choice
- Cons: Not much space after you add a food bowl inside
Kaytee Travel Carrier
This hamster travel carrier can also function as a temporary home for your hamsters while waiting for the actual cage to arrive or if you are building it from scratch. Its cage-like design lets the air flow freely into the cage. You can also easily install accessories like hamster water bottles and food bowls.
Because it is made mostly from metal, it is chew-proof and will definitely last for a long time. The plastic base is non-toxic and can easily be maintained. It can be used both as a hamster carrier and a hamster vet cage.
- Pros: Accessory-friendly and easy maintenance are this hamster travel carrier’s best points
- Cons: Great for hamsters, but not advisable to add too much weight inside as the bottom can fall off
Habitrail OVO Transport Unit
This cute-looking hamster carrier is built for short trips to the vet. It is designed with holes on top to allow your pets to breathe easily. Because it is made from durable plastic, it will surely last. Plus, it is super easy to clean and won’t absorb undesirable odours. It has an easy-to-grip handle, which makes it a perfect vet carrier.
- Pros: Cute-looking, easy to clean, and carry
- Cons: With its size, it’s really meant only for a short trip to the vet. You can’t attach accessories to it, so it cannot be used as a hamster travel carrier
Ferplast Carrier
This carrier will surely last because it’s made from a high-quality and non-toxic plastic material. The top cover provides a clear view of your pet inside, and the holes allow them to breathe easily.
This carrier is big enough to put some litter sand in it. It also has a safety lock system so it can’t be accidentally opened. It’s meant to be a hamster vet carrier and not built for longer travel times.
Trixie Traveller Transport
This hamster transport comes in attractive colours so that you can take your hamsters to the vet in style. But its colour isn’t what makes this an attractive option: it is also durable that your hamsters’ nibbling won’t affect it, no matter how hard they bite.
The slits allow air with fresh oxygen to flow through the cage. Its two handles allow for comfortable carrying. It’s best used as a vet carrier.
- Pros: Comes in attractive colours that make them fashionable. The cage is also durable and easy to handle
- Cons: You cannot easily attach your hamster’s favourite accessories, making it a less ideal carrier for long-distance travels
VERDICT ON THE BEST HAMSTER TRAVEL CAGE
I surely love using Trixie’s Traveller Pico Transport for short-distance trips, like a visit to the vet. It is designed for guinea pigs, meaning it’s super spacious for all types of hamsters. This travel cage for hamsters has a deep base which means you can make comfortable thick bedding for a comfortable ride.
For long-distance trips (if you are moving home), the best travel cage for hamsters is IRIS Critter Carrier. It has a deep base. You can create deep bedding to make the transport cage comfortable and have a less bumpy ride. But the best feature is the water bottle attachment.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Though hamsters shouldn’t really be taken outside for a lengthy journey, if you’d need to take them with you, consider using one of the best hamster vet carriers and hamster travel bags listed above for the safety of your hamster.
We hope that this article about the best hamster travel cage and hamster vet carrier helped you decide how to buy a hamster carrier. If you have any questions or if you’d like to share any tips or have questions for your fellow hamster lovers, feel free to leave a comment below and let’s learn from each other.
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