All About Hamster Tails
Yes, hamsters do have tails, but their tails are extremely short—typically only 1–2 centimeters long—and covered in fluffy fur, making them quite inconspicuous. The tail length varies slightly across different hamster breeds:
Syrian Hamsters (Golden Hamsters): Their tails are slightly longer, around 1–2 centimeters, but they still tend to go unnoticed easily.
Dwarf Hamsters (e.g., Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters, Winter White Dwarf Hamsters, Roborovski Hamsters): Their tails are even shorter, usually less than 1 centimeter, and lie almost flush against their bodies.
Hamsters’ tails have relatively weak functions, mainly used for maintaining balance (e.g., when climbing). Unlike mice, their tails cannot swing flexibly. Due to their short length, hamsters’ tails do not perk up noticeably like those of other animals when they are stressed or fleeing.
Note: If you notice your hamster’s tail is red, swollen, losing fur, or abnormally enlarged, it may be injured or infected. Seek veterinary care promptly.