A hamster’s aging process typically begins to show around 1.5 years old. This process can be relatively sudden rather than gradual, with aging signs appearing in physical shape, fur condition, behavior patterns, dental health, and sensory functions. Details are as follows:
Physical Shape Changes
Hunched Back: Elderly hamsters develop a gradually hunched back. Their bodies become thin and lose the round, plump appearance they had in their younger years.
Weight Loss: As hamsters age, their weight slowly decreases. When touched, they no longer feel as fleshy and firm as before.
Fur Condition Changes
Dull Fur: The fur of elderly hamsters becomes dry, dull, and loses the luster it had when they were young.
Hair Loss or Thinning: Fur may thin out or even fall out, especially in areas like the hips and abdomen.
Behavioral Pattern Shifts
Reduced Activity: Elderly hamsters show a noticeable drop in activity levels. They are no longer as energetic and active as when they were young; instead, they choose to rest and sleep more often.
Increased Sleep: Their sleep time increases significantly, while time spent on activity and play decreases, making them appear more lethargic and quiet.
Appetite Changes: Their appetite declines—they take a few bites of food and then stop. Their ability to gnaw on hard food weakens, so they may prefer softer foods instead.
Dental Health Issues
Tooth Wear: As hamsters age, their teeth undergo wear and deformation, becoming brittle and even developing cracks in some cases.
Difficulty Gnawing: Due to aged teeth, hamsters may struggle to gnaw on food, leading to more food crumbs falling off while eating.
Sensory Function Decline
Vision Loss: Elderly hamsters may experience gradual vision loss. This change can be more noticeable for hamsters that already had poor eyesight originally.
Stronger Odor: In their senior years, hamsters may have a stronger body odor and more pungent urine smell.
Increased Risk of Age-Related Diseases
Common Senior Diseases: When hamsters enter old age, their risk of developing diseases such as kidney failure, chronic kidney failure, tumors, dental problems, and cataracts rises.
Constipation: Constipation is also a relatively common issue in elderly hamsters.