Here’s how hamsters maintain body cleanliness, aligned with their natural habits and physiological traits:

I. Self-Grooming Behaviors
Licking & Brushing
Hamsters use front paws to wipe their face, then lick fur all over, completing 90% of daily cleaning. They follow a fixed order: mouth → front paws → face → abdomen → back → lower body → hind feet.
Sand Bathing
Specialized bath sand absorbs oil and dirt from fur. Hamsters roll actively for deep cleaning.
Short-haired breeds: 1–2 sand baths weekly; long-haired breeds need 2 sessions lasting 15 minutes each.
II. Cleaning Aids & Tips
Bath Sand Selection
Use unscented, dust-free mineral bath sand—never cat litter or regular sand. Use a 10–15cm diameter shallow ceramic bowl as the bath container.
Special Cases
For sticky substances (e.g., glue): Dissolve with olive oil first, then gently wash with warm water (28–30°C).
Skin disease treatment: Medicated baths must follow vet instructions, limited to 5 minutes max.
III. Key Precautions
No Regular Water Baths
Water destroys skin oil layers, risking hypothermia or stress-related death.
Bath Frequency Control
Excessive sand bathing (>3 times/week) may cause dry skin.
Habitat Maintenance
Replace bedding and disinfect the cage weekly to reduce bacterial growth.
(Warning: If a hamster stops grooming or develops matted fur, it may signal illness—consult a vet immediately.)
Translation Notes:
Phrases like "sticky substances" balance precision with accessibility.
Metric measurements (10–15cm) are paired with clear contexts for American readers.
Bold headers and bullet points follow US editorial norms for scannability.