We all like to give our pets some cuddles, and we revel in those precious moments when they show us signs of affection too. And just like other pets, hamsters can be very affectionate. But when they lick us, is it because they want to show some love, or is it something else?
Hamsters may lick their owners as a sign of affection, but it can also mean they smell food, are used to hand-feeding, or have a salt deficiency. In the case of the latter, you first have to confirm whether your hamster does have a salt deficiency and address it appropriately.
The rest of this article will discuss why hamsters lick their owners and what you need to do if your hamster is showing signs of a health issue, so you can better understand your hamster’s behavior.
Hamsters Lick To Show Affection
Like dogs and cats, hamsters enjoy and often crave the attention and affection of their owners. They like gentle pets and being physically near. This is also why hamsters sometimes do lick their owners–they are simply reciprocating the love that you show them.
But if your hamster doesn’t seem to be comfortable around you yet, don’t fret. It’s perfectly natural for your hamster to take some time to get used to you, especially if you’ve just recently gotten it as a pet. There are ways to build your hamster’s trust and make it more comfortable (and cuddly) around you.
How To Gain Your Hamster’s Trust and Affection
When you’re meeting someone for the first time, you don’t immediately trust them, do you? Just as we size up strangers before deciding whether or not to trust them, a hamster will not automatically like you.
They typically need about a week to warm up to you. During this period, it’s normal for your hamster to flinch a little or give a slight grimace when you try to pick it up or hold it.
Thankfully, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Here’s what you can do to gain your hamster’s affection: