Top 20 Best Hamster Cages - Pet Enclosures + Tips
Choosing the right hamster enclosure is one of the most important decisions you will make as a hamster owner. A good cage directly affects your hamster’s physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. In this guide, I’ll be talking through a variety of suitable hamster cage options, including commercial cages, DIY enclosures, and important factors to consider before buying.
Minimum Hamster Cage Requirements
Before looking at specific cage options, it’s essential to understand the minimum requirements for a hamster enclosure. Any cage you choose should be at least 100 x 50 centimeters, which equals 775 square inches of uninterrupted floor space.
The enclosure must also be tall enough to allow for at least 10 inches of bedding, plus space for a properly sized wheel placed on top of that bedding. For Syrian hamsters, a minimum 11-inch wheel is required, while dwarf hamsters need at least an 8-inch wheel.
Good ventilation is critical to prevent respiratory issues, and the enclosure must be waterproof so it can be cleaned easily and safely.
Understanding the Cost of Proper Hamster Care
Hamsters are often seen as cheap or beginner pets, but this is a common misconception. A suitably sized, high-quality enclosure can be expensive. However, it is usually better to invest in a large, well-made enclosure from the start rather than buying a smaller, cheaper one and upgrading later.
In the long run, a larger enclosure saves money because it lasts longer, provides better enrichment opportunities, and reduces the risk of escape or damage caused by chewing.
More Space Does Not Always Mean Enough
Even if an enclosure meets the minimum size, that does not automatically mean the hamster will be happy. Some hamsters need significantly more space than others. Enrichment, layout, and bedding depth all play a major role in how the space is used.
A large enclosure without enrichment can still be boring, while a well-designed setup encourages natural behaviors like burrowing, foraging, and exploring.
Rectangular PawHut Enclosure
The rectangular PawHut enclosure offers approximately 1018 square inches of floor space, making it a very good option size-wise. However, the internal platforms should be removed to allow for deeper bedding and more usable space.
Because this enclosure is made of wood, it must be waterproofed using hamster-safe products such as clear project enamel, PlastiKote, or pet-safe garden paint. Without waterproofing, cleaning can become difficult if the hamster urinates on the wood.
Hexagonal PawHut Enclosure
The hexagonal PawHut is similar in design but provides around 875 square inches of floor space. Like the rectangular version, shelves should be removed and the wood waterproofed.
Its shape can be visually appealing, but it slightly reduces usable floor space compared to rectangular designs.
Nightangel Bigger World Enclosure
The Nightangel Bigger World enclosure comes in multiple sizes. The medium provides 776 square inches, while the large offers around 930 square inches of floor space.
This enclosure looks great and is very popular, but it is assembled using rubber bands, which can make it less sturdy over time.
Nightangel Vista Cage
The Nightangel Vista cage is available in medium and large sizes, offering 848 and 984 square inches respectively. This is a high-quality enclosure with excellent visibility.
One downside is the slanted lid, which can make decorating slightly more challenging. However, it does make access to the enclosure easier.
Rodipet Nagarium
The Rodipet Nagarium comes in regular and extra-large sizes, offering 775 and 930 square inches. It has a similar design to the Nightangel cages and is also held together with rubber bands.
As with similar designs, sturdiness may be a concern over time.
MewooFun Wooden Hamster Cage
This enclosure offers 775 square inches of floor space and follows a similar flat-pack design. However, the gap at the top is too wide, meaning a Roborovski dwarf hamster could escape.
For this reason, it is not suitable for all species.
Bucatstate Metal Cage
The Bucatstate enclosure is a metal cage that meets the minimum requirement of 100 x 50 centimeters. While it provides adequate floor space, bedding depth can be limited without modification.
Hamster Homes Enclosures
Hamster Homes cages vary in size from approximately 90 x 60 x 42 centimeters up to 120 x 60 x 52 centimeters. The larger options are excellent in size, but like other wooden cages, they require waterproofing.
These cages are available directly from the Hamster Homes website.
Living World Eco Habitat
The Living World Eco Habitat comes in medium and large sizes. While spacious and mounted on wheels, it is a flat-pack design and may feel flimsy.
Its mobility is convenient, but sturdiness should be considered.
Skyline Marrakesh Cage
The Skyline Marrakesh measures slightly under the minimum at 96 x 47 x 38 centimeters. While it could work, it would be far better to join two together to create enough space.
Civic Plaza and Similar Bar Cages
The Civic Plaza cage meets the minimum size but has a shallow base. Adding cardboard around the inside of the bars allows for deeper bedding and prevents mess.
The wheel included is too small and must be replaced. Platforms should also be removed.
Other Bar Cage Options
Several bar cages around 100 x 54 centimeters can work with modifications. These include the Mamble, Ritz, Grosvenor Extra Large, Kensington, Raptor, Kerbl Gabbia, and Zoo Zone 2 Large.
The Zoo Zone 2 has wide bar spacing and requires mesh on top to prevent escapes.
DIY Hamster Cage Options
DIY enclosures can be excellent when done correctly. The IKEA Linnmon cage offers around 876 square inches and is a popular DIY option.
The IKEA Pax enclosure is one of the best options available, offering between 1361 and 3366 square inches. The bottom may need reinforcement with tiles.
The IKEA Detolf provides around 960 square inches and is suitable only for dwarf hamsters. A custom lid is required.
Glass Tank Enclosures
Glass tanks are one of the best enclosure options when they meet the minimum size. They are easy to clean, prevent chewing escapes, and offer excellent visibility.
A mesh lid is required for ventilation, although some tanks come with one included.
Plastic Bin Cages
Plastic bins are generally not recommended. Most are too small, easy to chew through, and difficult to fit proper enrichment into.
If a bin larger than 100 x 50 centimeters can be found, it may work, but options are limited.
What Every Hamster Cage Must Include
Every suitable hamster enclosure should include:
- At least 10 inches of bedding
- A properly sized wheel
- A large sand bath with dust-free, calcium-free sand
- Multiple hideouts, including a multi-chamber hide
- Sprays, forage, and foraging toys
- Branches and natural enrichment
- Water bowls or bottles and food dishes
Where to Find Suitable Hamster Enclosures
Good places to look for hamster enclosures include Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Gumtree, Amazon, and specialist brands such as Nightangel.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hamster cage takes time, research, and planning. A suitable enclosure should prioritize space, safety, and enrichment.
By investing in the right enclosure and setting it up properly, you give your hamster the best possible chance at a happy and healthy life.