Best Hamster Cages: A Guide for Pet Parents

Hamsters may be tiny, but they need plenty of room. It’s recommended that your hamster has at least 450 square inches of continuous floor space, measured by length × width (L×W), not including shelves, levels, or tubes.  

A larger Syrian hamster cage should be even roomier than a dwarf hamster cage, because Syrian hamsters are typically more active and require more space to roam. Syrian hamster cages should have at least 900 square inches of floor space and about 24 inches in height. Dwarf and Chinese hamsters should have at least 700 square inches of floor space, with a cage height of 24 inches. All hamster cages should allow for multiple inches of bedding. 

Good airflow is essential. Wire-top cages with a deep, solid plastic base allow better ventilation, while fully enclosed plastic cages can restrict it.  

Always check that the bars are narrow enough to prevent escape—about 1/4 inch (roughly 6 mm) for dwarf hamsters, who can squeeze through small gaps.  

Avoid wire flooring; choose a solid floor to protect your hamster’s feet and deep bedding for burrowing. A secure latch also helps prevent escapes and keeps your hamster safe.  

Hamsters can be messy little critters. Choose a hamster cage with a removable base, pull-out tray, and large doors for easy cleaning. 

Look for ramps, tubes, and hideouts that keep your hamster engaged. These features are especially helpful when setting up hamster cage environments for enrichment.  

Some cages even include built-in exercise wheels or modular expansion options to grow with your pet’s needs. Pick an appropriately sized wheel (often 8–11 inches in diameter for Syrians; 6–8 inches in diameter for many dwarfs). 

Here are our top picks for the best hamster cages: 

The PawHut Hamster Cage is a stylish modern upgrade from the average small animal home. Its spacious glass base lets you add deep bedding for natural burrowing, while the wire top ensures proper ventilation and plenty of climbing opportunities.  

The cage’s sleek, minimalist design blends beautifully into any home. This pick is easy to clean thanks to the detachable top and sliding glass panels. Your pet will appreciate the extra room to dig, nest, and explore, turning their home into a little world of their own.  

It’s a perfect mix of functionality and flair for both pet and parent. 

The PawHut Hamster Cage with Storage Cabinet combines a roomy living area for your hamster with a built-in storage cabinet underneath—perfect for stashing bedding, food, and accessories right where you need them.  

This cage offers a clean, furniture-like appearance that fits seamlessly into home décor, while hamsters enjoy the generous space and enrichment opportunities. It’s a win-win habitat that proves practical can also be beautiful. 

The tall glass and wood structure offers your hamster lots of space to tunnel, climb, and explore while giving you clear views of all their adorable antics.  

With multiple access doors and an easy-clean design, daily maintenance is made easy.  

Made for hamsters who loves to explore, the PawHut 5-Tier Hamster Cage is basically a playground come to life.  

With five connected levels linked by ramps and tunnels, it gives your furry friend endless room to climb, burrow, and play. Each tier offers a new spot to hide, snack, or nap, which will help keep your hamster physically active and mentally engaged. 

This cage’s vertical design saves floor space while still delivering tons of adventure for your pet. Additionally, the durable wire construction of the cage provides great airflow and easy access doors—making cleaning quick and simple. 

The Savic Hamster Heaven Metro Hamster Cage truly lives up to its name—it’s a little paradise for hamsters and a delight for pet parents.  

This extra-large, colorful habitat comes packed with tunnels, platforms, hideouts, and accessories that encourage natural behaviors like climbing, digging, and nesting.  

It’s ideal for Syrian hamsters who need extra room to stretch their tiny legs. The transparent base makes it easy to watch your pet burrow and explore, while the wire top ensures ventilation and security.  

This cage comes fully equipped, meaning you won’t have to buy add-ons right away. Bright, interactive, and designed for enrichment, this cage turns hamster care into a fun, engaging experience for both you and your little explorer. 

Use these setup tips to keep your hamster comfortable and safe: 

• Place the hamster cage in a quiet spot away from drafts, direct sunlight, and loud noises. 
• Clean the cage weekly and spot-clean daily to keep your hamster healthy and odor-free. 
• Provide at least 6 inches deep of bedding for tunneling and burrowing (more is better). 
• Add tunnels, wheels, and chew toys to enrich your hamster’s cage and prevent boredom. 
• Choose a hamster-safe food dish and water bottle. Always make sure your pet has fresh water. 

• Choose safe, paper-based bedding for comfort and odor control; avoid pine or cedar shavings, which contain aromatic oils that can irritate airways. Aspen is an acceptable wood-based alternative. 
• Match the cage type to your hamster’s species: A dwarf hamster cage needs narrow bar spacing, while a Syrian hamster cage needs more space and sturdier accessories. 

No matter which type of hamster you have, the right hamster cage makes all the difference.  

From compact starter kits to roomy, multilevel hamster cages, Chewy has a wide range of options to help you create the perfect home for your tiny adventurer. Investing in the right cage not only supports your pet’s health and happiness, but it also makes caring for them easier and more enjoyable for you.