Pet Hamster Under Kitchen Cabinet – What to Do?
Have you ever found your furry little friend hiding under your kitchen cabinet? As a pet owner, it’s common to face such situations when your pet goes missing. However, it can be quite tricky to catch them when they are hiding under furniture, especially, if it’s a small and quick creature like a hamster.
It can be a challenge to coax them out without injuring or scaring them away, leading to further unanticipated trouble. Hence, in this article, we will guide you through some effective measures that you can take to catch your pet hamster under the kitchen cabinet. Read on to know-how.
How to Find Your Lost Hamster in Your Home?
- Begin your search for the pet hamster’s location by scanning the immediate vicinity and noting any possible hiding spots.
- Crouch down and take a closer look under furniture or appliances, such as kitchen cabinets or the stove.
- Listen for any sounds, such as scratching or squeaking, as these could be an indication of the hamster’s whereabouts.
- Look for signs of movement, such as shadows or ripples in the carpet, that may lead you to the hamster’s hiding place.
- Check inside any nearby boxes or containers, as hamsters may crawl inside to hide.
- Use a flashlight to shine light into dark corners and recesses, as hamsters may feel safer in dimly lit areas.
- If you still have trouble locating your pet hamster, try placing food or treats in areas where you suspect it may be hiding, as this can encourage it to come out of hiding.
Catching Your Hamster Under the Kitchen Cabbinet
Now, that you located your hamster, it is time to get your pet back into its cage. Here are some tips and tricks to lure and catch your escaped hamster under the kitchen cabinet:
Clear The Area
Before attempting to catch your pet hamster, it is important to clear the area to ensure their safety and prevent any further escape. Consider the following tips:
- Make sure all doors and windows are closed to avoid your pet hamster escaping outside.
- Avoid any sudden movements or loud noises that may startle your hamster and cause them to panic.
- Keep other pets, such as dogs or cats, away until you have successfully caught the hamster. They may cause additional stress or even harm to your hamster.
- Remove any obstacles that may obstruct your movement or visibility, such as chairs or boxes, to give yourself a clear path to catch the hamster.
- Use a flashlight or phone light to increase visibility under the kitchen cabinet.
- Spread a towel or soft blanket on the floor to cushion any potential falls during the catch.
With these precautions in mind, you are ready to begin the process of catching your pet hamster.
Lure The Hamster With Food
One of the easiest ways to catch a pet hamster that’s hiding under a kitchen cabinet is to use food as bait. However, it’s important to note the following points when using food to lure a hamster:
- Use the hamster’s favorite food: Different hamsters have different food preferences. Some love seeds, while others prefer fruits or vegetables. Therefore, it’s essential to use the hamster’s favorite food as bait. You can try different foods in small quantities to see what the hamster likes best.
- Place the food near the trap: If you’re using a trap, place the food near it to attract the hamster towards the trap. If you don’t have a trap, place the food in a small and closed space to trap the hamster.
- Avoid using toxic food: Hamsters are very delicate, and feeding them the wrong type of food can harm their health. Avoid using toxic foods like chocolate, caffeine, garlic, onion, and citrus fruits. Such foods can lead to digestive problems, seizures, or even death, especially if the hamster eats them in large quantities.
- Be patient: Even if you use the hamster’s favorite food, it may take a while before it comes out of hiding. Therefore, you need to be patient and observe from afar. Avoid making sudden movements or noise that may scare off the hamster.
- Keep the area clean: Hamsters are very sensitive to smells, and if the area smells dirty or unpleasant, they may not come out of hiding. So, keep the area clean by wiping off any food spills or other debris.
By using food as bait, you can successfully lure your pet hamster out of hiding and catch it safely. Just make sure to use the right food, place it correctly, be patient, and keep the area clean.
Use A Live Trap
If you’re having trouble catching your pet hamster, consider using a live trap. These traps are humane and allow you to catch your hamster without harming it. Here’s how to use a live trap to catch your pet hamster:
- Purchase a live trap that is specifically designed for small rodents like hamsters. Make sure the trap is large enough for your hamster to comfortably fit inside.
- Place some of your hamster’s favorite treats inside the trap to entice it to enter. Hamsters love foods like seeds, fruits, and vegetables, so consider using these as bait.
- Set the trap in a quiet area near where your hamster has been spotted. Make sure the trap is stable and won’t tip over.
- Check the trap regularly. You don’t want to leave your hamster trapped in the cage for an extended period of time.
- Once you’ve caught your hamster, carefully release it into its cage. Make sure there are no holes or areas where it can escape from.
Using a live trap can be a great way to catch your pet hamster without causing harm. Just remember to be patient and persistent, and don’t give up until you’ve caught your furry friend.
Use A Humane Trap
If your hamster has managed to crawl under your kitchen cabinet and you can’t seem to coax them out, a humane trap may be the solution. These traps allow you to safely catch your pet without harming them.
Here are some tips to use a humane trap:
- Purchase a trap specifically designed for small rodents.
- Place a small amount of food that your hamster enjoys inside the trap.
- Position the trap near the opening where your hamster last entered the cabinet.
- Check the trap regularly, and if your hamster is inside, carefully transport them back to their cage.
Remember, it’s essential to choose a trap that is specifically designed for small rodents to avoid causing harm to your pet. Also, make sure to use a bait that your hamster enjoys, such as a small piece of fruit, vegetables, or a hamster treat.
While using a humane trap may take some patience and perseverance, it can be an effective and safe way to catch your pet hamster if they have managed to escape into the depths of your kitchen cabinet.
Use Gloves
One effective method for catching a pet hamster under a kitchen cabinet is to use gloves. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Wear a pair of thick gloves to protect your hands from scratches or bites.
- Slowly approach the hamster without making any sudden moves that might scare it away.
- Gently cup your hand around the hamster without squeezing it; this will prevent the hamster from escaping while giving you a better hold on it.
- Slowly lift the hamster while keeping a firm grip on it with your gloved hand.
- Take the hamster to a safe and enclosed space where it cannot escape.
Using gloves gives you more confidence in catching your pet hamster and reduces the risk of injury. Remember to handle the hamster gently to avoid causing harm or stress.
Call a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t seem to catch your pet hamster, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Vet clinics and animal control services typically offer humane trapping and removal services for small animals, including hamsters.
Here are some reasons to call a professional:
- Experience: Professionals have dealt with similar situations and know how to catch a pet hamster safely and humanely.
- Equipment: They have specialized equipment that makes the job easier and reduces the risk of harming the hamster or damaging your property.
- Safety: Catching a pet hamster can be stressful and dangerous, especially if you are not familiar with handling small animals. A professional can ensure everyone’s safety, including yours and the hamster’s.
- Legal requirements: Depending on where you live, there may be legal requirements for trapping and removing small animals. A professional can advise you on these requirements and handle them accordingly.
When you call a professional, be sure to provide them with as much information as possible about your hamster’s location, behaviour, and any other relevant details. This will help them to prepare for the job and ensure a successful catch.
Of course, hiring a professional comes with a cost, but it’s worth considering if you’ve exhausted all other options and want to ensure a safe and humane catch for your pet hamster.
Conclusion
In the end, catching a pet hamster under a kitchen cabinet requires patience, perseverance, and a lot of care. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and tools, it is possible to get your beloved furry friend back safely.
Remember, hamsters are fragile creatures that require love and attention, so it’s essential to create a safe and secure environment for them to live in. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can capture your pet hamster without harming them and ensure that they remain happy and healthy for years to come.