Can hamsters chew toilet rolls?

Answered by Robert Dupre

So, let me start by telling you about my personal experience with my hamster and toilet paper. I have a Syrian hamster named Charlie, and he absolutely loves chewing on toilet paper rolls. At first, I was a bit worried about whether it was safe for him, but after doing some research and talking to my vet, I found out that it is actually perfectly safe for hamsters to chew on toilet paper rolls.

Hamsters have a natural instinct to chew on things as a way to keep their teeth healthy and to wear them down. Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, so providing them with safe chew toys is essential. Toilet paper rolls, being made of cardboard, make great chew toys for hamsters.

One of the concerns I had was whether the hamster could ingest the toilet paper and if it would cause any harm. However, I learned that modern toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water after a short while. This means that if your hamster ends up ingesting small pieces of the toilet paper, it will break apart in their stomach and pass through their digestive system without any issues.

Of course, it’s always important to monitor your hamster while they are chewing on toilet paper rolls or any other objects. Make sure that the rolls are clean and free of any harmful chemicals or residues. It’s also a good idea to provide your hamster with other safe chew toys, such as wooden blocks or chew sticks, to give them variety and keep their teeth healthy.

If you notice that your hamster is excessively chewing on toilet paper or any other objects, it could be a sign of boredom or stress. In that case, it’s important to provide them with plenty of enrichment, such as hiding treats in their cage, adding tunnels or climbing structures, or providing them with different types of bedding to explore.

To sum up, chewing on toilet paper rolls is safe for hamsters. The cardboard material is safe for them to chew on, and even if they end up ingesting small pieces of the toilet paper, it will dissolve in their stomach and pass through their system without any issues. Just make sure to monitor your hamster while they are chewing and provide them with other safe chew toys to keep their teeth healthy and prevent boredom.