Are hamsters social animals? While rats and mice depend on companionship, hamsters do not form stable social groups and do not require company to thrive. This guide explores what the Animal Welfare Act means by “appropriate” housing and why solitary living is often the most welfare-appropriate choice for hamsters.

Animal welfare is often associated with farms, laboratories, or zoos — not with the rabbits and rodents sharing our homes. But welfare applies to all animals. This guide explains what animal welfare really means, why it’s so often misunderstood, and how it relates to the everyday lives of rabbits and rodents.

Hamster housing is one of the most misunderstood areas of hamster care. Small cages, shallow bedding, and sparse setups are still widely promoted, despite strong evidence linking them to stress and poor welfare. This guide explains how much space hamsters really need, why floor space and deep bedding matter, and how thoughtful enclosure design can reduce stress and support natural behaviour.