Vets answer 13 questions about hamsters you've always wanted to ask

• Insider asked vets to answer common questions about hamsters.
• Hamsters will eat their own babies if frightened.
• They can fit almost a quarter of their body size in their cheeks.

Hamsters may be tiny, but they're hugely popular pets.

These little rodents can make ideal companions for people with small spaces and families with children, but caring for them isn't always straightforward.

Here are the answers to common questions about hamsters, courtesy of veterinarians:

Will startled hamsters really eat their own young?

Veterinarian Gregory Rich of the Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital of Louisiana told Insider that hamsters do kill or eat their young in certain situations.

"Both male and female hamsters have been known to kill or eat their pups if the parent feels they are in danger or that the nest is being bothered too much," said Rich.

This aggressive behavior can be triggered by the presence of larger pets or unfamiliar humans, so it's important to keep nesting hamsters isolated from loud noises and curious visitors.

Are hamster balls and wheels actually safe and enjoyable for hamsters?

"Hamster balls are an extremely safe and fun way for hamsters to get exercise and stay fit," said Rich. "If the cage is big enough, hamster wheels are also beneficial."

Rich added that it's important to make sure the ball or wheel is designed specifically for hamsters, and not other rodents like guinea pigs or mice.

When shopping for a ball or wheel, make sure it's large enough for your hamster to use without severely arching its back.

Do you need to trim your hamster's nails?

Overgrown hamster nails can interfere with normal grooming, eating, and mobility.

Rich told Insider that hamsters with fast-growing nails may need to have them clipped. However, hamster manicures are best left to the pros.

"Since their toes and feet are so small, their bones can be easily broken," said Rich. "I'd recommend asking a veterinarian familiar with small mammals to perform a nail trim."

If you do decide to trim your hamster's nails yourself, consult with your veterinarian to learn the best way to do it safely.

Is it okay to leave your hamster alone for a day or two?

If you're considering an overnight trip or a weekend away, you may be wondering whether it's okay to leave your pet home alone.

"Hamsters do just fine being left alone for one or two days," said Rich. "If you'll be gone longer than that, I'd recommend having a friend or neighbor look after your hamster."

It is vital to make sure your hamster's water supply won't be compromised while you're away. Water bowls can be knocked over or stuffed with bedding, and bottles can malfunction or drip constantly until they are empty.

How can you tell if your hamster is overweight or underweight?

If a hamster takes in too many calories or doesn't get enough exercise, it can become overweight.

"One clue that your hamster is overweight is that they aren't able to ball up to sleep comfortably," Rich told Insider.

On the other hand, a sick or underfed hamster will often look emaciated.

"If a hamster's eyes appear sunken or the rib cage can be easily seen, that's considered evidence of unhealthy weight loss," said Rich.

Do hamsters need regular vet visits?

Just like larger pets, hamsters benefit from regular wellness checks.

"Yearly to semi-annual veterinary visits are highly recommended for hamsters and other rodents," said Rich. "Hamsters are prone to tumors and dental problems, so it's important to have them regularly examined."

Veterinary checks for hamsters generally involve examining the position of the incisors, palpating the abdomen for tumors, and assessing their skin and coat for evidence of ringworm or mites.

Are some hamster breeds friendlier than others?

A hamster's breed affects more than its size and coat color.

"Some breeds are actually more friendly than others," said Rich. "Teddy Bear and Robo hamsters tend to be the most tame, but some Chinese and Syrian hamsters can make very sweet and attentive pets."

The most popular pet hamster breeds include Syrian or Golden, Chinese, Campbell's Russian, Winter White, and Roborovski. Talk to a veterinarian or pet-shop employee for guidance on which breed might be right for you.

Can you keep two hamsters together in the same cage?

Hamsters may be small, but that doesn't mean they don't appreciate having personal space.

"Two hamsters can sometimes get along, but two males or two females in the same cage often fight as a form of territorial behavior," said Rich.

According to Petopedia, Syrian hamsters, in particular, prefer to live alone. It's also important to remember that keeping hamsters of different sexes in the same cage will likely result in a litter of hamster pups.

Can you feed your hamster leftover vegetables or fruits?

The bulk of a hamster's diet should be hamster food. But giving your hamster a nibble of your leftover salad is usually okay.

"Hamsters can and will eat leafy greens, carrot slices, apples, nuts, and other salad-type food," said Rich.

When offering fruits and vegetables to hamsters, make sure they are fresh and thoroughly washed.

Do not feed your hamster onion or garlic, as these foods contain a substance that can interfere with a hamster's red blood cells. Hamsters should also never be given food with sauce, spices, or dressing.

Can you keep a hamster in a cage with another type of rodent?

Veterinarian Sara Ochoa, consultant for DogLab, told Insider that it's a bad idea to place your hamster in the same cage as a rabbit, guinea pig, rat, or other rodent.

"Different rodents have different dietary and habitat needs," said Ochoa. "Keeping two different species together may result in aggression and injury."

Rich also noted that rats and mice may carry viruses or bacteria that can be passed on to hamsters, so keeping your small pets in separate habitats is a safer choice.

How much food can a hamster keep in its cheeks?

Hamsters are famed for their ability to pack their cheeks with seemingly endless amounts of food.

"Hamsters can actually store about 20% of their body size in their cheeks," said Ochoa.

Those cheeks are more than just roomy - hamsters have special retractor muscles in their cheeks that help them reorient food inside their mouths, allowing them to pack in as much as possible.

What do you do if your hamster's teeth grow too long?

Hamsters love to chew, and this constant gnawing normally helps keep their teeth at a healthy length.

But if your hamster's teeth get too long, Ochoa said, you should never try to trim them at home.

"Hamster teeth should only be trimmed by a vet," she told Insider. "Doing it yourself can cause the tooth to split vertically and may cause a lot of dental problems."

Do hamsters actually bond with their owners?

Like many rodents, hamsters have relatively poor eyesight. Despite this, they may be able to differentiate between people.

"Hamsters do recognize people in the family and know which human handles them the most," said Ochoa. "This is probably due to scent rather than recognizing faces."

Thanks to their sensitive hearing, a hamster may also be able to recognize the voice of its owner.