I think my hamster is stressed after spending time with a cat, what should I do?

Question

I went on vacation for about a month and had no other choice but to leave my hamster with a friend who has a cat. I asked her to keep my hamster in a separate room and not let the cat in. I just got my hamster back and she is not acting the same. She barely comes out of her den, she doesn't seem to be eating (she also seems skinnier), she's not her normal friendly, curious self and she's always on alert when she is out and about. I figured this was because she was in a different environment but I now found out that my friend's boyfriend would often leave the door to the room open and the cat would sit on top of the cage I guess trying to get at her.

Is there anything I can do to help her destress? What should I do if she doesn't start eating again? Should I just give her time and hope she realizes she's safe again?

One thing I know, I'll never have her in a house with a cat again.

Answer 1

Ah it will prob take her while to get use too it back home, Shes still gonna be scard but dont worry just give her time and she'll be back to normal!!! ;)

Answer 2

Boyfriend needs to be given a good solid lecture in common sense! If I were a critter that looked like food to a cat, I would be stressed out too!

Time and a few treats might be the best cure.

Answer 3

the person you left her with probably never took her out of the cage, mine livesw with 2 cats, they chase her around in her exercise ball, itsw a blast. they sniff each other through the cage.

Answer 4

make sure your hamster can't see you spending time with your
cat. make sure you spend time with them equaly and make sure you don't smell like cats when you pet your hamster!

Answer 5

WE HAD A TEDDY BEAR HAMSTER AND WE COULD PUT IT ON THE BACK OF OUR CAN
AND IT DID NOTHING