My hamster seems to be dead, but is not stiff or cold. It does not seem to be breathing. Why isn't it stiff or cold?
2007-05-14 10:24:12 · 7 answers · asked by mizrock4@sbcglobal.net 2 in Pets ➔ Rodents
The hamster has been lifeless for over 12 hours.
2007-05-14 12:48:50 · update #1
Rigor mortis only lasts a few hours, then they go soft again.
People often think their hamster has died when it's in fact hibernating. I would get it to he vet if I were you, to find out which it is. Usually if you pick them up and unroll them you can spot the difference, but it can be quite hard actually, they can even go cold when hibernating!
Go to the vet. If the hamster isn't dead, put the hamster in a warm room with a heat pad under it's cage to convince it isn't winter!
Chalice
2007-05-15 09:35:03 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hamster I had when I was young went into a coma once. It was asleep for hours, and hours. Then finally, it died.
Please take your hamster to a reliable and well-recommended vet* to see if there is something wrong with the hamster that can save it.
* Some vets are USELESS when it comes to hamsters. I had a horrible experience with a vet who was very rough with a sick hamster I had, and I believe the stress caused the hamster to pass away prematurely. Have a look online to find a vet closest to you who has a good track record and always ask to book an appointment with the MAIN vet. Sometimes when they're busy, they get stand-ins who are useless and who have little or less knowledge.
2007-05-15 02:33:09 · answer #2 · answered by midsojo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, the hamster may not be dead. At least, not yet. As rare as it it, hamsters can indeed go into hybernation. I've heard that it can kill them if they stay in that state for too long. But that could explain why it isn't cold or stiff yet. Try researching on hybernating hamsters. I know it's possible, sorry I couldn't tell you much more. Hope your hamster doesn't die.
2007-05-14 13:20:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it just died, the hamster's body may not have time to cool off, yet.
And rigor mortis doesn't set in right away, it takes a little bit to start setting in.
2007-05-14 10:27:44 · answer #4 · answered by rustyredstar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hamsters hibernate sweety so if he just might be taking a long nap.
2007-05-14 18:27:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It might be dying or has just died. It takes awhile for the body to cool and stiffen.. it took my cat a half hour before she started to stiffen.
Sorry that you pet died.
2007-05-14 10:29:28 · answer #6 · answered by Mallory 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they don't get like that right away, mine stayed warm awhile and i took it back to where i bought it to dispose of it since i live in apt.
2007-05-14 11:00:30 · answer #7 · answered by beachy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋