Introduction: The History of Hamsters as Pets

Hamsters are popular pets that have been kept in homes for over 80 years. The first hamsters were discovered in Syria in the 1930s and were then bred and exported to the United States. These tiny rodents quickly became popular due to their adorable appearance and their ability to be easily kept as pets.

As hamsters gained popularity, the need for suitable housing became apparent. Early hamster cages were simple wire or wooden boxes, but as time went on, the design and materials used for hamster cages evolved. Today, there are many different types of hamster cages available, each with unique features and benefits.

Early Hamster Cages: A Look Back

The first hamster cages were basic wooden boxes with wire mesh on the front for ventilation. These cages were not ideal, as they were difficult to clean and didn’t provide adequate space for the hamster to move around. As hamsters became more popular, manufacturers began to produce more suitable cages.

One early design was the Habitrail, introduced in the 1970s. This plastic cage had tubes and tunnels for the hamster to explore and was easy to clean. However, it was also fragile and prone to breaking. Another popular design was the Crittertrail, which had a modular design that allowed owners to add on additional pieces. These cages were more durable and spacious than previous designs, but still had limitations.

The First Commercial Hamster Cage

The first commercial hamster cage was created by a man named Jack Wattley in the 1960s. Wattley was a fish breeder and had experience working with acrylic, which he used to create the first clear plastic hamster cage. The cage was called “The Hamster Palace” and was marketed as a luxury home for hamsters.

The Hamster Palace had multiple levels and a detachable tray for easy cleaning. It was also the first cage to incorporate a wheel for exercise. The cage was an instant success and was soon sold in pet stores across the United States.

The Rise of the Plastic Hamster Cage

After the success of The Hamster Palace, plastic hamster cages became more popular. Manufacturers began to produce cages with more features, such as tunnels, multi-levels, and exercise wheels. These cages were easier to clean than previous designs and provided more space for the hamster to move around.

One popular design was the Superpet Crittertrail, introduced in the 1990s. This cage had a modular design that allowed owners to add on additional pieces, making it customizable and expandable. It also had a built-in exercise wheel and a removable tray for easy cleaning.

The Advent of Modular Hamster Cages

Modular hamster cages became more popular in the 2000s. These cages had a modular design that allowed owners to customize and expand the cage as needed. They were also designed to be easy to clean and provided ample space for the hamster to move around.

One popular design was the Habitrail Ovo, introduced in 2008. This cage had a unique design that allowed owners to add on additional pieces, such as tunnels and pods. It also had a built-in exercise wheel and a removable tray for easy cleaning.

The Creation of Multi-Level Hamster Habitats

Multi-level hamster habitats were introduced in the 2010s. These cages had multiple levels and provided ample space for the hamster to move around. They were also designed to be easy to clean and had built-in exercise wheels.

One popular design was the Kaytee Multi-Level Habitat, introduced in 2014. This cage had multiple levels and included ramps for the hamster to climb. It also had a built-in exercise wheel and a removable tray for easy cleaning.

The Emergence of Glass Hamster Enclosures

Glass hamster enclosures became more popular in the 2010s. These enclosures provided a clear view of the hamster and were designed to be easy to clean. They also provided ample space for the hamster to move around.

One popular design was the Exo Terra Glass Terrarium, introduced in 2012. This enclosure had a clear glass design that allowed owners to see the hamster at all times. It also had a built-in screen top for ventilation and a removable tray for easy cleaning.

The Latest in Hamster Cage Design

The latest hamster cage designs incorporate the latest technology and materials. They are designed to be easy to clean, customizable, and provide ample space for the hamster to move around. Some designs even incorporate LED lighting and air filtration systems.

One popular design is the Ferplast Favola Hamster Cage, introduced in 2016. This cage has a modern design and includes multiple levels, a built-in exercise wheel, and a removable tray for easy cleaning. It also has a built-in water bottle and food dish.

Who Invented the Modern Hamster Cage?

The modern hamster cage was not invented by one person, but rather a group of designers and manufacturers over time. The first commercial hamster cage was created by Jack Wattley in the 1960s, but since then, many different designs and materials have been used to create hamster cages.

Today, there are many different manufacturers and designers of hamster cages, each with their own unique designs and features. The modern hamster cage is a result of the evolution of hamster housing over time.

Innovations in Hamster Cage Accessories

In addition to cages, there have also been many innovations in hamster cage accessories. These accessories include exercise wheels, water bottles, food dishes, and toys.

One popular accessory is the Kaytee Silent Spinner Exercise Wheel, introduced in 2014. This wheel is designed to be silent, so it doesn’t disturb the hamster’s sleep. It also has a solid running surface to prevent injuries.

The Future of Hamster Housing

The future of hamster housing will likely continue to incorporate new technology and materials. There may be more emphasis on eco-friendly materials and designs that incorporate natural elements, such as wood and plants.

There may also be more focus on customization and modularity, allowing owners to create unique and personalized habitats for their hamsters.

Conclusion: The Evolution of the Hamster Cage

The hamster cage has come a long way since the early wooden boxes of the 1930s. From plastic cages with tubes and tunnels to glass enclosures and multi-level habitats, the hamster cage has evolved to provide more space and comfort for our tiny furry friends.

While the modern hamster cage wasn’t invented by one person, it is the result of the hard work and innovation of many designers and manufacturers over time. As new materials and technology become available, the hamster cage will continue to evolve, providing even more comfort and space for our beloved pets.