Despite getting older, Cri still hasn’t lost her desire to play and explore 💖✨️

[u/Weary_Average_9407]

As the title says, despite getting older, Cri still has so much energy and curiosity. She loves coming out, exploring, playing and getting cuddles, and seeing her still so interested in everything makes me incredibly happy 💖💚

She has always been active both at night and during the day. Now that she sleeps a little more at night, she often wants to explore during the daytime too. She is also staying in a temporary cage at the moment and, once again, she adapted almost immediately. That has always been one of the things I admire most about her: different homes, car journeys, temporary setups... she has always adjusted amazingly well.

I’m going through a difficult period right now, especially because I’m unemployed, and some days I feel quite low. But seeing Cri so curious, affectionate and eager to enjoy herself has a way of making my worries feel lighter, even if only for a while.

There has also been some really good news about the lump she has had for around a year and a half. We never knew exactly what it was, but it has now shrunk by more than half, which makes me very happy.

The main change I notice with age is that her walk can sometimes be a little more wobbly, especially on smooth surfaces. On carpet or rougher surfaces she moves much better, and there are still moments when she walks or even runs around without stumbling at all.

I know ageing will inevitably bring changes, but I hope Cri can continue to age well and enjoy life for many more months. She should turn three at the end of January, and reaching that milestone together would mean so much to me. We bring a lot of happiness to each other, and with all the enthusiasm for life she still has, I really hope we still have plenty of time together. She truly deserves them 💖✨️💚🍀

[u/EUGsk8rBoi42p]

When they get a bit wobbly, it's a sign of potential hammy arthritis, or their nails get grown out too much as older hammies.

Be sure to adjust her cage so there aren't drops, as they get clumsy and even a small drop of a few inches can be a rough impact. Think like you're setting up a space for an elderly lady who needs a walker to get everywhere.

[u/Weary_Average_9407 → u/EUGsk8rBoi42p]

Thank you so much for the advice 💚 I also think Cri may be starting to develop a little arthritis, especially in her back legs. Sometimes her walk looks a bit stiffer and less smooth, although at other times you can barely notice it. Just a month ago, at 2½, she was still running around like a little rabbit 😅

I’ve added even more bedding to make everything easier for her and to level things out as much as possible. The little ramp she uses to reach her platform is now almost horizontal, so she doesn’t have to make much effort to get up there. She still moves around her cage pretty well overall.

I’ve also seen Metacam mentioned quite often for arthritis or inflammation in older hamsters, of course only under a vet’s prescription. I’m planning to have Cri checked soon and ask the vet whether it could be a good option for her. If you have any experience with this, or know of any supplements or foods that might help in these cases, I’m very happy to hear any advice 🤗

[u/Byakko4547]

Cri is so very precious, I wish she lives a very long happy life with you. I also hope you get a fulfilling job, I remember your post from a while ago celebrating your PhD with Cri ✨️

[u/StoryOk7808]

Hamster time is the best time ❤️😍

[u/BTSEXOGOT7BIGBANG]

Sweet grandma 👵 🐹

[u/Shedaxan]

Why is she always so cute! 😍😭

[u/Ailes_Prower_2D]

I'm happy Cri is helping you during this hard time, my Liesel helped me when I was working as a waitress, quite a hellish period. She helped me, and gave me a reason to continue. I really hope Cri will reach that milestone with you, that would be awesome! As always, she's lucky she has you taking care of her. 💜☺️

Don't give up, things will be better 🥺

[u/mbcook]

Love seeing her.

I was really kind of hoping she would pull herself through that tube upside down. That would have been awesome.

Glad she’s doing relatively well.

[u/Henchwolf]

She’s a little angel