Hamsters are known for their weak sight which makes it impossible for them to recognize human parents by face. Curiosity about their ability to differentiate between colors is only natural, especially when adding certain cage components like toys. You may prefer specific colors that could brighten up the cage but are they even going to appreciate them?

This article answers the question “Are Hamsters Color Blind?” by looking into whether they can differentiate between varying colors. We also examine the underlying reason behind their appreciation of a limited number of colors and reveal what those colors are.

Are Hamsters Color Blind?

Hamsters are nearsighted and almost color-blind due to their eye composition of 97 percent rod cells and 3 percent cone cells. They’re able to identify certain colors in the green and blue regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, unlike complete color blindness which classifies objects as black and white only.

Knowing the limitations of your hamster’s sight can help you make the right decisions for their well-being especially when setting up cozy cage environments for them. It can also explain why they accidentally mistake their human parents for intruders and end up biting them.

What is Color Blindness?

Wikipedia describes color blindness as the inability to see or reduced ability to see color or differences in color. The defect can manifest in different ways including limited ability to distinguish between different colors and varying shades of colors as well as the brightness level of certain colors.

Color blindness may incapacitate hamsters in a variety of ways but they still find ways to survive against all odds in the wild. It is common even in larger pets like dogs and may also come in handy in certain scenarios.

What Causes Color Blindness in Hamsters?

Color blindness in hamsters is triggered by the stark difference between Cone and Rod cells in their retina. This inhibits their ability to detect and differentiate between most colors on the electromagnetic spectrum.

With a photoreceptor population of 97 percent Cones and 3 percent Rods, they have a limited chance at normal vision and an even worse chance at color vision. The odds are naturally stacked against their ability to differentiate between the majority of colors.

Let us dive into the 2 main photoreceptor cells and what each brings to the table.

Cone Photoreceptor Cells

The hamster’s retina contains two main types of photoreceptor cells i.e. Cone cells and Rod cells, with each cell type tasked with specific functionality. Cone cells are primarily responsible for color vision and sensitivity differentiating between varieties of colors and their brightness levels.

Cone cells have lower sensitivity to light compared to Rod cells but they detect the slightest details in color and process images more rapidly. Color blindness in hamsters typically occurs when the Cone cells malfunction either due to their absence, damage, or false color detection.

There are 3 main types of Cone Cells i.e. Red, Green, and Blue which are the drivers behind color detection depending on the specific wavelength light shines on.

Rod Photoreceptor Cells

Rods are the second type of photoreceptor cells in the retina of hamsters that provide vision during low light conditions. They’re more sensitive to light and are found in the outer areas of the retina.

Do All Hamsters See The Same Colors?

Hamsters are not completely color blind as you already know and are able to detect and differentiate between a few colors. But do all hamsters see the same colors? The answer is no. Studies have shown that different breeds typically identify certain colors with ease compared to others.

Syrian hamsters are able to detect colors in the green areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. This means they have no problems identifying different shades of green while Siberian hamsters are also known for their ability to identify different shades of Blue.

What Colors Do Hamsters See?

The colors your hamsters see often depend on their breed. As previously stated, Syrian hamsters are able to spot colors in the green areas of the electromagnetic spectrum i..e Green and Yellow. On the other hand, Siberians see colors in the UV areas of the spectrum i.e Violet, Indigo, and Blue.

What Colors Do Hamsters Not See?

Hamsters cannot see Red like many nocturnal animals due to the large imbalance between Cone and Rod photoreceptor cells that makes them almost color blind. If you’re thinking of bringing a Red-colored toy into the cage but are unsure if your hamster will like it, feel free to go ahead because it won’t bother them.

Are Hamsters Scared of Red?

Hamsters cannot identify the color Red let alone be scared of it. Red comes off as a neutral color of some sort i.e Black or White and does not intimidate them in any way. They have absolutely no affinity or disdain for the color because it is non-existent as far as they’re concerned.

Can Hamsters See In The Dark?

Hamsters cannot see better in complete darkness due to their minimal rod photoreceptor population compared to cones. However, their vision is at its best during low-light conditions and they are forced to rely on their senses of smell and hearing when engaged in activities in complete darkness such as burrowing in the ground among wild hamsters.

Hamsters are crepuscular creatures that are more physically active during the low light conditions prevalent in the hours from dusk to dawn when they enjoy better vision.

Hamsters in the wild are exposed to several predators throughout the day thanks to their small body frames. Their lack of stellar vision also makes it extremely dangerous for them to become active at any time apart from the night.

They spend the daytime sleeping and hiding in burrows to safeguard their lives from the prevailing dangers on the ground. They may wake up briefly to eat, drink water, or use the toilet but they basically spend the daytime being dormant.

A hamster’s sight essentially does not need to be stellar during the daytime. They see best at night when they’re typically on their feet foraging for food and engaging in numerous vital activities. The good night vision also helps them avoid predators that may come their way thereby prolonging their lives.

Can Hamsters See In Red Light?

Hamsters do not see much in red light compared to the low-light conditions in the hours of dusk to dawn. However, studies have shown that red light has a positive effect on their moods and eliminates signs of depression and other psychological problems.

Conclusion: Are Hamsters Color Blind?

Hamsters are almost color-blind because their retinas contain 97 percent cone photoreceptor cells and 3 percent rod cells.

This inhibits their ability to detect and differentiate between most colors except those on the green and blue areas of the electromagnetic spectrum. Colors such as Green, Yellow, Blue, indigo, and Violet may be easily detected by different hamster breeds.

Other colors like Red and Grey are usually identified as Black or White in the eyes of hamsters because they cannot detect and differentiate between them.