Heat Stroke (or Sleeper's Disease as it is sometimes known) occurs when the temperature is too high. The hamster lies flat on the cage floor, is limp and may tremble when touched.

Often the hamster will show some movement if you blow on it but if this does not revive it, the hamster should be placed in cooler area and allowed to gradually cool down. If the hamster shows no improvement within a few moments it may be necessary to gently spray the hamster with a fine mist of cool water. If the hamster still shows no improvement within a few moments urgent veterinary advice should be sought.

A hamster should never be placed near a window or left in a car on a warm day as these are the most common cause heat stroke.

A hamster suffering from heat stroke may also become dehydrated.