Will a hamster hold a grudge if you hit it?

Hitting a hamster generally will not make it hold a grudge, because its small brain and poor memory mean being hit once or twice usually does not create a grudge. But hamsters are timid, and when hit they usually show fear, fright and nervousness, so they may bite to protect themselves.

If a hamster is hit often, it may develop a conditioned response when it sees the owner, choosing to hide or bite. Therefore, even though a hamster does not hold grudges, the owner should not hit it often, and after a scare should comfort it promptly.