Can Hedgehogs Climb? The Truth About Their Abilities

Published: 14 Jun 2025

Yes, hedgehogs can climb—but not well, and it’s risky. Their bodies aren’t built for it, making even low climbs dangerous. Falls can lead to serious injuries, so if your hedgehog is trying to scale its cage, it’s time to rethink their setup. In this guide, we’ll break down why hedgehogs climb, the dangers involved, and how to keep your pet safe and happy.

Table of Content

How Hedgehogs Climb: Anatomy and Instincts
1. Physical Limitations
2. Behavioral Triggers
The Dangers of Climbing
1. Risks of Climbing
2. Vet Insight
Why Is My Hedgehog Climbing?
1. Common Causes
2. Solutions
Hedgehog-Proofing Your Home
1. Cage Recommendations
2. Playtime Rules
Conclusion

How Hedgehogs Climb: Anatomy and Instincts

If you’re wondering, can hedgehogs climb? the answer is yes, but not well. Let’s explore how their anatomy influences this behavior.

Physical Limitations

Despite their curious attempts, hedgehogs aren’t naturally suited to climbing. Their bodies and instincts are wired for digging and foraging on the ground—not for navigating vertical surfaces.

Claws made for digging, not gripping: Hedgehogs use their claws to burrow in soil, not to cling to bars or branches like squirrels.
Short legs and a heavy body: This combo gives them poor balance and awkward movement when trying to scale objects.
Poor depth perception: Hedgehogs often misjudge heights, increasing their risk of falling.

Behavioral Triggers

So, why do they try to climb if they’re not built for it?

Wild vs. pet hedgehogs: In the wild, hedgehogs occasionally climb low shrubs or slopes to escape predators or find food. But domesticated hedgehogs are more likely climbing due to boredom or stress.
Curiosity or stress: A hedgehog climbing its cage could be reacting to a lack of stimulation, trying to escape, or simply exploring.

The Dangers of Climbing

If you’ve ever seen your hedgehog hanging from the top of its cage or attempting to scale furniture, it’s time to step in. Climbing is not safe for hedgehogs.

Risks of Climbing

Broken bones: According to small animal veterinarians, falls from just 6 inches can cause fractures in hedgehogs due to their fragile limbs and compact bodies.
Toe injuries: Wire cages, in particular, can snag a hedgehog’s toes and claws, leading to painful breaks or even amputations.
Spinal injuries: A fall from the top of a cage can result in permanent damage or paralysis.

Vet Insight

Dr. Meredith Green, a small mammal specialist, states:

“We see hedgehogs come in with fractures from incredibly short falls. Their bodies simply aren’t designed for vertical movement.”

Why Is My Hedgehog Climbing?

Climbing behavior in hedgehogs often points to something missing in their environment.

Common Causes

Stress or anxiety: Hedgehogs are sensitive animals. Loud noises, unfamiliar smells, or changes in routine can prompt escape behavior.
Boredom: A hedgehog in a cage with nothing to do might climb simply to find stimulation.
Too-small cage: Confinement in a small space can lead to restlessness and attempts to escape.

Solutions

To reduce climbing and improve your hedgehog’s quality of life:

Enrichment activities: Offer tunnels, dig boxes, chew toys, and foraging puzzles to keep them mentally engaged.
Larger, safer enclosure: Consider switching to a solid-walled bin cage to prevent climbing while offering more space.
Hedgehog Cage Setup Guide
Add hides and shelters: Hedgehogs feel more secure when they have places to burrow or hide.

Hedgehog-Proofing Your Home

If your hedgehog has free roam time, or you’re looking to upgrade its habitat, safety should be a top priority.

Cage Recommendations

Avoid wire cages: While popular, wire cages are notorious for foot injuries and climbing hazards.
Use a plastic bin or glass tank: These offer solid walls to prevent climbing and are easier to clean.
Secure lids: Hedgehogs are escape artists. A loose lid is an open invitation to climb and tumble.

Playtime Rules

Supervise out-of-cage time: Never leave a hedgehog unsupervised in a room with stairs or furniture they could fall from.
Block off dangerous areas: Use playpens or barriers to restrict access to sofas, stairs, and electrical cords.

Use flat surfaces for exercise: Let your hedgehog run on flat, safe floors with minimal obstacles.

Conclusion

Hedgehogs may try to climb, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for them. Their physiology isn’t made for it, and the risks of falls and injuries are real. As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to provide an environment that keeps your hedgie happy, enriched, and safe.

Before your hedgehog ends up on the wrong side of a risky climb, take steps to rethink their setup and activities.

Can hedgehogs climb stairs?

No. Hedgehogs have short legs and poor coordination, making stairs very dangerous. Attempting to climb stairs can result in injury from falls or getting stuck.

Do hedgehogs like climbing?

Not really. Climbing isn’t a preferred activity for hedgehogs—it’s often a sign of boredom, stress, or a cage that’s too small. If your hedgehog is climbing frequently, look at their habitat and mental stimulation.

What should I do if my hedgehog keeps climbing its cage?

Start by evaluating the cage size, layout, and enrichment options. Switch to a solid-sided enclosure, add hideouts, and provide toys to engage their natural behaviors like digging and exploring.

Is climbing ever safe for hedgehogs?

Only if it’s a very low, soft structure that allows minimal height and no fall risk—like a slightly raised platform inside a safe playpen. But even then, it’s better to redirect them to activities that match their instincts, like digging or tunneling.