I think my hamster might be sick :(

Question
When i looked at her cage there was a very big wet, smelly, and sticky spot in the back of the cage. I have a Russian hamster, could this just be from not cleaning the cage in awhile. the guy at the pet store told us to clean it once every two weeks and we cleaned it not last week but the weekend before that. Or is it she's marking her territory or what?

Answer
Hi Angela,

Well, she's not marking her territory.  Only male Russian hamsters mark their territories w/ their scent glands.  Also, this may sound elementary, but is it possible that she simply used the bathroom there because her regular bathroom area was too dirty?  Clean her cage well, and observe it for a few days afterwards.  If another sticky spot appears, and you don't think it's urine, then you should take her to the vet for diagnosis and treatment.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly