No, Not Just The Squeaks: 5 Signs Your Guinea Pig Loves You
Your guinea pig might not cover your face with slobbery kisses the way a loving pet dog would, or daintily groom your face the way an affectionate cat would, but happy little piggies do have clear ways of signaling their affection — if you know the signs to look for. Some signs are obvious, like happy squeaks, while others are more subtle.
Ken Ramirez is a biologist and animal behaviorist who works as the chief training officer at Karen Pryor Clicker Training. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he has cared for, worked with, and trained many different species of animals. Cuteness spoke exclusively with Ramirez about some of the ways to tell that your fuzzy little squeaker loves you.
"I have worked with many guinea pigs throughout my career," he says. "They love to learn, but they are also very shy. While it can be difficult to tell when they are showing affection, it's easy to tell when they are scared." Ramirez notes that it's crucial for a frightened or uncomfortable guinea pig to have a covered area to retreat to and hide in. All of which leads to the first clear sign of a guinea pig's affection: it stays out in the open whenever you're around. Ramirez says, "If they do not run away or hide, that indicates a high level of comfort."
Eating from your hand
Ken Ramirez describes another indication that your guinea pig loves you: "If they eat from you, that is a good sign." Guinea pigs are prey animals, and they are also quite small creatures, so they must display an abundance of trust, comfort, and vulnerability in order to accept food directly from an intimidatingly large human, who could be viewed as a dangerous and threatening predator.
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♬ Okinawan style/Sushi eating competition/Shamisen and Japanese drums(1492660) – zomap
If your guinea pig lowers its guard enough to take food or treats directly out of your hand, that indicates a strong bond between you and your pet. It shows that your guinea pig associates your hand with something good, such as a favorite tasty veggie, rather than something harmful or frightening. (For a good chuckle, check out this cute video of an adorable guinea pig's excitement over celery — it's hilarious.) Hand-feeding your guinea pig can help strengthen the bond between you.
Cuddling and accepting petting
Another sign of love is how physically close you can get to your guinea pig. "If they are really comfortable, they will seek out petting and cuddles," Ken Ramirez says. "So, if your guinea pig likes to be petted, that is a great sign and could be interpreted as his way of showing affection."
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In the wilds of South America, guinea pigs must stay on the alert for the approach of potential predators ranging from reptiles to birds of prey to large mammals, including humans, some of whom hunt these little herbivores as a food source or to use in traditional medicine. Guinea pigs are naturally shy animals, prone to hiding themselves away from the scary eyes of hawks, wild cats, coyotes, lizards, and snakes. When a pet guinea pig overcomes its inborn fear around larger creatures and settles in for a cuddle or a petting session with you, that's a strong indication of its affection.
'Popcorning' as a sign of affection
When your pet guinea pig does "popcorning," that's a clear signal of its fondness for you and its happiness in general. This delightful behavior involves the little furball energetically leaping in the air, twisting, and darting around, sometimes in bursts, often accompanied by cheerful squeaks or chirps. Popcorning might happen when your guinea pig is happy and excited to see you, when its enclosure has just been cleaned, when it receives a fun new toy, or when it thinks it's about to chow down on a favorite tasty treat. The behavior is more common in young, healthy, energetic animals, but older guinea pigs might also popcorn when they feel especially good.
@guineapigdoodles Guinea pigs popcorn and make chutting sounds to express joy💕 #guineapig #guineapigsound #guineapigpopcorning #funnyguineapig #smallpets #guineapigfacts #guineapigplaytime #cavylove
It is important to note that a guinea pig popcorning will seem curious, playful, joyful, relaxed, and happy. If the animal is making similar jerky movements but seems panicked or stressed, then the guinea pig might be demonstrating a fear response and will likely run and hide.
The happy vocalizations of a loving guinea pig
Guinea pigs can make a whole array of delighted vocalizations. A wheek is a long, loud, high-pitched squeal, while a chirp is a smaller sound, but both show joy. Chutting sounds almost like clucking, and it indicates contentment. Similarly, a happy guinea pig's purr resembles a relaxed cat's purr: a soothing rhythmic hum.
@mochi_piggie Happy Wheek: Joy Sound, Not Distress🐹🐹🐹#fyp #guineapig #cavy #asmr #GuineaPigTok
In contrast, a guinea pig in pain or discomfort might emit a whine or a whistle. Teeth chattering might indicate a stressed or annoyed guinea pig. A piercingly loud shriek should be investigated immediately, as it likely conveys severe pain or distress. A low, continuous rumbling sound is typically emitted by a male guinea pig looking to establish dominance or attract a female.
Interested in knowing more about these cute tailless rodents that are neither pigs nor Guinean? Read about the healthiest fruits you can feed your pet guinea pig (and how to do it safely), and learn how to tell a male from a female guinea pig.