🐹 What Guinea Pigs Wish You Knew

Sarah Robarge
Jul 3
2 min read

By The Cavy Whisperer

What guinea pigs wish you knew. From deep within the hay pile, some truths

Guinea pigs may not speak our language, but if they could, they’d have a few things to say—and no, not just “more snacks, please.” Behind the wheeks and wiggles are wise little souls with real needs, emotions, and personalities. Whether you’re a seasoned piggy parent or just learning, here’s what your guinea pig wishes you knew.

I’m not a hamster. A guinea pig sits in his pen, next to a hamster wheel.

1. What Guinea Pigs Wish You Knew: “I’m not a hamster.”

I don’t run on wheels, and I’m not low-maintenance. Guinea pigs are a unique species with complex care needs. We require large enclosures, daily attention, and a lot more hay than you think. Please don’t put me in a tiny cage or assume I’m easy just because I’m small.

I need a buddy. Two guinea pigs snuggling together.

2. “I need a buddy.”

We’re herd animals. Living alone can be stressful and lonely. Most of us thrive when we have a friend who speaks our language—one who understands the meaning behind a chirp, purr, or pop.

Yes, I remember you. A guinea pig is looking for their owner.

3. “Yes, I remember you.”

We know your scent. We know your voice. We know the sound of the crisper drawer opening at 6:07 p.m. sharp. (We know.) We may not wag our tails or come when called, but we bond deeply and form strong attachments over time.

Snacks equal trust. A guinea pig is accepting a treat from their owner.

4. “Snacks = trust.”

It may look like bribery, but sharing treats is how we build trust. A tasty piece of cucumber or a small handful of parsley says, “I see you. I’m safe.” Each nibble is a little vote of confidence.

I like things quiet and cozy. A guinea pig is snuggle in a hide and sleeping with their eyes closed.

5.”I like things quiet and cozy.”

We’re prey animals by nature. Sudden movements, loud noises, and chaos make us feel unsafe. Give us soft spaces, gentle voices, and time to adjust. We bloom when we feel secure.

I need more than pellets and lettuce. A guinea pig sits by a bowl with lettuce and pellets next to a sumptuous pile of vegetables .

6. “I need more than pellets and lettuce.”

Pellets and iceberg won’t cut it. We need a diet full of hay, vitamin C–rich veggies, and occasional fruits. Enrichment matters too—cardboard tunnels, hideys, and fresh things to explore make life interesting.

My body is fragile, my heart is huge. A guinea pig is being gently held by a human.

7. “My body is fragile, but my heart is huge.”

We’re delicate. Our bones, digestive systems, and immune responses are sensitive. Please handle us gently, physically and emotionally. We may be small, but our hearts are all-in.

I’m a lifetime commitment . A guinea pig is wearing a birthday party hat.

8. “I’m a lifetime commitment.”

We live 5 to 8 years or more with good care. That’s years of cleaning, cuddling, vet visits, social time, and fresh greens. We’re not a trend or a short-term experiment—we’re family.

A guinea pig holding a quill pen, writing their owner a letter.

💌 A Letter from Your Guinea Pig

Dear Human,

I may not speak your language, but I’ve been trying.

When I wheek at the fridge door or popcorn at your voice, I’m telling you I’m happy. When I purr softly in your lap, I’m saying, “I feel safe.”

I wish you knew how deeply I feel. How clearly I remember you. How much I love my buddy, my cozy hidey, and my routine. I’m not a background pet—I’m part of the family.

Thank you for listening. For learning. For loving me.

And hey… got any parsley?

Love always,

Your Guinea Pig

(P.S. Please tell your friends I’m not a hamster.)

Want more snuggly truths and care tips?

Follow @TheCavyWhisperer on Instagram and check out our gift shop for guinea pig–themed goodies that support education and rescue.