Is Guinea Pig The Right Pet For Me?

Guinea pigs, also called as cavies, are a domesticated species of rodent. They were originally native to South America. Their average lifespan is 4 to 8 years. They weigh about 700g to 1.2kg and length is approximately 20cm to 26cm.
Guinea pigs diet include pellets, hays, fresh vegetables, vitamins and water. Generally, guinea pig is a gentle, docile, rodent.
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• Highly Sociable, Cheerful, Easy Going And Affectionate - Guinea pigs are very sociable animals and can live happily with their own kind. Having the same-sex pair will be recommended.​ Guinea pigs can recognise and respond to owners smell, they tend to be more relaxed and comfortable once they are used to your smell. Sometimes when you return home from work, they greet you with a high pitched squeal or whistle to show their excitement on your return, or to tell you it’s feeding and playtime. Guinea pig purrs like Cat too, a deep relaxed purring is telling you that they are feeling contented. Overall, they are very interactive for a small animal!

• Space Constrain - Many of us who wish to own a pet consider about the space we can give to our pet at home. Especially young adults living with parents, may need to seek approval before having one. Like cats and dogs, they require access to bigger or entire indoor area and outdoor as well. A good sized and sturdy cage or DIY house that is safe for guinea pig is all that you need! Depending on how many of them you intend to keep. For example, the minimum cage size recommended for 1 guinea pig is 7.5 square feet. Offering them a roomier cage is beneficial as they have more space to exercise. Giving them the opportunity to roam and express their natural behaviors, they will feel happier and live healthier. Time out of their cage or house is a plus!

• Busy Individual Looking For A Pet As Companion - Unlike Cats and dogs, they require much more attention from their owners. They need playtime, frequent brushing of their coat and walks etc to keep them healthy and happy. It is best to have their owner around with them in the house to keep them accompanied. These tiny fur balls can play on their own or with their partner. In case you are really busy on a particular day, you need not worry so much for your precious guinea pigs at home as long as they have adequate food supply and fresh water. When it comes to cleaning, it is much more easier and less time consuming as you will only have to wash their cage and clean it’s surrounding. Whereas for cats and dogs, you have to disinfect and wipe stained areas, sweep and mop the floor and vacuum the entire house to keep clean.

• Ideal Pet For Kids - If you are considering to give your kids a pet and to learn how to take care of them responsibly, Guinea pig is a good choice. Guinea pigs are less fragile compared to rabbits and less skittish than smaller pets like hamsters etc. They are much more steady to be carried or handled by kids and they are unlikely to bite as well. A lovely pet to be petted and cuddled with once they are comfortable with you. There should always be an adult to supervise.

• More Affordable To Take Care - In Singapore, it can be very costly when our pet needs medical attention. With good nutritious food, fresh water and a clean environment, Guinea pigs hardly fall sick and can be quite easy to take care of. Grooming fees are much more lesser than larger animals like cats and dogs. Check out our Mobile Guinea Pig Grooming Services to understand what we can cater to your guinea pig!

• Generally Easier To Tame - As we all know that guinea pig is considered a prey in the nature, they may be more nervous and timid when first introduced to a new environment. With more interaction, attention and gentle handling, most of them become tamed easily.

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• Not A Demanding Pet - A spacious and comfortable cage or DIY house for them to live in, a couple of feeding time and fresh water supply a day, weekly cage cleaning and the love from you is what they need!

Ask Yourself This 4 Questions:
​1. Am I acquiring a guinea pig on impulse?
2. Do I have sufficient time for one?
3. Can I afford to pay for their living and medical expenses for up to 8years?
4. Am I allergic to guinea pig?

Having a pet is a Long-Term Commitment, do consider carefully before making the decision on one.

By Sylvester (The Precious Pets Care Services)