25 Fun & Interesting Guinea Pig Facts for Pet Lovers

Guinea pigs are amusing little creatures with affectionate natures that blossom when they gain trust in their owners. Providing them with attentive care, stimulating environments, and regular interaction helps build this valuable trust.

Here are 25 fun and interesting facts about guinea pigs you might not know:

• Guinea pigs are also called “cavies,” short for their scientific name Cavia porcellus.
• They are tail-less rodents with stout bodies, popular pets across the UK and beyond.
• There are three main types: the American or English with smooth, short hair; the Abyssinian with wiry hair forming rosettes; and the Peruvian with long, silky, straight coats.
• Despite their name, guinea pigs aren’t related to pigs and don’t originate from Guinea; the “Guinea” part may come from Guinea (Guyana) or reference their pig-like body shape.
• Wild guinea pigs originally come from the Andes Mountains in South America.
• They are diurnal—most active during the day and less so at night.
• Guinea pigs love grooming themselves and each other, making them naturally clean pets.
• Their healthy weight ranges between 700 and 1200 grams (1.5 to 2.5 lbs).
• Adult guinea pigs measure about 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) long.
• In the wild, they inhabit grassy plains and semi-arid deserts.
• The typical lifespan for a guinea pig is 4 to 7 years, often longer with excellent care.
• As herbivores, their diet mainly consists of grass and hay with fresh fruits and vegetables for nutrients.
• They vocalise with various sounds including squealing, chirping, rumbling, and purring to communicate their feelings.
• Common health issues include diarrhoea, scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency), respiratory infections, and abscesses, which require prompt vet care.
• Guinea pigs are gentle and rarely bite or scratch, making them lovely pets for families.
• They are highly social and thrive when kept in pairs or groups to prevent loneliness.
• Females are called “sows,” males “boars,” and babies “pups.”
• Guinea pig pups are born fully furred with their eyes open and can run within hours.
• Their teeth grow continuously, so constant gnawing on fibrous food is vital to wear them down.
• Guinea pigs perform a joyful behaviour called “popcorning” where they jump and twist when happy, especially common in youngsters playing.
• Male guinea pigs perform a “rumble strut” during courtship, making special rumbling sounds with hip shaking.
• They have 4 toes on their front feet and 3 on their hind feet, counting 14 toes in total.
• Guinea pigs, despite their small size, have more bones than humans—258 compared to 206.
• Their closest living relative is the capybara, which is the world’s largest rodent.
• Guinea pigs have a unique sleep pattern, taking short naps throughout day and night rather than long sleeps.
• The oldest recorded guinea pig lived to nearly 15 years, much longer than the average pet.

Great Pets to Keep Indoors

Guinea pigs make wonderful indoor pets due to their friendly and gentle nature. They respond well to affectionate handling and grooming—the more you engage with your guinea pig, the stronger your bond becomes. Sitting with them on your lap and grooming them often leads to them purring contentedly or even falling asleep.

They are sensitive to loud noises and thrive in peaceful environments. Their social instincts mean they prefer company; considering adopting two or more to keep each other happy is highly recommended. Interaction and playtime not only enrich their lives but also help you monitor their health closely.

A Little Bit of History About Guinea Pigs

• Historically, indigenous Andean people raised guinea pigs as a food source.
• The Inca civilisation gave them religious importance, sometimes offering guinea pigs in ceremonies to their Sun God.
• Today, guinea pigs are beloved pets in the UK and across the world due to their gentle temperament and unique behaviours.

Interesting Facts About What Guinea Pigs Like to Eat

• A balanced diet includes Timothy hay as the staple for dental health and digestion.
• They enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables packed with essential nutrients, especially Vitamin C which they cannot synthesise.
• Vitamin C supplements or vitamin-rich veggies are crucial to prevent scurvy, one of the most common health issues in guinea pigs.

Fun Facts About Guinea Pigs

• Their teeth never stop growing, so ample hay and chew toys are necessary to keep their teeth from overgrowing.
• Guinea pigs have five different types of hair making up their coat, from guard hairs to fine underfur.
• Despite common assumptions, they're not actually pigs but rodents, which explains their different behaviours and care needs.
• Guinea pigs have a wide vocal range used for social communication, including the attention-getting “wheek” sound.
• Pop culture sometimes features guinea pigs, such as the film "Pigs is Pigs" where guinea pigs multiply amusingly in a train station.

If you’re looking to bring a guinea pig into your home, think carefully about adoption or reputable breeders to ensure ethical ownership. Many rescue centres offer guinea pigs in need of loving homes. Because they are social and affectionate, keeping them in pairs or groups is best for their emotional wellbeing.

Regular grooming and handling not only strengthen trust but also help spot health concerns early, ensuring your guinea pig stays healthy and happy. A trusted vet check and ongoing wellness care should always be part of responsible guinea pig ownership.