Do Guinea Pigs Like To Cuddle? [What You Should Know!]

Guinea pigs are one of the coolest, calm, and most social pets in the world. They are small, clean, and cute pets for someone who wants an adorable pet. Some owners want to get cozy and cuddle with their guinea pigs. Some wonder whether it’s okay to cuddle your guinea pigs.

So, do guinea pigs like to cuddle? Yes, guinea pigs like to cuddle. Guinea pigs are tender, social animals that love human interaction. They are seen cuddling with their partners and cuddling toys while in the cages. They love to cuddle with humans on their arms and laps when free out of the cage.

This article helps explain how to handle your guinea pigs, especially when and how to cuddle with them. The article also gives tips on how to win the love of your guinea pig to avoid them biting you.

Do Guinea Pigs Like To Cuddle?

Guinea pigs do like to cuddle. They are small, tender animals and feel adorable in one’s arms. Guinea pigs are social and calm pets that may spend up to 30 minutes cuddling with anything soft and warm.

Your guinea pig may want to cuddle with you as the owner, with toys, or with their partners. Be observant to provide the necessary cuddling partner they love.

Research shows that guinea pigs like to cuddle with humans, especially caged species. Once you develop a good relationship, they will crave your comfort and presence.

Do Guinea Pigs Like To Cuddle With Humans?

Yes, guinea pigs like to cuddle with humans. Guinea pigs are social and calm pets with good relationships with humans. However, one has to cultivate good bonds and relationships at first.

Those with perfect interaction with their pigs find the guinea pigs running to them and climbing on their feet till they pick them up. The bond is natural and cannot be forced.

To make them comfortable on your arms, gently scratch their neck and back. They tend to lie on your arms and enjoy the strokes. Don’t get hard on them as they will bite you.

When on your arms and laps, avoid pressing their bellies and backs. If you hear them make some noise while holding them, release them or hold them loosely.

Do Guinea Pigs Cuddle Each Other?

Yes, guinea pigs do cuddle each other. Their instincts make them cuddle with each other. It is more evident after a meal; guinea pigs in one cage are seen to cuddle with each other freely.

However, some guinea pigs hate cuddling and often become violent to their partner whenever they get close. Such partners should be separated to avoid in-cage fights.

Allow your pig to select their preferred partner. And for those finding it hard to cuddle with other guinea pigs, avail yourself of cuddling moments.

How To Handle A Guinea Pig (Bonding Before Cuddle)

Handling your guinea pig is the first step in establishing a cordial bond between you. Poor handling causes your guinea pig to react violently and might even bite.

Guinea pigs are small delicate animals that need care and tenderness to handle. So, how exactly should one handle a guinea pig?

Use both hands to hold your guinea pig. Avoid picking it but provide one of your hands for it to climb on. Hold its chest with one hand and support its back using the other hand.

If you are sited, place it on your lap. You can lift and hold it onto your chest to make it more comfortable. Avoid squeezing its delicate ribs.

Not all pigs will want to be handled, be careful to observe their behavior. If it licks your hand and squirms while holding it, carefully put it down to avoid being bitten. Here is a video on how to handle your guinea pig.

How Long Should You Hold And Cuddle Your Guinea Pig?

The amount of time you spend cuddling your guinea pig varies from one guinea pig to another. Their mood and reaction towards cuddling determine how long they can spend in your arms.

Guinea pigs that love cuddling will stick around for 5-10 minutes. On average, 10 minutes are enough, and you will notice your pet making signs of wanting to leave.

For first-time handlers, stay within the cuddling. Hold it loosely for about 2-3 minutes till they get used to cuddling. For the hostile pigs, you should avoid cuddling them, rather, put them on your lap.

Observing when your guinea pig wants to be kept down would be best. However, if your pet enjoys cuddling, allow it to stay for the longest it can. It’s an indication you two bond well.

Do Guinea Pigs Bite When You Cuddle Them?

Yes; Guinea pigs will bite when you cuddle them in the wrong way. A slight mishandling causes the guinea pig to act in defense. Guinea pigs are delicate and hence need care while handling.

Other guinea pigs naturally hate cuddling. Within seconds on your arms, they bite and squirm, indicating the need to be left alone. So be observant to avoid dangerous bites.

However, the majority of guinea pigs love cuddling and thus don’t bite when you cuddle with them. If your pet is hostile when you cuddle them, consider purchasing another pet and affirm first that they love to cuddle.

FAQs

Below are questions frequently asked on how to best handle guinea pigs, especially when cuddling them.

Conclusion

Guinea pigs like to cuddle. Their lovely nature makes them one of the best pets to keep. Once you develop a good relationship with your pet, they will spend the most time on your arms and laps cuddling.

The same happens to guinea pigs living together. They play a lot and cuddle for a long time, especially after meals. Such moments help develop a strong bond between them and the owners. Ensure your guinea pig is comfortable, and do not hold it hard or squeeze its delicate rib cage.

References:

• https://nswschoolanimals.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-handling/
• https://squeaksandnibbles.com/guinea-pig-sounds/#:~:text=Guinea%20pigs%20make%20and%20understand%20a%20complex%20range,sounds%20has%20a%20specific%20meaning%20to%20other%20piggies.