A guinea pig is a type of rodent, but it’s neither a rat nor a pig. These animals are part of the Caviidae family and belong to the genus Cavia. The domesticated guinea pig, Cavia porcellus, likely came from a wild species called Cavia tschudii, also known as the Andean or montane guinea pig. Guinea pigs are different from rats and mice, which may make them more useful in certain brain research studies since their behavior is often easier to relate to human patterns.
In a study, guinea pigs spent most of their time in a "safe place," or shelter. Their next favorite spot was the area for food and water. They also tended to stay in their shelter more during the day than at night. When they did move, they mostly stayed near the edges of their environment, showing what’s called thigmotaxis, a tendency to be close to walls or barriers.
Even though they moved more during the dark periods, guinea pigs did not have a typical nocturnal pattern like rats or mice. Instead, their activity followed an ultradian rhythm, meaning they were active throughout a 22-hour observation period. There was no clear evidence that they experienced long sleep cycles.
So, Why Are They Called Guinea Pigs?
FOUR PAWS International explains that the name "guinea pig" goes back to 16th-century England, where they were sold for one guinea each. But what about the "pig"? Some believe it’s because guinea pigs look like little pigs, and this theory holds up when you look at what they're called in other languages. While breeders prefer the term "cavy," "guinea pig" is the one used more often in science and labs.
Even though they’re called guinea pigs, they actually don't come from Guinea, and they're not closely related to pigs at all. These animals actually come from the Andes mountains in South America, where their wild cousins still roam. Genetic studies show that guinea pigs are domesticated descendants of another cavy species, like C. tschudii. They were first kept as livestock for food in the Andean region, and in some parts of the world, they’re still eaten today.
One idea is that the animals were brought to Europe through Guinea, which led people to believe they came from there. "Guinea" was often used in English as a catch-all term for distant or unknown lands, so the name might have been a colorful way to reference their foreign origins. Another theory is that the "guinea" in their name is a twisted version of "Guiana," a region in South America.
The reason they’re called "pigs" isn’t completely clear. They do share some pig-like traits: big heads compared to their bodies, thick necks, and rounded backs with no real tail. They also make sounds that are similar to pigs and spend a lot of time eating. Additionally, they can live in tight spaces, like a pigsty, and were easy to transport by ship to Europe.
Are Guinea Pigs High-Maintenance Pets?
Guinea pigs are wonderful pets that love affection and social interaction. They’re generally easy to care for, but they still need regular attention, love, and care. With the right treatment, guinea pigs can live anywhere from four to eight years. Keeping them healthy involves providing a balanced diet, socializing them, offering mental stimulation, grooming, and taking them to the vet when needed. While guinea pigs enjoy companionship, not all of them are used to being held, so it’s important to approach them gently and help them learn to enjoy being handled.
A guinea pig’s diet should mostly consist of grass hay—about 75% of what they eat. Good-quality hay pellets can help meet their nutritional needs, but they shouldn’t replace hay altogether. Fresh fruits are a fun treat for your guinea pig, but they should only be given once or twice a week. Many fruits are high in sugar, which can upset their stomach or even lead to weight problems. According to PetMD, guinea pigs often like grapes or apples, which also provide a dose of vitamin C.
Providing a stimulating environment is key to keeping your guinea pig healthy and happy. Guinea pigs don’t require much grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming, dental care, and brushing. They take care of their own cleaning, so full baths are usually unnecessary unless they get dirty with urine or feces. Guinea pigs are great for kids, but a parent should always be the main caregiver to ensure the pet stays safe and well cared for.
How Smart Are Pet Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs don’t always get credit for being very smart. Sometimes, it looks like they can’t even spot a piece of food right in front of them! But according to Guinea Dad, these little creatures are actually much cleverer than we think. They can pick up tricks, recognize their owners, remember their names, and even solve problems. Just take a look at the video below to see how much they can learn!
Guinea pigs can respond to their name, come when you call them, and even do all sorts of tricks! They’re just as capable of learning as dogs, cats, and rats. While they might not be as quick or agile as those animals, guinea pigs can still master many of the same skills. You can teach them to give a paw, play fetch, spin in circles, and even navigate tiny agility courses!
