In this video, you will learn 12 signs that show your guinea pig really loves you.
They lick you
Guinea pigs use licking to show affection and love to one another.
When your guinea pig licks you, it’s their way of grooming you and showing they care about your wellbeing. And if you have the taste of some yummy treats on your skin, then your pet might have another motive for their licking behavior. In either case, when your guinea pig licks you, it is a sign that your little pet isn’t scared of you and enjoys your presence.
They sprawl out next to you
Sprawling is when a guinea pig lies down on its side or belly. This position indicates that your little pet is comfortable and feels safe with its surroundings.
Sprawling is a vulnerable position for a guinea pig because it can take much longer to rise up in case of danger or predators’ attack. So, if your guinea pigs sleep this way when they are next to you, then it means they fully trust you and feel comfortable with you.
They popcorn
Popcorning is when a guinea pig hops straight up in the air, sometimes repeatedly. Because of the suddenness of the jumping, it’s been called popcorning.
It usually happens when guinea pigs are very happy and excited.
If your guinea pig ‘popcorns’ when you are around, this is a sign that they are happy to be around you and they love you.
Your guinea pig likes being held
Guinea pigs are very timid animals by nature.
If your guinea pig lets you hold them, it’s because they trust you and consider you to be a protective, safe figure. They won’t approach everyone in this way - it’s just you they love!
If you notice that your piggy is reluctant to interact with you, give them some time to get used to you.
Provide them with plenty of personal space. If you want to pet your guinea pig, only do it if your piggy allows you to pet them. Ultimately, show them that the time with you is great fun, and that it involves a lot of yummy treats.
They communicate with you
Although guinea pigs can’t talk to you using words, they communicate by making a variety of sounds.
Depending on the type of sounds your piggy makes when they see you, you can tell what they think of you.
If your little pet loves you, there’s a good chance that they will wheek when they see you.
This noise sounds like a long, high-pitched whistle, or squeal. Apart from being a sign of affection, this sounds indicates that your piggy is excited.
Conversely, if your guinea pig hisses or chatters their teeth when you approach them, it is a sign that you’re not their favorite human.
They can eat from your hand
Guinea pigs are naturally skittish animals. Whenever they feel threatened by anything, such as your hand or sudden movement, they freeze on the spot or run away. This makes hand-feeding them quite a show of trust.
While it might take some time before your guinea pig can eat from your hand, this simple action shows that your pet completely trusts you.
If your guinea pig isn’t yet willing to take food from your hand, don’t worry. Start off by leaving small, yummy treats for them to lure them in and get them used to eating near you, and eventually, they will make it to your hand.
They nibble you, very gently
Nibbling is a sign of affection. It’s something guinea pigs do to each other as part of their social grooming and bonding.
Playfully nibbling your hand or clothes will come naturally once they’re comfortable with you. If your little pet nibbles you, it’s a good sign, and it means your guinea pig loves you.
They sleep in your presence
One of the signs that you have gained the confidence of your guinea pig is that they seem relaxed and calm in your presence.
If you enter the room and notice your guinea pig continues sleeping, it is a sign that they trust you. Your little pet resists its instincts to get up and be alert because it considers you a safe and trustworthy figure.
They recognize you
Another sign that your guinea pig loves you is they get very excited whenever you come home or walk into the room.
Your guinea pig may wheek, run towards you, or start hopping in the air when they see you or hear your voice.
They cuddle with you
Guinea pigs are social animals and they love a good cuddle.
So don’t be surprised if they climb onto your lap, lie down next to you, or even follow you around.
During the cuddle time, don’t be surprised to hear them purring. In guinea pigs, purring is often a sign that they are happy and content.
They don’t bite you
Guinea pigs are not usually aggressive animals; however, your piggy might bite you if they feel they are threatened or in danger.
If your guinea pig is very afraid or nervous, it may bite you in an attempt to protect itself or to give you a warning that it is not happy.
They don’t run away from you
Guinea pigs are instinctively cautious animals and they are always on high alert.
If they don't run away from it, it is a sign they trust you.