Are guinea pigs cuddly pets?

One factor that often disappoints new guinea pig owners is how skittish and standoffish their new pets are. Guinea pigs in unfamiliar surroundings spend most of their time hiding or watching humans; most will react to hands swooping into the cage with blind terror. read more

Yes, guinea pigs are cuddly because they are very calm compared to other “pocket pets,” such as hamsters or gerbils. (In the video I incorrectly state, “a hamster or a guinea pig.” I meant a hamster or a gerbil.) Because they are social animals, guinea pigs always love to spend “lap time” with their owners. read more

Here are 10 reasons guinea pigs make great pets: 1. Guinea pigs are hardy. When cared for and fed properly, guinea pigs are generally very healthy animals. read more

But guinea pigs are content to cuddle. "Out of the small pets, you can hold them in your lap for the longest time," says Jenny Bumgardner of Texas Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In fact, they're handleable enough that at the Rustlers' annual Guinea Pig Hoedown fundraiser, there's even a costume contest. read more