Your guinea pig’s emotions are easily expressed, and when they’re not fond of something, you’ll know. So, what gives away that your guinea pig is giving you the cold shoulder?
It’s possible to unintentionally cause your furry friend to harbor ill feelings towards you. But don’t worry, there’s still a chance for a turnaround – it just might not be as simple as you’d hoped.
When trying to decipher why your guinea pig may dislike you, take into account not just your actions, but also their natural disposition and the atmosphere they reside in.
7 Signs Your Guinea Pig Hates You
Your guinea pig’s behavior can indicate if they have any animosity towards you.
If they only eat when you’re not around, scurry away when you approach their cage, display aggressive body language towards you, and reject treats from your hand, these actions may be an indicator that your guinea pig has a distaste for you.
Here are 7 signs your guinea pig hates you and how to fix it.
1. Signs of Aggression When You’re Around
Your guinea pig’s behavior around their cage can reveal a lot about their mood and comfort level. If you witness consistent aggressive behavior, this can mean two things. Your guinea pig either hates you or is feeling unsettled in their environment.
Guinea pigs are naturally cheerful creatures, but when they are unhappy or disturbed, they may exhibit aggressive traits, such as biting, scratching, or excessive chewing. If your guinea pig is content, their behavior will be drastically different, so it’s crucial to keep an eye out for these warning signs.
A happy guinea pig won’t show signs of loneliness, frustration, or anger towards their caretaker. It’s important to understand that these negative emotions aren’t normal for these adorable creatures. So if your guinea pig is displaying aggressive behavior, take the time to evaluate their environment and make changes if necessary.
2. They Eat Only In Your Absence
A joyful guinea pig is a sure sign of contentment – nibbling on hay without a care in the world, indifferent to your presence.
Conversely, a guinea pig that continually retreats to feed or play when its human is not around, is an indicator of distress.
However, if your furry friend munches on its hay with you by its side, it’s a beacon of bliss. On the other hand, a guinea pig that refuses to dine in your company is a clear indication of disapproval.
3. Your Guinea Pig Doesn’t Accept Treats
Refusing to partake in treats from your hand is a glaring indicator that your furry companion is not satisfied with you or their surroundings. This can vary depending on the method of taming, but if your guinea pig persistently spurns your treats, it’s a surefire signal that they are not fond of you.
On the other hand, a content guinea pig will eagerly leap onto your outstretched palms to receive their treats, savoring each bite while comfortably nestled in your grip.
If you observe your guinea pig snubbing your treats, it’s crucial to delve deeper and discover what may be bothering them.
4. Your Guinea Pig Hides When You’re Around the Cage
If your guinea pig scurries away from sight the moment you approach their cage, it’s a clear indication of their discomfort and unhappiness. This could stem from a variety of reasons – be it your presence, their environment or a combination of both.
On the flip side, a guinea pig that adores you will happily come out of hiding, eager to bask in your company. Hence, if your furry friend is shirking from you, it’s high time to take a closer look at the situation and find a solution.
Your guinea pig’s reaction to your presence is an excellent barometer of their state of mind. Only a content and joyous guinea pig would exhibit such behavior towards their owners. Don’t ignore this sign and ensure your furry friend is living their best life.
5. They Refuse To Play When You’re Around
The distrustful nature of guinea pigs often extends to their surroundings, including human interaction.
To establish a trusting relationship with your guinea pig, it takes patience and effort as it won’t happen overnight. This bond can influence their physical activity levels.
An easy way to determine your guinea pig’s affection towards you is by observing its toy play habits.
If your guinea pig shies away from its toys upon your arrival, it may be a sign of disinterest. Conversely, if they persist in playing with their toys, it’s a good indication they enjoy your company.
Boredom can also be a sign of decreased trust, so keep an eye out for any changes in toy play behavior. If they aren’t playing with their toys as much as they used to or have stopped playing with them entirely, it may be time to rekindle the bond with your furry friend.
6. They Ignore When You Call Them
As you approach the abode of your furry friend, keep a watchful eye as you call their name. Observe their behavior carefully to gauge their reaction.
If your guinea pig furrows its brow, fluffs up its hair, or bares its claws, it may signal a defensive stance. But if the little guy scurries towards your hand, it’s a sign of affection and trust.
However, if your guinea pig simply doesn’t care for you, they may choose to remain hidden, shunning your calls.
7. They Don’t Want to Cuddle With You
As you approach, a guinea pig who’s grown to loathe your presence will exhibit clear signs of agitation. They won’t respond to your affectionate strokes, coaxing calls, or tempting treats – it’s as if you don’t exist.
Don’t anticipate this prickly shift to occur overnight, though. It takes a bit of time for these creatures to sour on someone.
On the bright side, this can be a useful thing to keep in mind if you’re considering downsizing your furry family or simplifying their playthings.
How to Make Your Guinea Pig Show Love Toward You
To foster a deeper bond with your furry friend, try these tips for gaining their love:
- Make it a priority to be with your guinea pig as much as possible.
- Ensure their living quarters remain spick and span.
- Create a secure haven for them to thrive in.
- Interact through play and games.
- Supply them with a daily dose of fresh hay.
- Steer clear of loud and harsh tones.
- Show them some love with special treats.
- Prevent prolonged periods of solitude.
- Allow them some fresh air and sunshine every now and then.
- Expand their play area for added excitement.
- Consider getting a playmate to share their space.
Dominance Issues in Guinea Pigs and How to Address Them
Maintaining the well-being of guinea pigs involves understanding their tendency towards dominance and how it plays into their social structure creation. To mitigate any issues arising from dominant behavior, ensure that you provide adequate living space and enough physical activity.
To keep your furry friends engaged and help foster a harmonious social hierarchy, make sure to supply them with enriching toys and mind-stimulating activities.
Should dominant behavior persist, it may be wise to seek the guidance of a veterinarian or animal behavior specialist to guarantee the best possible outcome for your guinea pigs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Do I Tell That My Guinea Pig is Content?
If your furry friend is in a state of pure joy, you’ll likely notice they’re full of energy and vigor, with a relaxed posture and a sparkling, lively expression.
How Do I Tell If My Guinea Pig is Stressed?
If your guinea pig is feeling stressed, you may observe telltale signs such as heavy breathing, excessive grooming, seeking solitude, or loss of appetite.
How Do I Strengthen the Bond With My Guinea Pig?
To reinforce your bond with your guinea pig, make sure to dedicate quality time each day, offer them their favorite treats, and provide them with a comfortable living space filled with fun activities.
What Are The Signs of Love Coming From a Guinea Pig?
When you get close to your guinea pig, keep a lookout for affectionate gestures like snuggling up to you, following you around, or soft vocalizations. These are clear signs they hold you in high esteem.
How Do I Detect Comfort in My Guinea Pig?
If your guinea pig feels completely relaxed in your presence, you’ll observe signs such as a calm and inquisitive personality, a desire to be picked up or petted, and a peaceful body posture.
What Are The Signs of Pain or Discomfort in My Guinea Pig?
When your guinea pig is in pain or discomfort, they’ll show it through signs like difficulty in movement, a slumped posture, screeching, or excessively grooming one specific area.
Final Thoughts
Your guinea pig is your beloved friend, but sometimes they may exhibit signs of discomfort in your presence. This could manifest as shunning your attention, aggressive behavior, biting, or excessive shyness.
To ensure your guinea pig stays happy and healthy, it’s imperative that you pay close attention to these warning signs.
Provide them with a safe and stimulating environment, along with frequent check-ups from a trustworthy veterinarian.
By doing so, you’ll be able to cultivate a long-lasting bond with your furry friend, who will reward you with unconditional love for many years to come.
References
- https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/behaviour
- https://news.okstate.edu/articles/communications/2020/guinea-pigs-as-pets.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031938420303905
- https://smallanimaladvice.com/signs-your-guinea-pig-hates-you/
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/guinea-pig-vocalizations-and-body-language-1238882