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Imagine a potato with legs… and fur… and a whole lot of personality! That’s a guinea pig! These adorable little furballs may be small, but they’re bursting with squeaky excitement. Guinea pigs, also known as “cavies,” are cuddly, gentle rodents that love to munch, explore, and make the cutest noises you’ve ever heard. They don’t come from Guinea, and they’re definitely not pigs — so their name is a bit of a mystery! However, some people think their name likely comes from the squealing sounds they make and the old trade routes through which they arrived in Europe.

Guinea pigs originally come from the Andes Mountains in South America, where people raised them over 3,000 years ago. Today, they’re one of the most popular pets in the world. Why? Because they’re super friendly, easy to love, and they’ll even “popcorn” — that’s when they jump in the air like a kernel of popcorn because they’re just that happy!

They talk to each other (and to you!) using squeaks, chirps, and purrs. Hungry? WHEEK! Happy? BRRR! Curious? CHIRP! And unlike some other pets, guinea pigs need vitamin C in their food every day, or they’ll get sick. So their favorite snacks include crunchy carrots, leafy lettuce, and sweet bell peppers. Yum!

They don’t need a lot of space, but they do need a buddy — guinea pigs are super social and get lonely if they live alone. If you treat them right, these squeaky companions will be your loyal veggie-loving pals for up to 7 years.