Guinea pig and cat in one house. Do guinea pigs get along with cats

Despite the general urbanization and the development of robotics, pets are still in demand. Besides common cats and dogs, rodents are gaining more attention. These are rats, chinchillas, mice, and hamsters. Special love in humans is used by large guinea pigs. These are beautiful, unpretentious animals that do not require much space. Of the minuses - live a short time, but noisy, social and sociable animals. Many people are interested: guinea pig and cat can coexist? We will consider this issue a little later, but for now let's talk about the basics of care.

Etymology of the name

Few people guess why the rodents were called guinea pigs. After all, they do not live in water. In fact, everything is simpler: the homeland of rodents was Guinea, so they were called overseas; From across the sea. In different countries they are called differently. For example, in England this is an "Indian little pig." It is not clear why it is the mumps. Probably, this is due to the unique sounds that the pet publishes. Another version relates the proportions of the animal's body and head. In Peru, these animals are actively used for food, but in Russia it is only pets. Especially since domesticated guinea pigs have clearly lost appeal in the form of food. Therefore, they perform only a decorative function.

Appearance

There is a great variety of breeds of guinea pigs. With a short, long, curly hair. And about coloring and remembering is not worth it! In general, the size of the pet is from 25 to 30 cm in length. There is no tail, the ears are hanging, the muzzle is dull. Males can reach a weight of 1.5 kg, females slightly less - up to 1.2. The structure of the coat and color distinguish several large groups: smooth-haired, long-haired and coarse-wool. There are also sphinxes, that is, bald animals.

Young guinea pigs are born from one to five. Weight at birth is from 50 to 100 grams. The larger the litter, the less weight. Cubs are born with hair, with teeth and claws. They are kept together with the mother for a month, then they are planted in another cage.

Separate attention is paid to sounds produced by guinea pigs. This is a kind of whistle, which they immediately attract attention. It is worth considering that pets are very noisy, so if you are a lover of silence - these animals are not for you. But listen carefully to the sounds produced. For each situation they are their own. For example, in the mating season the male attracts the female with the sounds "chaf".

Breed Overview

The Abyssinian guinea pig and the Abyssinian cat have nothing in common except the name. The peculiarity of this subspecies of the rodent in rosettes, that is, vichrah of wool. The socket on the nose is valued. There are colored and monophonic colors. Most often there are pegashi. The length of the coat should not be more than 4 cm. By the way, if you do not know if the guinea pigs get along with the cats in the same house, you get both pets at the same time. So animals will get used to and will treat each other well.

Another unusual breed of guinea pigs is alpaca. Yes, there is a similar breed of lamas, a similar name is given not accidentally. The representatives of this group have curly and long hair. For lovers of long-haired animals, there is sheltie. A breed of coronet has a kind of "crown" of wool on his head.

What do you need for guinea pig?

Care of rodents is not so complicated. First of all, you need to buy a spacious cage. Than it will be more, the better for the pet. To do this, choose a cage for large birds. It will take a little to rework, adding different shelves and passages. Suitable aquarium. If you are worried about whether a cat can eat guinea pigs, cover the aquarium with a lid for two thirds. Be sure to purchase a drinker, since the animal should always have access to clean water.

Cat litter, hay or tarsa is used as litter. Remember that the pebbles should be large, otherwise there is a risk of getting into the respiratory tract. To prevent odor, clean the pallet regularly. Optimal to do this every two days. Completely change the soil you need once a week.

Feeding guinea pigs

There is a joke that the guinea pig and the cat are an ideal food chain. In part this is true. In the wild, small rodents often become food of large predators. But at home it does not always work. Many cats with tenderness refer to guinea pigs, taking them for little dogs (by the way, Yorkians also weigh 1.5 kg than no guinea pig?).

Feed the same animal is not so difficult. It is enough to remember that they are 100% vegetarians. Half of the diet should consist of grass. In the summer it can be fresh, in the winter - dried, you can also buy hay. Dandelions are given as a treat. 30% of the ration consists of grain, for this it is better to buy special food in the pet store.

The rest of the diet is fresh vegetables. Just do not buy hothouses, as they are poisoned with fertilizers. This has a negative effect on the guinea pigs up to a lethal outcome. It is ideal to give apples, cucumbers, carrots.

In a small amount you can give crackers. What do guinea pigs like as a treat? In pet stores there is a wide range of special treats for animals. In a small amount you can give dried fruits.

The animal must be in constant access to clean water. It can add a few drops of lemon juice. It is useful for the young to dissolve calcium gluconate in water. Especially in winter. This is necessary for proper growth of bones.

Remember that the guinea pigs should never be given food from the table! It can be deadly for a pet! Nothing boiled, fried, spicy, etc.

What and how to wash guinea pig?

Sooner or later, before any person, the question arises: do I need to wash the pet and how often should it be done? Despite its name, guinea pig does not like water and avoids rivers and lakes in the wild. So do not try to let the animal swim in the bathroom or the pelvis. The main danger of such entertainment is not even in danger of drowning (all animals have the instinct to swim), but that water will pour into the ears.

How to wash guinea pig in this case? Remember that these animals are clean and spend a lot of time to bring their wool in order. So do not try to bathe your pet often. Do this only if the wool is heavily soiled. Abuse of water procedures leads to hair loss. Try to follow several recommendations.

Throwing pig in a container of water is a bad idea. So you just scare the pet. It is better to calm him, stroke, gently dip into the water. As a tray you can use a small basin or a sink. Warm water should be on the foot of the animal. Also bathe on one animal, so you will save your nerves.

For particularly fearful in pet stores, they sell dry shampoos. It is enough to put a powder on the pet's fur, wait for time and gently wipe the animal with a napkin. If you need to remove a small area of dirt, then simply rub the spot with a wet towel.

For washing use a special shampoo, as the guinea pigs have sensitive skin. Gently place the pet in a container of warm water, stroke and water from the cup with water. After soap the animal and gently rinse. After the procedure, wipe with a towel and dry with a hairdryer.

Guinea pig and other animals in one house

Guinea pig and cat - enemies or friends? There is no unambiguous answer. Let's try to consider the psychology of rodents. In the food chain, they occupy the lowest link. They have no active methods to combat predators. Despite sharp incisors, they use them only in intraspecific fights. But in fact, even here it rarely comes to bloody showdowns. As a rule, enough intimidating poses and whistles.

With a herd of pets, you can observe the division into groups. Typically, around one male a group of females is formed. All other males are driven away. If you keep pets together, you can note a funny tandem. They will stick together, move together everywhere.

If you want to live with a guinea pig and a cat, then get them at the same time. It is desirable that they both were cubs. So they from the childhood will get used to each other and will perceive each other as companions, instead of as competitors.

The situation is more complicated if the cat is already an adult, and you decide to buy a guinea pig. For cats, rodents are a natural prey, so the desire to dine is quite logical. Then put the cage in a hard-to-reach place, otherwise jumping a cat and its raids on a guinea pig can severely injure the psychologically small animal.

Try not to let the guinea pig walk around the room, if a cat or dog goes there. Even with a friendly attitude, large animals can play with a small animal so that it will have broken bones. Nevertheless guinea pig and cat in one house can live.

Tips from the breeders

Experienced breeders of guinea pigs recommend not to put a cross on the joint maintenance of animals, since much depends on the temperament of the cat. Watch your animal carefully. Is it active? Mobile? Is hunting skills evident? As practice shows, home city cats are not interested in rodents. Purebred cats are usually phlegmatic and spoiled.

When buying a guinea pig, try releasing it in the presence of a cat, but beware: when trying to bite a new-born pet you will need to quickly hide the rodent. A good sign, if a cat simply touches the animal's paw, is a normal phenomenon, it checks whether the new neighbor is aggressive. Dangerous sign - if enough for the scruff and trying to drag. In this case, the guinea pig and the cat should be taken separately separately.

To disaccustom the cat to jump on the table with the cage, spread out the skin of the orange or banana skins. Cat's feet will slip on the surface, and it will fall to the floor. A couple of such failures - and she will stop trying to eat a neighbor. Pay special attention to the rods of the cage, since if the distance between them is more than 2.5 cm, the cat can insert a paw there and frighten the guinea pig. Another option of "scaring away" is to arm yourself with a spray gun with water. As soon as the cat gets to the cage with the mumps, sprinkle water in her face.

It is also noted that cats eat only small rodents. For example, mice or hamsters. Therefore, the larger the guinea pig, the less likely it is to be eaten. Only young will be under threat. The predator can play them ...

Some cats take a guinea pig for their kitten and take care of it as a baby. Pull the scruff, lick, feed, etc. But try not to leave them alone, however good they may be.

Some breeders recommend giving the cat and guinea pig a "fight". This is a risky exercise, but it can help dot the e. For example, with rats, the situation is simple: when a cat bites a rodent a couple of times, it loses any interest in its capture. Therefore, the guinea pig can also bite its paw, and the cat will lose interest in it.

It is noted that over time the cat gets used to the unusual neighborhood and does not react to the pet. Can sleep on the cage, precautions hiding paws and tail. Guinea pig, in turn, too, can not be afraid of the threat from a large predator.

Which animals are suitable for keeping together?

The ideal neighbor for guinea pigs is a parrot. Wavy parrots dig in the litter, ride on the back of the animal, watching him. But the neighborhood with other species of rodents is undesirable, because they have different behavior, as well as competition. A good variant of the neighborhood is a guinea pig and a dwarf rabbit. They are almost the same size, have similar taste habits, etc.

Remember that if you keep the guinea pig alone, then you need to satisfy her need for communication. It does not require much effort: take the pet in your arms, talk to him, play. Without due attention the animal will quickly lose its mood, get sick and show apathy.

When you choose a guinea pig for purchase, carefully inspect the future pet. He should have a shiny, soft coat without bald spots. The skin should be without wounds and a morsel. Eyes - clear, without excretion. Look under what conditions the cubs live. The cage should be large, clean, experienced breeders show the parents of the kids. Remember that literate breeders value their name and responsibly approach the breeding of young. Do not chase for cheapness, as, having saved, you risk to get sick animal. At best, you will spend a large amount of money for treatment, at worst - the animal will die.

Whom to choose?

What can be pets? Guinea pigs, cats, dogs, rats and many others. There are animals for allergy sufferers, without wool, with a different color and character. It is worth making a little effort to find the desired specimen. Guinea pig is an ideal companion that does not require special conditions. If desired, the animal can be planted with a kitten, they can become inseparable friends.