All guinea pigs can purr, but not every guinea pig does. Guinea pigs purr by squeezing their outer diaphragm muscles while their inner muscles relax. The air flows into one end while it exits at the other, resulting in vibrations.
Guinea pigs are one of the most popular small pets in the world, and for a good reason. They’re adorable, friendly, and easy to care for. But one question that often comes up is whether or not Guinea pigs can purr.
The answer is yes, Guinea pigs can purr.
What You'll Learn
What Exactly is a Guinea Pig Purr?
Purring is the soft, rhythmic sound Guinea pigs make when they are happy. While it’s often referred to as purring, it is actually the result of vibrations in the lungs and tissues.
Guinea pigs typically purr to show that they are happy and content. You may even notice your guinea pig purring when you pet or hold them.
If you’re not sure whether or not your pig is happy, look for other signs of contentment, like resting with their eyes closed or eating calmly.
How Do Guinea Pigs Purr?
Just like cats, guinea pigs purr when they are happy and relaxed. If you listen carefully, it’s a soft noise that sounds like a steam engine that’s puttering away.
Purring occurs when the guinea pig’s outer diaphragm muscle squeezes while the inside muscle relaxes. As a result, air flows in at one end and out at the other, resulting in sound vibrations.
Guinea pigs may also purr when distressed, especially if they feel cornered. They are signaling to other guinea pigs that the environment is too dangerous and they need help.
Do All Guinea Pigs Purr?
There has been little scientific research on the subject, so answering that question is difficult. From what we know, it seems that all Guinea pigs can purr, but not all of them do.
Some Guinea pigs may only purr when they’re feeling very content and relaxed, while others may purr more often as a way of communicating with their owners.
If your Guinea pig doesn’t seem to purr, don’t worry. It doesn’t mean they’re not happy. Guinea Pigs can also show their contentedness by resting with their eyes shut or chewing on hay slowly.
Does Size Determine Whether or Not They’ll Purr?
There is no evidence to show that larger Guinea pigs purr more than smaller Guinea pigs. So the size of your guinea pig is not relevant in this sense.
Are There Health Benefits to Purring?
Purring may have health benefits for guinea pigs, but they are not yet fully understood. However, it is believed that purring may help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote healing, and improve overall wellbeing.
Purring may also help increase blood flow and circulation, which can be beneficial for guinea pigs recovering from surgery or illness.
There Are Benefits For The Owner!
A Guinea pig’s purr has several benefits for both the animal and the owner. For one, purring can signify that your Guinea Pig is comfortable and at peace. It can also be a sign that they’re feeling relaxed and safe.
Purring can also be a soothing experience for owners, and it can be a way to bond with their pets.
What if My Guinea Pig No Longer Purrs?
There could be many reasons your guinea pig suddenly stopped purring. Purring is often a sign of contentment, so if your Guinea pig is no longer purring, it could mean that they are upset or uncomfortable.
Try to figure out what’s causing your guinea pig discomfort and address the issue. If your guinea pig is healthy, there’s no need to worry. They may just be having an off day.
Are There Any Dangers to a Guinea Pig Purr?
While there is no evidence that purring is dangerous for Guinea pigs, being aware of the risks is always a good idea. Purring is a sign of comfort and wellbeing, but if your Guinea pig seems to be in pain or purring constantly, take him to the vet to make sure there are no underlying problems.
Yes, Guinea Pigs Can Purr
We hope you’ve found this article helpful in answering whether or not Guinea pigs purr. We looked at scientific research on the matter, as well as anecdotal evidence from people who own Guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs do purr, and there are a few reasons they might do it. Whether all Guinea pigs purr is still up for debate, but they all have this ability.
