10 Things Only Guinea Pig People Understand

Guinea pigs are small. The evidence of living with them, however, is absolutely everywhere. If you have ever explained a wheek to someone who does not have guinea pigs, this list is for you.

1. Hay travels farther than your luggage.

Your socks are involved. The hallway is involved. Somehow one strand makes it into a jacket pocket. You no longer ask questions.

2. A refrigerator door is now a sound effect.

Some guinea pigs seem to learn that particular household noises predict food. Open the door, crinkle the bag, wait for the review.

3. You have apologized for a vegetable shortage.

You actually said, "I know, I know, there was no cilantro." To a guinea pig. Completely seriously.

4. Cleaning becomes interior design.

You begin with a broom and finish with a new traffic plan, two relocated hideouts and strong opinions about hay placement.

5. You can recognize a happy noise from another room.

Popcorning, rustling and the occasional dramatic wheek have become part of your household soundtrack.

6. You take an unreasonable number of photos.

Same pig, slightly different angle? That is an entirely new photo, thank you very much.

7. You know the importance of the backup liner.

Other households have spare towels. You have an emergency cage-cleaning system.

8. You have searched "can guinea pigs eat..." at least once this week.

It starts with a vegetable. Then another. Suddenly you are studying produce like you are preparing for an exam.

9. A cardboard box has become premium real estate.

You spend money on beautiful things. The guinea pigs may prefer an appropriately sized, safe, plain cardboard hide.

10. You love all of it.

The maintenance, the hay, the tiny faces, the fact that their comfort now shapes part of your day. Congratulations: you are officially a guinea pig person.

Tell us yours

Which one deserves an eleventh entry? Send us your funniest true guinea pig owner moment. We may feature reader responses with permission and attribution preferences respected.