Behavior Introducing a new Guinea.

[eleettoo]

I have one guinea pig that serves as my classroom pet, and it's the first time I have ever owned a guinea pig and he is so sweet. I have a huge play pen that i let him run around in a few hours a day, and he my cat get along so well. They chase each other and play. I really would like to get another guinea pig, but I'm worried about how they will take to each other. My husband thinks they will be fine, since the one I have now gets along well with my cat. I just think he will be lonely back at school without my cat to keep him company. Any help/advice please! thanks!

 

[PigPandemonium]

Guinea pigs need friends of their own kind, even if they have a cat friend, it's like a human having a dog, they need human contact. Most guinea pigs get along well if you introduce them right and have a big enough cage. Also, make sure you are watching your cat the whole entire time he is with the guinea pig. He may be quite nice with the pig, but something may trigger his prey instinct, and make him figure out "I want to eat this" Which would not be good if you were not there to stop him. Here is a link on how to introduce pigs: Guinea Pigs Social Life

 

[eleettoo]

Thanks for the help. When I bought him, the guy at the pet store told me that since he will held daily by kids then no friend was needed. After reading up, most people say to have two. I always watch my cat and guinea play. She has never hurt him, and they have been playing together for months now. Actually, he will chase and nip her and then she runs off and hides. It's funny she is so scared of something 1/4 of her size!

 

[PigPandemonium]

Yeah, I tend to just advise everyone to not trust a single thing pet stores say, they tend to be wrong about 95% of things.

 

[eleettoo]

My plan is to build a brand new cage, and then introduce them at that time. This way it's not one or the other's cage, but it's neutral. The guinea I have now is really nice and only 6 months old, so hopefully he will take to this new baby!