Keeping a cat and a guinea pig together may seem like a great idea, but there are many things you should know before bringing them into your home. Read on to learn more about acclimating your cat to the guinea pig’s presence and how to keep your cat away from the guinea pig.
Keeping guinea pigs away from cats
Keeping guinea pigs away from cats can be a challenge. Although both cats and guinea pigs are prey animals, they have distinct instincts. Keeping them separated is the safest way to keep your pets safe.
It’s possible to keep your guinea pig and cat separated by keeping them in separate areas of your home. This can help prevent the two from fighting. You should also be prepared to intervene if your cat acts up.
Keeping guinea pigs and cats separate will also help reduce the risk of blood splattering on the walls. Cats are expert climbers and can easily squeeze into a small space. This is one of the reasons why a guinea pig needs a large, enclosed area where he can hide in case of danger.
One way to keep your guinea pig from getting into a cat’s cage is to cover it with a mesh covering. The mesh should be made of a tough material to prevent cats from scratching the cage.
A cat’s predatory instincts can be triggered by your guinea pig’s vocalizations. To help your cat get through this, use your cavy’s paw to give him an assurance that he is safe.
You can also purchase pet-proofing kits, which will help you cat-proof your guinea pig cage. These kits contain a variety of items, such as pet door locks and cat training tape. You can purchase these kits at your local pet store.
Acclimating your cat to the guinea pig’s presence
Bringing a new pet into the house can be stressful for both you and your new addition. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the process easier and more enjoyable for everyone. You will need to make sure you provide a comfortable environment and allow the animal enough time to acclimate to its new home.
One of the first things you should do is introduce the two animals. You should keep them in separate areas of the house and supervise playtime. This will ensure that the animals do not fight.
You should also make sure that your new addition has its own safe and secure cage. The guinea pig should be kept in a cage with a sturdy bottom tray and metal bars. This will protect the animal from predators.
Another important tip is to keep the cage doors open. This will make the animal feel more secure. If the guinea pig begins to exhibit signs of aggression, you should remove the animal immediately. This will also make the pig feel safe and will encourage the animal to behave in a more calm manner.
The guinea pig and cat will both need time to adjust to each other’s presence. You may be tempted to try to get your pet to adjust to your new addition as quickly as possible. This can lead to stress and may even result in injury.
If your cat is allergic to guinea pigs
Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a pet may include sneezing, itchy eyes and nasal congestion. If left untreated, anaphylactic shock can be fatal.
Guinea pig allergies are caused by the proteins present in the animal’s urine and saliva. The allergens are transferred from the animal to the skin or fur of people who handle the pet.
Guinea pigs are also sensitive to respiratory illnesses. A veterinarian should be consulted if you have a pet that has respiratory problems. These allergies aren’t curable, but you can minimise the symptoms.
Guinea pigs also carry allergens that spread throughout the home. These allergens include pollen, dust, hay and wood shavings. They may also cause allergic rhinitis, or hay fever.
The most important thing to do if you have a guinea pig that has allergies is to keep it away from areas of the home that may be allergen-filled. Guinea pigs should be kept in a cage, and their bedding should be changed regularly. It is also important to clean the cage regularly, and to hire a non-allergic person to clean it.
If you suspect you may be allergic to your guinea pig, you should contact an allergist. An allergist can conduct tests for dust and hay allergy. They can also prescribe medications to relieve symptoms.
