Last updated on March 1st, 2025 at 05:36 pm
If you’ve ever owned a guinea pig, you know they don’t just sit around looking cute (though they excel at that too). These little furballs have a surprisingly wide range of noises, from happy squeaks to dramatic complaints. But what do they all mean?
Let’s break down the most common guinea pig noises so you can finally understand what your tiny potato is trying to tell you.
And stick around until the end of the post for a cute TikTok video of guinea pig noises in action!
1. The “Wheek” – The Classic Guinea Pig Scream
If your guinea pig lets out a loud “WHEEK WHEEK WHEEK”, congratulations—you have a very dramatic, possibly hungry pet. Wheeking is their way of demanding attention, food, or just announcing their presence like a tiny diva.
Expect wheeks when:
- You open the fridge (because obviously, it’s snack time).
- They hear a rustling bag (even if it’s not food, they have hope).
- You’re taking too long to serve their veggies (how dare you).
2. Purring – The Confusing One
Yes, guinea pigs purr, but not in the same way cats do. The meaning changes depending on the tone:
- Deep, relaxed purr = Happy pig, usually when being petted.
- Short, high-pitched purr = Annoyed pig, usually saying “Stop touching me.”
- Rumbly purr (with swaying butt action) = A flirtatious pig (a.k.a. the guinea pig love dance).
Basically, if your guinea pig is purring, check their body language before assuming you’re their favorite person.
3. Chutting – The Happy Sound
A series of soft “chut chut chut” sounds means your guinea pig is relaxed and content. It’s often heard when they’re exploring, munching on hay, or just vibing in their enclosure. If you hear this, congrats—you’re doing something right.
4. Teeth Chattering – The Warning Sign
If your guinea pig is rapidly clicking its teeth together, back away. This is their way of saying:
- “I don’t like this.”
- “You’re in my space.”
- “I will fight you (even though I’m tiny).”
Teeth chattering can happen when guinea pigs argue over food, toys, or territory. If two of your pigs are chattering at each other, keep an eye on them to prevent a full-blown piggy argument.
5. Whining and Whimpering – The Drama Queen Mode
A soft whining or whimpering noise usually means your guinea pig is annoyed or uncomfortable. They might make this sound if:
- You’re petting them the wrong way.
- They’re squished next to a cage mate they don’t like.
- You moved them from their favorite spot.
Basically, it’s their way of sighing dramatically at you.
6. Chirping – The Weird One
Some guinea pigs chirp like a bird, and no one really knows why. It’s rare, and when it happens, they often look dazed or “zoned out.” Some think it’s a sign of stress, while others believe it happens when they lose a companion. Either way, if your guinea pig starts chirping, it’s both adorable and a little eerie.
7. Hissing – The “Back Off” Warning
Hissing is never a good sign. It’s a guinea pig’s way of saying they’ve had enough:
- Short, sharp hiss = A frustrated pig, often telling another pig to move away.
- Long, drawn-out hiss = An angry or scared pig, signaling that they feel threatened.
- Hissing with teeth chattering = A really annoyed pig, usually about to start a fight.
8. Growling – The “Leave Me Alone” Warning
Growling is a sign of fear or irritation. It’s a guinea pig’s way of saying something isn’t right:
- Low, steady growl = A nervous pig, often reacting to a new environment or unfamiliar sound.
- Growling with body tensing up = A scared pig, likely feeling unsafe and looking for an escape.
- Growling with lunging or nipping = An angry pig, possibly defending territory or reacting to another guinea pig.
Wrapping Up – Guinea Pig Noises
Guinea pigs may be small, but they have a lot to say! Learning their noises can help you understand when they’re happy, annoyed, or just demanding snacks (which, let’s be honest, is most of the time).
Want to hear these guinea pig noises in action? Check out the videos below to listen to real guinea pigs wheeking, chutting, and maybe even chirping!
@teddy_cinnatok Their little language is so cute!♥️ #creatorsearchinsights #guineapigs #animalsounds #fypシ゚viral #petlover #cutesound #guineapiglove @Teddy Tokk ♬ Sixty Second Commercial 1 by Michael Reynolds – malcolm
Want to learn more about guinea pigs? Check out these posts:
🐹 What To Feed Your Guinea Pig (FREE Printable)? – A guide to their diet, including the best foods for a healthy guinea pig.
❄️ Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate? – Find out how guinea pigs handle cold weather and what you need to know.
Leave feedback about this