Guinea Pig Appreciation Day

When:
🗓️ July 16

Where:
🌐 Everywhere

Since:
2016

🐾🥬

Created by Caroline Lane Piggles Guinea Pig Rescue on April 16th, 2016
.July 16 was chosen because “G” is the 7th letter of the alphabet and “P’ is the 16th.

Guinea Pig Appreciation Day: All Hail Our Furtato Overlords!

On this special day, let’s show guinea pigs the appreciation they deserve and shower them with treats, cuddles, and unlimited floor time.
Guinea Pig Appreciation Day, created by Caroline Lane Piggles Guinea Pig Rescue on April 16th, 2016, takes place every year on July 16. It’s a special day dedicated to raising awareness about these charming creatures and expressing our gratitude for their unique presence in our lives.
This date was strategically chosen because the letter “G” holds the prestigious 7th spot in the alphabet, while “P” claims the 16th position.
Whether you’re a proud guinea pig parent or simply an admirer of these fluffy potatoes,prepare to shower these adorable furballs with the love and admiration that they deserve!

Not From Guinea and Not a Pig

Ever wondered where the term “guinea pig” comes from?
Contrary to popular belief, these adorable critters are not from Guinea, nor are they related to pigs.It is unclear whether people believed that guinea pigs came from Guinea (the country) or they were sold for one guinea (the valuta) per animal. The most plausible explanation for the “guinea” part of the name is that people confused South-American Guyana for West-African Guinea.
Different countries don’t even agree on the name of these creatures. In some countries guinea pigs are called “sea pigs”, while other countries call them “pigs from India”, “Dutch pigs”, “pig mouse”, “Indian rat”, “Indian rabbit” and others just say they are tiny marmots.

The latin name of “cavia” is equally confusing. It might come from an obsolete Portuguese word “çavia” which means “spiny tree rat”. Which is yet another confusion of species that are nothing like guinea pigs.
Another possibility is that “cavia” came from the Galibi word “cabiai”, meaning “little pig”. A language spoken by the native people in what is now known as French-Guiana. This word is currently mostly used for capybaras.
The complete latin name of guinea pigs, Cavia porcellus, might either mean “spiny tree rat pig” or just “little pig pig”.

So, now that we know what guinea pigs are not and are even more confused about why they are called “guinea pigs”, now we might understand how guinea pigs are so magnificent (and adorable) at looking confused.
We would be confused too if we were so massively and shamelessly misnamed!
It’s like they had their names so often misspelled on their coffee cups that everyone forgot what they were originally named.

Then, What are Guinea Pigs?

Just like their names, much of the origins of the species of guinea pig is lost in the depths of time.
What we do know is that guinea pigs originated in the Andean region of South America, specifically in present-day Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
They are rodents and are the tiny cousins of the mighty capybara.
Guinea pigs have been domesticated for so long and to such an extent that they do not appear in nature anymore and hardly even look like their wild relatives. Just like dogs they have been fully adapted to live with humans.
The house pet guinea pigs don’t even look like the cattle guinea pigs (cuys) they descended from. Pet guinea pigs are smaller, have more variety in their hairy, or even hairless, appearances, and have longer lifespans.

From Wild Cavies to Beloved Pets

Guinea pigs originated from the Andean region of South America, primarily in present-day Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
They share a common ancestry with wild cavies found in countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
Guinea pigs were initially domesticated around 5,000 to 7,000 years ago, primarily as cattle as a source of “alternative medicine”.
The earliest documented account of guinea pigs in Europe dates from 1547. In Europe guinea pigs were welcomed as adorable exotic pets among European aristocracy, adored for their gentle temperament, charming vocalizations, and cute appearance.
From their humble beginnings as wild cavies roaming the Andean mountains, guinea pigs have evolved into treasured domesticated pets, bringing joy, companionship, and cherished for their uncanny ability to form bonds with their human caretakers.

A Parade of Alternative Names for Our Furry Friends

Guinea pigs go by many names, each reflecting their delightful personality.
Here are a few alternative monikers for our furry friends:

Cavy: Derived from the scientific name “Cavia porcellus,” this term is commonly used by guinea pig enthusiasts.
Piggy: An endearing nickname that captures their pudgy appearance and oink-like vocalizations.
Potato Pups: Reflecting their cuddly and potato-like shape, this name perfectly captures their charm.
Wiggle Butts: A playful name highlighting their tendency to wiggle their butts at each other when flirting or bragging.
Furtatoes: Because they look like cute furry potatoes.

So many choices to suit their personality and cuddliness!

Debunking Guinea Pig Misconceptions

Let’s set the record straight and debunk some misconceptions about guinea pigs, shall we?

Myth: Guinea pigs are from Guinea.
Fact: We talked about this already. They originated from the Andes region in South America and are rodents.
Myth: Guinea pigs are pigs.
Fact: Look at a pig. Now look at a guinea pig. If you still wonder, go to an optometrist.
Myth: Guinea pigs are the same as hamsters.
Fact: Look at a hamster. Now look at a guinea pig. Don’t forget to put on your glasses from the previous step.
Myth: Guinea pigs are low-maintenance pets.
Fact: They require proper care, attention, regular vet visits and a balanced diet for their well-being.
Myth: Guinea pigs bond better when living solitary.
Fact: Guinea pigs are incredibly social animals. They actually bond better when all their social needs are met.
Myth: Guinea pigs in movies are depicted accurately.
Fact: Don’t believe the hype. Guinea pigs rarely climb, don’t drive motorbikes, shouldn’t be allowed to drink coffee and shouldn’t live in tiny cages.

Reasons to Shower Love on Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs hold a special place in our hearts for many reasons. Here are just a few:

Their irresistibly cute appearance and the joy they bring with their fluffy bodies and charming personalities. The round forms and big eyes naturally appear to human instincts of wanting to take care of guinea pigs.
Their gentle nature and social superpowers to form strong bonds with their human caregivers. Millennia of domestication made guinea pigs evolve to adapt to living with humans.
You can have conversations with them. Even when there is a language barrier, a bit of empathy helps both humans and guinea pigs with understanding the basics. And though guinea pigs can’t vocalize human words, they have been proven to be able to build up quite a vocabulary of words and phrases they understand.
Their entertaining behaviors, from popcorning (joyful jumping) to the delightful wheeking sounds they make when excited. Guinea pigs are quite dynamic creatures that can act out complete reality shows with each other.

How to Celebrate Guinea Pig Appreciation Day

Here are some ways to make the day extra special and enjoyable for your furry friends:

Create artwork, write a poem, or craft a heartfelt message showcasing your love for guinea pigs.
Volunteer at a local guinea pig rescue or shelter to help care for these furry friends in need.
Spoil your guinea pigs with extra treats, cozy bedding, and interactive toys to make their day extra special.
Host a guinea pig fashion show….using image editors. You can make the costume as elaborate as you want as long as it’s virtual.
Make photos of your guinea pigs in costumes they can easily shake off. Reward them with tasty bribes for being patient with you.
Treat your furry friends to a gourmet feast fit for royalty! Prepare a tasty homemade salad with fragrant herbs like basil or mint. Sprinkle some red bell pepper to add color. Serve on a picnic blanket for extra ambience!
Host a “Guinea Pig Movie Night” and screen adorable guinea pig videos or movies like Gforce or a playlist with guinea pig videos.
Create a guinea pig playground with tunnels, hideouts, and chew toys for them to explore and enjoy. It’s the Olympics for cavies!
Set up a relaxing guinea pig spa session with gentle grooming, soft brushes, and soothing massages. Don’t forget the cucumber eye masks for the ultimate pampering experience.
Share your guinea pig’s cuteness with the world on social media using hashtags like #GuineaPigAppreciationDay, #SqueakSquad and #FurryFun.

Nurturing a Secure Guinea Pig Celebration

When celebrating Guinea Pig Appreciation Day, it’s essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of our adorable furry companions.
Here are some tips to ensure a purrfectly safe and enjoyable experience:

Prepare a designated “guinea pig-proof” area where curious cavies can roam freely without stumbling upon any hazardous objects or munching on potentially harmful items away from loud noises, other pets, or potential hazards.
Avoid using any potentially hazardous decorations or materials that could pose a danger to guinea pigs. If any items are accidentally chewed or damaged, remove them promptly to avoid ingestion or harm.
Keep a watchful eye and ensure a safe environment for your guinea pigs during the festivities. No trapeze acts or tightrope walking, unless they’ve been practicing under professional supervision!
Ensure that all participants, especially children, handle guinea pigs gently and with supervision. If introducing your guinea pigs to new people or fellow guinea pigs, supervise the interactions to prevent any potential mishandling, biting, disagreements or pissing contests.
Keep a watchful eye for any signs of distress or unusual behavior and provide a calm and quiet space for your guinea pigs if needed.
Have a mini guinea pig emergency kit ready with treats, cozy blankets, and a playlist of soothing music.
In case of any mishaps or accidents, keep the number of a trusted veterinarian handy for quick and professional assistance.
If your guinea pigs are joining the celebration outdoors, create a secure and shaded space for them, protecting them from predators and extreme weather. No guinea pig escape missions or risky expeditions into the great unknown! A net over the area keeps the furballs safe from swooping sky predators.
Ensure that any treats or food offered are safe and suitable for guinea pigs. No culinary experiments involving spicy sauces or questionable ingredients. Keep it healthy and guinea pig-friendly!

Remember, a safe and happy Guinea Pig Appreciation Day ensures that our beloved companions can enjoy the festivities to the fullest!

Wheek, wheek, hooray!

Guinea Pig Appreciation Day is all about giving thanks to our adorable furry overlords.
And, remember, if anyone questions why you’re celebrating Guinea Pig Appreciation Day by painting a giant guinea pig mural on the side of your house, just tell them Wild Calendar gave you permission to do so.
Wishing you a day filled with guinea pig snuggles, adorable squeaks, and an abundance of salad for everybody.
Happy Guinea Pig Appreciation Day!