Owning a guinea pig?

[Family Fun Mom]

How are these animals with other pets? I have two cats and a golden retriever. My youngest son (almost 9) has been begging for "his own" pet for two years now. I've been researching small pets for a possibility (knowing I will be the only caring for it). I'm in no way set on doing this for his, just thinking about it. Something small that could be in a cage in his room (to make it feel more "his") would be something I might consider.

Anyone else have experience with cats and/or dogs with a guinea pig?

 

[MichelleinMaine]

How are these animals with other pets? I have two cats and a golden retriever. My youngest son (almost 9) has been begging for "his own" pet for two years now. I've been researching small pets for a possibility (knowing I will be the only caring for it). I'm in no way set on doing this for his, just thinking about it. Something small that could be in a cage in his room (to make it feel more "his") would be something I might consider.

Anyone else have experience with cats and/or dogs with a guinea pig?

I can't help on the other pets thing, but I'd caution against putting the cage in your child's room. It's alot easier in a busy mom's day to remember to check if there is food/water (to of course remind child to do it if it's in a family space. Just my 2 cents!

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

How are these animals with other pets? I have two cats and a golden retriever. My youngest son (almost 9) has been begging for "his own" pet for two years now. I've been researching small pets for a possibility (knowing I will be the only caring for it). I'm in no way set on doing this for his, just thinking about it. Something small that could be in a cage in his room (to make it feel more "his") would be something I might consider.

Anyone else have experience with cats and/or dogs with a guinea pig?

Our GP, Epcot, is turning 6 this month. We got him back when we lived in a townhouse and there really wasn't enough space for a dog. In 2007 we moved to a larger house and in 2008 we adopted a sheltie mix. At first Winston barked like crazy at the GP's (we used to have two, Epcot and Disney, but sadly Disney passed on last year) but soon he got used to them and basically ignored them, except when we were holding them, he might come over to sniff them.

GP's are WONDERFUL little pets! They have so much personality! They really get to know their caregivers. Epcot will come out of his little house and put his paws up on the side of the cage if I come into the room talking to him. He wheeks like crazy if I scrunch up plastic grocery bags, he thinks he's getting a treat! He loves to be held and petted, and especially loves to kind of be up on my shoulder, up against my neck and my cheek. I love the little furry guy so much!

 

[KimR]

I wish I'd never opened this thread. You pro-guinea pig people are making me want one now. FredFL, please chime in again and remind me how much work they are and how they stink! We are getting a hamster in August (and I am so looking forward to bringing our little guy home! ) and I really don't think we need both a hamster and a GP in the house!