🐹 Peruvian Guinea Pig Care Guide: The Long-Haired Royalty of the Cavy World

A long-haired Peruvian guinea pig resting in a clean, spacious enclosure with natural bedding, forage, and a food basket filled with dried flowers

If guinea pigs had a royal family, the Peruvian guinea pig would wear the crown—with long, flowing locks and an elegant personality to match. But behind the glamorous coat lies an intelligent, social pet that thrives on proper care, attention, and enrichment.

Whether you're considering adding one to your home or already caring for this long-haired wonder, this guide covers everything you need to know: housing, grooming, diet, enrichment, health, and more.

📚 What Is a Peruvian Guinea Pig?

The Peruvian guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) isn’t just a pretty face—this long-haired breed is one of the oldest and most unique guinea pigs in the world. Known for their luxurious, floor-length coats and curious personalities, Peruvians are showstoppers in both appearance and temperament.

They were first developed through selective breeding in South America and Europe, specifically to enhance their long, straight hair and symmetrical rosettes. Today, they’re beloved by enthusiasts, show breeders, and pet owners who are up for the rewarding challenge of high-maintenance grooming.

✨ What Makes Them So Special?

  • Coat: The hallmark of the Peruvian guinea pig is its incredibly long, silky coat, which grows in two directions from symmetrical rosettes on the back. Without regular trimming, this hair can grow over 50 cm (20 inches)—often trailing behind them like a royal train!

  • Size: Adult Peruvians typically weigh between 1 to 1.4 kg (2.2–3 lbs), making them medium to large compared to other guinea pig breeds.

  • Temperament: Despite their regal appearance, Peruvians are anything but aloof. They’re gentle, inquisitive, and calm—ideal traits for bonding with humans. With regular handling, they become incredibly affectionate and are often happy to be groomed.

  • Lifespan: Like most guinea pigs, they live 5 to 7 years, but with excellent care—including a proper diet, clean environment, and regular coat maintenance—some live even longer.

  • Care Level: Due to their long coat, they require daily grooming to avoid matting, debris buildup, or skin infections. This makes them best suited for owners who enjoy grooming as a bonding activity or are experienced with high-maintenance pets.

🧠 Fun Fact for Kids (and Curious Adults)

Peruvian guinea pigs don’t grow their long coats for show—it’s a result of genetic selection, not natural evolution. In the wild, guinea pigs have short fur that keeps them nimble and less prone to snagging on vegetation. But in domestic settings, the Peruvian's coat has been bred for beauty over practicality—meaning it’s our job to help them stay clean and comfortable!

🐾 Who Should Consider a Peruvian Guinea Pig?

While their flowing coats make them look like little supermodels, Peruvian cavies are not a low-maintenance pet. However, they’re perfect for:

  • Dedicated pet lovers who enjoy grooming as part of their daily routine

  • Experienced guinea pig owners looking to add variety to their herd

  • Show pet enthusiasts who want a striking breed with plenty of character

  • Older children and teens (with adult supervision) who want a rewarding, hands-on pet care experience

If you’re up for the grooming commitment, you’ll be rewarded with a gentle, social companion that’s truly one of a kind.

🏡 Habitat: Bigger, Cleaner, Comfier

Peruvian guinea pigs aren’t just cute—they’re high-maintenance royalty, and their habitat needs to reflect that! Because of their extra-long hair, Peruvian cavies require larger, cleaner, and better-planned enclosures than short-haired breeds. Without the right setup, their coats can quickly become tangled with bedding, droppings, or leftover food, leading to hygiene issues or skin problems.

Creating the perfect home for your long-haired friend ensures they stay comfortable, healthy, and stress-free—and it makes your daily cleaning routine a whole lot easier.

📏 Ideal Cage Size & Layout

While a single guinea pig could survive in a smaller cage, that’s far from ideal—especially for active, social animals like Peruvians. A cramped cage restricts their movement, limits enrichment, and increases mess (which is a big deal when you're constantly shedding inches of hair!).

Recommended minimum enclosure size:

  • 120×60 cm (about 4×2 feet) for a pair

  • Bigger is always better—think playpens or custom indoor runs!

Make sure the enclosure has:

  • Low, smooth ramps (they're not great climbers)

  • Flat, open spaces for resting and foraging

  • Good airflow, without drafts

🛏 Best Bedding Options for Long Hair

Peruvians’ hair is like a mop—anything sticky, dusty, or coarse will cling to it or knot it up. So choose bedding that’s:

  • Soft

  • Highly absorbent

  • Low-dust or dust-free

Top bedding picks:

  • Paper-based bedding: Unscented brands like Carefresh or Back-2-Nature work beautifully. They’re soft on feet and don’t tangle in long fur.

  • Fleece liners: Machine-washable, eco-friendly, and cozy. Just layer with an absorbent pad underneath and wash regularly.

  • Hemp bedding: A natural, biodegradable option that’s soft and low-dust—ideal for sensitive skin and noses.

✨ Pro Tip: Change bedding more frequently than with short-haired breeds—Peruvians can get stained or dirty faster just by walking through their enclosure.

⚠️ What to Avoid

Unfortunately, many popular bedding choices are a no-go for Peruvian guinea pigs.

Avoid:

  • Wood shavings (especially cedar or pine): These can cause respiratory irritation and are notorious for clinging to long fur.

  • Scented bedding or litter crystals: Strong smells and chemicals can cause skin problems and stress.

Also avoid:

  • Wire flooring or mesh platforms — they’re terrible for tiny feet and can cause injuries.

🛒 Guinea Pig Habitat Must-Haves

Here’s what every happy Peruvian habitat should include:

  • Hay rack or feeding basket – Keep hay off the floor and out of their coat. The Banana Leaf Basket from Moony Paw is a natural, chew-safe solution that doubles as a tidy serving spot for forage and greens.

  • Low-sided dishes – Ideal for fresh veggies and easy access to water

  • Hideouts – Look for breathable wooden or fabric hideouts with open bottoms for airflow

  • Forage trays or dig boxes – Keep enrichment elevated to reduce coat contact with wet or messy bedding

💚 Why a Clean Home = a Healthy Piggy

Because of their dense, trailing coat, Peruvian cavies are more prone to:

  • Skin infections and fungal issues

  • Matted fur, especially around the bottom

  • Debris accumulation (think: poop, pee, hay—all sticking in their coat!)

That means daily spot-cleaning, regular grooming, and thoughtful layout are essential. Use ceramic dishes for hay or vegetables, and elevate water bottles or bowls to reduce soggy bedding.

By investing in the right setup from day one, you’ll make caring for a Peruvian guinea pig easier and more rewarding—for both of you. Their habitat is their world—so make it safe, stimulating, and suitable for their beautiful, fluffy lifestyle.

✂️ Grooming: The Royal Routine

If there’s one area where the Peruvian guinea pig truly lives up to its royal reputation, it’s grooming. With hair that can grow up to 50 cm (20 inches), these majestic fluff-balls require serious commitment to keep them clean, comfortable, and mat-free.

Unlike short-haired breeds whose coats require minimal upkeep, Peruvian cavies need daily attention. Their flowing locks don’t shed like other pets’ fur—they just keep growing! If you’re not up for the job, it’s worth considering a lower-maintenance breed. But for those who enjoy bonding through grooming, it’s a deeply rewarding ritual.

Daily Brushing Is a Must

Even a few days without brushing can lead to tangles and mats—especially around high-friction areas like the belly, armpits, and rear.

Here’s how to keep your Peruvian’s coat looking lush and healthy:

  • Use a soft-bristle brush or wide-tooth comb to avoid tugging

  • Brush daily, not just when knots appear

  • Start from the ends of the hair and work upward to minimize pulling

  • Be gentle and talk softly—this should be a bonding experience, not a chore

👉 Top Tip: Brushing after floor time is ideal—especially if your guinea pig has rolled in hay or bedding.

✂️ Monthly Trims: Keep It Practical

While long coats are beautiful, they’re not always practical—especially in warm weather or for non-show pets. Many Peruvian owners opt for a “practical cut” that trims the hair to 2–3 inches (5–7 cm), especially around:

  • The bottom and hind legs to prevent soiling and buildup

  • The belly and chest to reduce matting in friction zones

  • The face so your guinea pig can see (and eat!) without whiskers getting tangled

Use rounded grooming scissors or pet-specific clippers. If you're unsure, your vet or a small animal groomer can help guide you on the first few trims.

🛁 Bath time: Rare, But Sometimes Needed

Peruvians usually stay clean with good grooming, but occasional baths may be necessary—especially if they've soiled themselves or have a skin condition.

Keep these guidelines in mind:

  • Only use guinea pig-safe shampoo (never human or dog/cat shampoo)

  • Use lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly

  • Dry gently with a towel and finish with a cool blow-dry on a low setting if needed

  • Never let your guinea pig stay wet in a cold or drafty environment

⚠️ Never bathe them too often—it strips their skin of natural oils and can stress them out.

🧼 Check for Mats & Skin Issues

Part of your grooming routine should include a quick full-body check. Keep an eye out for:

  • Mats — especially under the belly, behind ears, and around the back legs

  • Flaky or red skin — which may indicate fungal infections or irritation

  • Lumps or sores — always worth discussing with a vet

  • Signs of mites — scratching, hair loss, and restlessness

Peruvians are prone to fungal skin infections if their coat remains damp or tangled. Regular grooming helps prevent this and ensures you're the first to notice any health changes.

🍓 Turn Grooming Into Quality Time

Grooming doesn’t have to be a struggle—it can be a special bonding ritual between you and your fluffy friend. Make it relaxing and rewarding with:

Over time, many Peruvians will begin to enjoy their pampering sessions—some even fall asleep mid-brush!

✨ Grooming Kit Essentials

Want to build your own Peruvian grooming station? You’ll need:

  • A soft-bristle brush and wide-tooth comb

  • Rounded grooming scissors

  • Guinea pig-safe shampoo (for rare bath days)

  • A towel and optional pet-safe hairdryer

  • Natural chews to keep them entertained before or after

  • Optional: A grooming mat or towel to catch loose hairs

And of course—snacks to seal the deal!

💚 Make Grooming a Lifestyle

Your Peruvian guinea pig's coat is part of their charm—but it’s also a responsibility. Regular grooming prevents mats, keeps their skin healthy, and builds trust between pet and parent.

👉 Explore Moony Paw’s Treats Collection to make grooming something your piggy looks forward to.

🥬 Diet: More Than Just Hay

When it comes to caring for a Peruvian guinea pig, diet isn’t just about keeping their belly full—it’s a cornerstone of their health and happiness. What you feed your guinea pig directly affects their immune system, digestive health, coat condition, and even their mood and behavior.

Peruvian cavies, like all guinea pigs, are strict herbivores, meaning they thrive on plant-based foods. But their digestive systems are sensitive—so balance, quality, and consistency are key.

🌾 Daily Diet Essentials

Here’s what your long-haired companion needs every single day to stay healthy, energetic, and beautiful:

✅ Unlimited Hay

Hay isn’t just food—it’s life. It provides:

  • Fiber to keep their gut moving

  • Natural wear for healthy teeth (which grow continuously)

  • Enrichment through foraging and chewing

Recommended hay types:

  • Timothy hay – High fiber, low calcium, perfect daily hay

  • Orchard grass – Softer and sweeter-smelling, great for picky eaters

  • Meadow hay – A mixed blend of grasses and herbs that adds variety

🛒 Moony Paw offers premium dried forage blends that can be sprinkled into hay to increase interest and provide even more nutrients—see our Forage Collection.

🥣 Fortified Pellets (1/8 cup daily)

While not a substitute for hay, guinea pig-specific pellets play a vital role in providing:

  • Stabilized vitamin C (which guinea pigs can’t produce themselves)

  • Balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus

Choose:

  • Plain pellets without colored bits, seeds, or added sugars

  • Brands designed for adult guinea pigs, not young ones (unless under 6 months)

⚠️ Avoid mixes with corn, seeds, or flakes—these are unhealthy and can lead to selective feeding and weight issues.

🥗 Fresh Vegetables (1 cup per day)

Veggies are your Peruvian’s vitamin powerhouse—and an important way to keep their meals fun and enriching. Feed a variety of greens, rotating regularly to avoid boredom or overexposure to certain nutrients.

Great choices:

  • Romaine lettuce (avoid iceberg!)

  • Kale (in moderation due to calcium)

  • Bell peppers – especially red and yellow, packed with vitamin C

  • Cucumber, zucchini, parsley, cilantro, carrot tops

Chop veggies into manageable pieces and offer in a ceramic bowl or even better—place them inside a Banana Leaf Basket to encourage gentle foraging without soiling the food.

🚫 Avoid: Onion, garlic, iceberg lettuce, potato, avocado, and rhubarb—these are toxic to guinea pigs.

💧 Fresh Water

Water is non-negotiable. Always provide:

  • A clean water bottle or bowl, changed daily

  • Stainless steel or glass bottles to avoid plastic leaching

  • Clean spouts to prevent bacterial buildup

Pro tip: In warm months, you can place a ceramic tile in their enclosure to keep water cool and accessible.

🍌 Healthy Treats: Give Them with Love (and Limits)

Treats are a wonderful way to bond with your guinea pig, reinforce positive behavior (like grooming sessions), or just spoil them a little—but moderation is crucial.

Offer 1–2 treats per week max, and choose natural, no-sugar-added options like:

Avoid:

  • Store-bought treats with added sugars, dairy, honey, or artificial colors

  • Yogurt drops or "guinea pig cookies" marketed in chain pet stores

🛒 Browse our full Treats Collection for safe, vet-approved goodies made from real fruits, veggies, and herbs.

🌸 Enrichment Through Foraging

Guinea pigs aren’t just grazers—they’re foragers. In the wild, they would spend hours searching for food, nibbling on wild grasses, flowers, and herbs. Mimic this natural behavior by offering dried forage mixed into hay, placed in baskets, or hidden around their enclosure.

Top picks:

Foraging helps reduce boredom, supports digestive health, and encourages gentle exercise—all vital for Peruvian cavies who may be less active due to long coats.

❗ Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most well-meaning owners can make errors. Here are a few to watch out for:

  • Overfeeding pellets – leads to obesity and reduces hay consumption

  • Ignoring hay – should always make up 70–80% of their diet

  • Too many sugary fruits – even natural sugars can upset gut bacteria

  • Not enough variety in veggies – causes nutrient imbalances

  • Lack of vitamin C – guinea pigs must get it from their diet!

🐾 Summary: A Balanced Bowl for a Beautiful Cavy

To keep your Peruvian guinea pig healthy, happy, and looking fabulous:

  • Prioritize unlimited hay

  • Supplement with quality pellets

  • Add fresh veggies daily

  • Include natural treats sparingly

  • Support natural foraging behavior with dried herbs and flowers

👉 Ready to upgrade your piggy’s menu? Explore Moony Paw’s Forage Collection for beautifully curated, species-appropriate foods that support natural behavior and digestive health.

🧠 Enrichment & Toys: Keep Their Minds Busy

Peruvian guinea pigs aren’t just adorable fluffballs—they’re intelligent, curious, and social animals that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Without proper enrichment, guinea pigs can become bored, lethargic, or even depressed, especially those with long coats like the Peruvian, who may not be as physically active by default.

In the wild, guinea pigs spend their days foraging, exploring, and navigating terrain—so even in a domestic environment, it’s essential to simulate those natural instincts with the right toys, tools, and routines.

1. Chew Toys: More Than Just Fun

Guinea pigs’ teeth never stop growing, so chew toys are both a dental necessity and a great boredom buster.

Offer a variety and rotate weekly to keep things exciting:

🛒 Browse our Chews Collection for more options designed with small mouths and curious minds in mind.

🏃♀️ 2. Exercise Tunnels, Hideouts & Ramps

Despite their long fur, Peruvian guinea pigs love to move—especially when their space is designed for safe exploration.

Enrichment ideas:

  • Tunnels made of seagrass, cardboard, or fleece for darting through

  • Ramps to promote climbing (with gentle incline to protect joints)

  • Hideouts that double as observation points (always open on both sides to prevent trapping)

Pro Tip: Try building a mini obstacle course and hiding veggies throughout—it’s exercise and mental stimulation in one.

🍽 3. Scatter Feeding & Foraging Play

Instead of placing all food in a bowl, scatter feeding mimics how guinea pigs forage in the wild. This not only encourages natural behavior but also prevents boredom.

Ways to forage:

Foraging encourages movement, curiosity, and prolonged interaction with food—great for both body and brain!

🛁 4. Sand Baths for Play

While guinea pigs don't need sand baths like chinchillas, some enjoy gently rolling in fine sand as a fun, sensory activity—especially in hot weather.

Use:

Always supervise, and don’t overdo it—sand play is an optional enrichment activity, not a daily requirement.

🧍♂️ 5. Floor Time: Let Them Roam

One of the best enrichment tools? A change of scenery!

Give your Peruvian guinea pig daily “floor time” in a secure, guinea pig-proofed space where they can:

  • Explore safely

  • Interact with you

  • Navigate new textures and smells

  • Exercise naturally, especially when their enclosure is limited in size

Tips for safe floor time:

  • Use fleece blankets or foam mats as flooring

  • Add tunnels, chew toys, baskets, and hiding spots

  • Supervise closely—no electrical cords, gaps, or unsafe materials!

Even 20–30 minutes a day of free exploration makes a huge difference in your guinea pig’s overall health and mood.

🔄 Rotate, Refresh, Repeat!

Guinea pigs get bored of the same old setup—so variety is key:

  • Rotate toys weekly

  • Move around hiding spots

  • Introduce new safe chews or foraging puzzles

  • Offer seasonal veggies and herbs

💡 Mental Health Matters

Just like humans, guinea pigs benefit from mental stimulation and environmental change. Enrichment helps reduce:

  • Destructive chewing

  • Depression or inactivity

  • Aggressive or anxious behavior

Peruvians are particularly sensitive, gentle animals—by keeping their minds engaged and their bodies moving, you help them live longer, healthier, and happier lives.

🛍 Moony Paw Enrichment Picks

Not sure where to start? These Moony Paw favorites are perfect for any Peruvian guinea pig setup:

🧑⚕️ Health Checks: Prevention is the Best Care

Peruvians are prone to coat-related health issues, but overall, guinea pigs are hardy animals when well cared for.

Weekly Check Checklist:

  • ✅ Eyes: Clear, no discharge

  • ✅ Coat: Free of mats, clean

  • ✅ Teeth: Not overgrown

  • ✅ Nails: Trim monthly

  • ✅ Weight: Consistent (use a kitchen scale!)

🩺 Common Health Concerns:

  • Heatstroke (especially in summer)

  • Flystrike (if hair is dirty or damp)

  • Vitamin C deficiency (can lead to scurvy)

  • Overgrown teeth (lack of chewing)

🧼 Keep bedding dry and always offer chews. Use ceramic dishes and water bottles for easier cleaning.

🧑🤝🧑 Social Life: Companionship Is Key

While Peruvian guinea pigs are famous for their elegant, flowing coats, what truly defines them is their deep need for social interaction. Guinea pigs, or cavies, are naturally social animals that evolved to live in herds—and they thrive when surrounded by others of their kind.

Keeping a guinea pig alone, no matter how much attention a human gives, can lead to chronic stress, loneliness, and even depression. This is especially true for Peruvian guinea pigs, who are typically calm, gentle, and emotionally sensitive.

🐹 Why One Is the Loneliest Number

Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs don’t just prefer company—they genuinely need it for their mental well-being. A solo guinea pig may:

  • Become withdrawn or lethargic

  • Develop abnormal behaviors (bar biting, pacing)

  • Vocalize more frequently due to stress

  • Eat or groom less than usual

In countries like Switzerland and parts of Germany, it’s even illegal to keep guinea pigs alone because of how deeply it affects their health.

👯♂️ Adopt in Pairs or Trios (Same Sex or Neutered Mixes)

If you're considering welcoming Peruvian guinea pigs into your home, adopt at least two. Ideally, choose:

  • A same-sex pair (two females or two males from the same litter)

  • Or a neutered male and a female (if introducing different sexes)

When matched well, guinea pigs form deep bonds—they’ll:

  • Sleep near each other

  • Groom each other

  • Communicate constantly with soft squeaks and purrs

  • Gain confidence through companionship

👉 Consider checking with local small animal rescues, where bonded pairs are often already matched and health-checked.

🏠 Setup Tips for Multiple Guinea Pigs

To keep harmony in a shared space, you’ll need to provide enough room and duplicates of key resources. This prevents territorial disputes and ensures each piggy feels secure.

Essentials for cohabiting guinea pigs:

  • Bigger cage: Minimum of 120×60 cm for a pair, but more space is always better—especially for Peruvians who move slowly due to long hair.

  • Multiple hideouts: Like coconut huts, tunnels, or fleece dens. Each pig should have at least one private spot.

  • Separate food bowls and water bottles: To avoid bullying at mealtime

  • Extra foraging baskets: Like the Banana Leaf Basket, filled with foraged dried flowers or veg for each pig

🛒 Check out the Moony Paw Accessories Collection to set up a multi-pig enclosure that’s safe, natural, and easy to clean.

🤔 Introducing New Guinea Pigs: Take It Slow

Guinea pigs are social, but they're also creatures of habit—so introductions must be done gradually and in neutral territory.

Tips for success:

  • Start with side-by-side cages so they can see and smell each other

  • Introduce in a neutral playpen or clean space—not in either of their enclosures

  • Watch for dominance behavior, such as rumble-strutting or gentle mounting

  • Avoid aggressive signs like biting or chasing

If things go smoothly, clean the main cage thoroughly and move them in together with new bedding and freshly washed items to avoid territorial disputes.

💬 Do Peruvian Guinea Pigs Get Along with Other Breeds?

Yes—Peruvians are typically very gentle and easygoing, making them great companions for other guinea pig breeds. They do particularly well with:

  • American guinea pigs (short-haired and mellow)

  • Silkies (similarly soft-tempered and long-haired)

  • Teddies (if temperament matches)

The key is temperament compatibility, not just breed. Avoid pairing hyperactive or aggressive individuals with shy or senior Peruvians.

🎵 Social Interaction = Enrichment

Having a friend isn’t just comforting—it’s stimulating. Bonded guinea pigs:

  • Teach each other behaviors (like using ramps or foraging in new areas)

  • Feel safer exploring their habitat

  • Communicate in adorable squeaks, chatters, and purrs

  • Groom one another, which strengthens their bond and keeps their coats healthy

You’ll notice a huge boost in their confidence, especially with a shy or newly adopted Peruvian cavy.

❗When Alone Is Necessary

In rare cases, a guinea pig may need to be housed alone:

  • After surgery

  • Due to severe illness

  • If they’re aggressive and can’t live peacefully with others

In these situations, extra human interaction and enrichment become even more important. Scatter feeding, mirrors, and interactive toys can help reduce loneliness temporarily—but always aim to reintroduce a companion when possible.

🐾 Your Role as the Social Facilitator

As their caretaker, you’re responsible for not just meeting their physical needs, but also their emotional ones. By adopting at least two guinea pigs, you’re giving them the opportunity to live in line with their natural instincts—something no toy or human can fully replace.

And with the right setup—plenty of hideouts, chew options, and space to roam—your Peruvian guinea pigs will thrive in their little herd, building lifelong bonds and staying happy and healthy.

👧 Great for Kids?

Yes, but with a catch. Peruvian guinea pigs can be wonderful family pets if children are supervised and adults help with grooming. Their calm personality makes them easier to hold, but their long hair requires daily care.

🐾 Final Thoughts: Is a Peruvian Guinea Pig Right for You?

The Peruvian guinea pig is a gentle, beautiful breed that rewards patience and care with affection and charm. If you're ready to commit to grooming and daily enrichment, you'll have a furry friend that turns heads and melts hearts.

❤️ Peruvian Guinea Pigs Need:

  • Daily grooming and coat care

  • High-fiber, vitamin-rich diet

  • Companionship (they hate being alone!)

  • A clean, safe, enriching environment

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