Why Do Guinea Pigs Squeak? Is This Normal?

Piggies can squeak for many reasons. Additionally, there are different types of squeaks used for specific situations. 

Understanding what a guinea pig is trying to convey with sounds and vocalizations can take some discernment and experience to interpret it correctly, says Teresa Bradley Bays, DVM, CVA, DABVP (ECM), CVMMP, CTPEP, veterinarian and owner of 4 Paws Rejuvenation in Belton, Missouri.  

Not only can knowing the context and body language of your guinea pig help you find out what they’re trying to say, but it also helps increase bonding and make sure that your guinea pig is happy and healthy. 

Here are a few common reasons why guinea pigs squeak. 

Some squeaks are a sign that your furry potato is so excited and just can’t hide it!  

If your guinea pig makes a long, high-pitched squeak, this is commonly known as a “wheek,” “whistle,” or “wheet.” 

Usually, Dr. Bradley Bays says wheeks are a begging-like sound that denotes happiness or anticipation of a favored treat, person, or companion. They can also make purring or gurgling sounds to show their contentment. 

While guinea pigs are small, their appetites are anything but. (They’re natural grazers, after all!) And they’ll be sure to let you know when they’re looking forward to eating with a wheek or two—or 10. 

“Most people are familiar with this sound as it’s very common, especially when a guinea pig hears the refrigerator door open or the crinkling of a produce bag—that must mean that the favored green, leafy vegetables are on the way,” Dr. Bradley Bays says. 

Offering wheek-worthy treats, like the Science Selective Naturals Woodland Loops, can be a great way to take good care of your guinea pig. 

Dr. Bradley Bays says a mother guinea pig may make a soft “coo” sound to reassure her babies. This coo is a low, quiet sound they make to comfort them if they’re frightened or to reassure other adult guinea pigs. 

Guinea pigs may also “chut” or “cluck,” which sounds like—you guessed it—the cluck of a mother hen. Dr. Bradley Bays says these vocalizations express their contentment or curiosity when interacting with you or other piggies. 

You might also notice them make this sound when they’re exploring or interested in something. The Piggy Poo and Crew Pop Up Tent is one option your pigs might love immersing themselves in for exercise and enrichment during floor time. 

Dr. Bradley Bays says guinea pigs can also squeak in a way that sounds like whining to signal danger or fear. For example, you might notice this if you bring them out of their habitat for their dreaded nail trims.  

They also tend to make a short “drr” sound if they become frightened, such as when they hear a loud, unexpected noise that sends them racing to seek safety in their hideout. 

Other signs of stress in guinea pigs include: 

• Hiding more often 
• Freezing 
• Sleeping more 
• Not wanting to be handled 
• Baring teeth and hissing or chattering 
• Nervousness 
• Hair loss 
• Head tossing 
• Not eating or drinking 

Guinea pigs can shriek, scream, or squeal as well. The scream is a high-pitched, piercing call that they use to indicate a warning of danger, fear, pain, or alarm for help. 

“This sound is loud and less enthusiastic than wheeking, and their body posture will be tense,” Dr. Bradley Bays says. “When [you hear] this sound, check on your pet right away to make sure they are safe and not hurt.” 

Sometimes, vocalizations like chirping, whining, screaming, or squealing can mean a guinea pig isn’t feeling their best. 

Dr. Bradley Bays explains that if they’re itchy from a mite or lice infestation, they may squeal when you rub their hair coat over their rump and neck backward toward their head.  

Additionally, if your piggie is squeaking while going to the bathroom, this could be a sign of cystitis.   

It’s always a good idea to observe your guinea pig’s body language along with the context of their squeaks and reach out to your vet if you have any questions or concerns. 

In general, you don’t need to do anything about your guinea pig’s squeaks, because these are normal vocalizations. 

When you hear your piggie squeaking, take note of what they’re doing and what’s going on around them. Are they squeaking and running up to you because they want their favorite treat, like Small Pet Select Pea Flakes? Are they interacting with their habitat mates? Or are they exploring a new environment, like a Frisco Tunnel? 

If so, no action needs to be taken (except for caving in to their insatiable cravings). 

However, you should consult a vet right away if you notice squeaks that sound unusual, such as low, muffled, or raspy squeaks, and/or any of the following: 

• Chirping 
• Clicking 
• Crackling 
• Wheezing 
• Changes in behavior 
• Reduced activity 
• Changes in stool or urine 
• Decreased appetite or weight loss 

Because guinea pigs are prey animals, they tend to hide signs of illness until they become very sick, which makes it crucial to seek veterinary care as soon as you observe anything out of the ordinary. 

Why do guinea pigs squeak when you rub their back? 

As prey animals, guinea pigs typically dislike being rubbed or pet on their back—especially, their rear ends—and may squeak to express their annoyance or fear. 

Does squeaking mean a guinea pig is happy? 

Possibly. Although guinea pigs can certainly squeak when they’re happy, that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, it can be a sign that a guinea pig is feeling uncomfortable, stressed, or unwell, depending on the situation. 

Why does my guinea pig squeak when I cuddle them? 

It depends on your guinea pig’s personality. Some guinea pigs love to cuddle and may squeak out of contentment, while others may squeak to communicate that they find it stressful and would prefer to receive affection in a way they’re more comfortable with (like inside of their enclosure or in a playpen).