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Hamsters vs Guinea Pigs: Which Pet Is Right for You?

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  August 15th, 2025

Hamsters and guinea pigs are two of the most popular small pets, especially for young children.


While they both may be small and cute, they have notably different personalities, needs, and care requirements.


Understanding their differences will help you decide which furry companion suits you best.

Guinea pig - image via Canva

Table of contents

1. Personality and temperament

Hamsters

  • Typically solitary creatures. Most breeds, especially Syrian hamsters, prefer to live alone and can become territorial if housed with others.
  • They’re most active at night, so expect them to run on their wheel at 2 a.m.
  • They can be curious and friendly if handled regularly, but sudden movements may startle them.


Guinea Pigs

  • Social animals that thrive in pairs or small groups. In fact, in some countries it’s illegal to keep a guinea pig alone.
  • Diurnal tendencies (awake during the day) make them more interactive with humans at convenient times.


  • They’re generally gentle, vocal, and affectionate, making them great for families.


2. Size and Space Needs

Hamsters

  • Smaller and require less cage space. However, they need lots of enrichment like tunnels, wheels, and chew toys.
  • A large hamster cage should have at least 775 square inches of floor space. Many store-bought cages are actually too small.


Guinea Pigs

  • Larger and need significantly more room.
  • Guinea pigs need significantly more space, with additional room for each additional animal.
  • They also need floor time outside the cage for exercise.
Hamster on wheel - image via Canva

3. Diet and Care

Hamsters

  • Eat commercial hamster pellets, supplemented with seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Require daily spot cleaning of their cage and a full clean weekly.


Guinea Pigs

  • Eat a diet of hay (80% of intake), fresh vegetables, and guinea pig pellets fortified with vitamin C (they cannot produce their own).
  • Need constant access to fresh hay for digestion and dental health.
  • Cleaning needs are more intensive due to their size and waste output.

4. Lifespan and Commitment

Hamsters

  • Live around 2–3 years.
  • Short lifespan makes them a lower long-term commitment.


Guinea Pigs

  • Live 5–8 years on average, sometimes longer with excellent care.
  • Require a longer commitment in time, cost, and attention.

5. Noise and Interaction Level

Hamsters

  • Generally quiet, though they may squeak or make soft clicking sounds when excited or annoyed.
  • Noisy at night due to running wheels, chewing toys, or rearranging bedding.
  • Interaction is short and usually at their pace; handling during the day can stress them.


Guinea Pigs

  • Very vocal, with a range of sounds: “wheeking” (high-pitched calls) when hungry, gentle purring when content, and chattering teeth when annoyed.
  • Active during the day, making them more responsive to human interaction.
  • Enjoy gentle petting and can form strong bonds with owners.
Hamster - image via Canva

Bottom Line

  • Choose a hamster if you want a small, low-maintenance pet, have limited space, or are looking for a short-term commitment.


  • Choose a guinea pig if you want an affectionate, social animal, have room for a larger enclosure, and are ready for a longer-term companion.


Both animals bring lots of joy, but their different needs mean one will likely fit your lifestyle better than the other.


Do your research thoroughly and let us know your personal verdict in the comments down below.  



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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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This interaction triggers a natural release of endorphins, aka the body’s “feel-good” chemicals. This flood of endorphins is what leads to feelings of pleasure or euphoria. This is what causes them to act like they are “high” after being exposed to it.The most interesting aspect of this reaction is that silvervine appears to engage different receptors in the brain than catnip. For this reason, it may impact cats who show no response to catnip. Studies show that only approximately two-thirds of adult cats actively respond to catnip. Meanwhile, approximately 80% of cats react to silvervine. Your cat may be genetically predisposed to responding to one but not the other, or to both.Typical Cat Reactions to SilvervineWhen a cat encounters silvervine, their reactions can be pretty varied. For some, it will trigger feelings of excitement and playfulness. For others, it can help them chill and relax. But generally, most reactions fall into a predictable set of behaviors:Affection: Many cats will begin by rubbing their face and body against the silvervine, soon followed by enthusiastic rolling.Oral Stimulation: Licking and drooling are both common sensory responses to the plant.Playful Energy: A burst of playful energy often follows, including swatting, pouncing, kicking with hind legs, and sometimes an increase in vocalizations, such as chirps, trills, or purrs.Relaxation and Bliss: After the initial burst of activity, some cats enter a calm, relaxed, almost dream-like state. Eventually, they will return to normal energy levels once again.Each of these responses is entirely normal and a sign that your cat is enjoying the silvervine experience.The Benefits of Silvervine for Your Cat’s Well-Being Most cat parents who are interested in silvervine are focused on the fun experience for their cat, but it actually offers a list of benefits that contribute significantly to their health and well-being. From mental enrichment to physical activity, incorporating silvervine into your cat’s daily routine can boost their quality of life. Mental Enrichment and StimulationOne of the most significant benefits of introducing silvervine to your cat is its ability to provide much-needed mental enrichment and stimulation, helping you to keep them happy and entertained throughout the day (even when you’re at work). Cats, even those living indoors, have natural predatory instincts and a sharp intelligence that need to be worked and challenged. Imagine being stuck indoors 24/7, surrounded by the same things day in and day out, with nothing to do to entertain yourself. Silvervine, with its unique scent and effects, creates an exciting experience that can break up their day, introducing a fun and unpredictable element of play. The focused play it encourages promotes mental engagement, allowing your cat to flex their problem-solving skills and stay sharp. If you have a sensitive or anxious cat, silvervine is also known to have a euphoric and calming effect. Whether they are nervous about an upcoming vet visit, stressed about the move to a new home, or worried about the introduction of a new pet into their household, silvervine can help soothe agitated nerves and promote a more relaxed state of mind.

How Can I Tell If My Hamster Is Happy?

Hamsters may be tiny, but they’ve got big personalities - and they can bring a surprising amount of joy to your home. But unlike dogs or cats, hamsters don’t always show how they’re feeling in obvious ways. For new owners, it can be tricky to tell if your little buddy is thriving or just getting by.So, how do you know if your hamster is happy? The good news is, there are plenty of signs you can look for, once you know what to watch.1. They’re Active and CuriousHamsters are nocturnal, which means their “day” starts when yours winds down. A happy hamster will be active in the evening and nighttime hours - running on their wheel, digging, climbing, and exploring their enclosure.

3 Common Pet Risks to Watch Out For This Fall

Fall brings cooler weather, shorter days, and holiday celebrations. For pets, autumn can also mean new challenges that owners should be mindful of. From foods that can be harmful to outdoor hazards and seasonal allergies, here are three risks to keep an eye on this fall.

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