If you own a guinea pig, you are probably well aware that they love to nibble anything and everyone. In particular, guinea pigs like to bite certain items, such as clothes. In today’s article, we will discuss this behavior and explain why guinea pigs bite your clothes. 

Why do Guinea Pigs Bite Your Clothes

The main reason guinea pigs bite your clothes is because they need to go to the bathroom, they’re bored, hungry, showing affection, and because they are uncomfortable.

Bathroom

One of the main reasons a guinea pig will bite your clothes is because they are trying to get your attention to let you know they need to go to the bathroom. Since guinea pigs can’t talk, one of their main modes of communication is by nibbling. If your guinea pig continues to bite your clothes, you should put them back into the cage so they can do their business. If they don’t use the bathroom, then you can grab them again. 

Boredom

There is also the chance that your guinea pig is biting your clothes out of boredom. They also might just want to evoke a reaction from you. You can help reduce your guinea pig’s biting by providing them with chew toys in their cage.

This will help stimulate them and reduce the chances that they will be bored enough to try and bite your clothes.

Hunger

Another reason a guinea pig will bite your clothes is because they are trying to tell you they are hungry. This is often the case when their food bowl is empty. You should immediately fill up the food bowl if this is the case. Also, your guinea pig might smell something on your clothes that seems tasty. This could be leftover food or even perfume. We recommend removing your guinea pig from this area of the clothes so that they don’t consume anything that is toxic to them. 

Affection

Guinea pigs, and especially younger ones, often show their affection by gently nibbling things. They do this with each other, and also sometimes nibble your skin and clothes to show you that they love you. This is often the case if your guinea pig is also purring and licking your clothes. Guinea pigs will also commonly nibble things while you are petting them. 

Uncomfortable

Lastly, a guinea pig might nibble your clothes because they are uncomfortable. This could be because you are holding them in a painful position. Or, you could be stroking them too hard. If this is the case, you should return the guinea pig back to the cage or try holding them in a different position.