Why Do Some Guinea-pigs Vibrate When You Stroke Them?

[WDMMBT]

Our new baby, Pipsqueak, vibrates whenever we stroke his back. Could this be a throw-back of him having a sore back when we first got him (it is now healed over and his fur has grown back) or is something that guinea-pigs do?

Our grey-and-white sow Mop vibrates also, I just never thought to find out why!

 

[Wiebke]

There are two complete opposite reactions connected with it.

A deep, sharp rumble often connected with a shake means "I don't like this!"

A more constant, lighter rumble/vibrating has the same meaning as a cat purr - sheer pleasure!

 

[WDMMBT]

I would say that Pip's is a lighter rumble, compared to Mop's. But then, we've always suspected that she doesn't really like cuddles. She will sit on our lap but she shakes even then. Pip seems to like cuddles so I hope its a happy purr, rather than a sad purr. I'd hate to think we were upsetting him!

Thankyou Wiebke

 

[gus+walter]

Mine aren't a huge fan of being stroked. I have a duvet on my lap when they come out for cuddles. They have a sniff around, sit quietly then relax and stretch out...then I slyly stroke them and they actually seem to like it. Give it a little try to check if he rumbles differently or even at all. Good luck x

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

Sometimes I take 1 or 2 fingers and gently stroke piglet's back while he's chilling in the cage. He then stretches out as long as he can and purr very relaxed and then pop around his cage. It's so adorable; I have been meaning to get it on video!