Wheek Wisdom: A Guide to Guinea Pig Care and Companionship with Kim Smothermon

PetAbility Podcast welcomes Kim Smothermon, the director of the Guinea Pig Sanctuary, to the show to share insider insights from life at the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, MA. Together with Cathy and Chris, Kim dives into everything you need to know about guinea pigs—whether you’re a curious first-timer, a seasoned pet parent, or simply fascinated by these gentle companions.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• How the Guinea Pig Sanctuary began and the mission behind it
• What makes guinea pigs so appealing and why people are drawn to them
• How guinea pig ownership compares to caring for dogs, cats, rabbits, or rats
• Social nature of guinea pigs: why companionship matters and how bonding works
• Housing needs: how much space do they really require?
• Diet essentials and bathroom habits
• Ideas for enrichment to keep guinea pigs happy and stimulated
• Interactions with other household pets: what works and what doesn’t
• Personality traits: cuddly, quirky, and everything in between
• Common myths and misconceptions about guinea pigs
• Health care basics: lifespan, vet visits, and common medical issues
• Importance of exotic vet specialists for proper care
• How guinea pigs sense and interpret the world around them
• Communication: how they interact with each other and with humans
• The #1 thing Kim wants every guinea pig owner to know

Resources & Links:Learn more and support the Guinea Pig Sanctuary: www.guineapigsanctuary.orgFacebook @guineapigsofnewengland and Instagram @guineapigsanctuary

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