Guinea Pig House Training

Can I train my guinea pig to use a litter box?

Yes, your pet has a natural dislike to soiling his or her living space and can be house trained, although not with 100% reliability.

Getting started

First you will need to buy litter. Many people have been happy using cat litter, just be sure to avoid any litter made with clay or wood as this can cause respiratory problems. If you have access to a specialty pet store, there is litter made specifically for small mammals and this is a great option if you can find it. Next you will need to find a box. Any kind of washable, nonchewable, option should be fine as long as your guinea pig can crawl in without problems. Ideally you would place the litter box in the same location of your pet's cage where he or she is currently using the bathroom and farthest away from the food and water dishes.

To encourage your guinea pig to use the litter box, place some fecal matter inside and put some hay in the corner to lure him in. If you see your furry friend use the box, praise him or her and give a treat as a reward. Do not be alarmed if you see your guinea pig sitting in the litter box while chewing on some food or hay. This is normal. On the other hand, if your pet is treating the bathroom like a new bed, then this could be a sign its time to redecorate your cage a provide a better sleeping area.

If your guinea pig is using the box on a regular basis you can try allowing your furry friend into a restricted area of your home. Rooms that have easy to clean floors are a great starting point - such as your kitchen, utility room, bathroom, or hallway. After sectioning off the space add the litter box, food and water dishes, and some bedding. Watch your guinea pig to see if he or she is still using the provided bathroom. If so, you can try allowing access to an even larger space. If your guinea pig is not using the litter box, return him or her to their cage and try again at a later time. Be sure to clean any accidents off your floor using a combination of vinegar and water.

A litter box should be cleaned daily and washed completely once per week.