Cavy World > Cavy Care > Basic Care

           When all of the cavy's basic needs have been met: draft-free environment, clean bedding, fresh food and water every day, your cavy should not experience any health problems. However, like people, they do suffer from colds and other illnesses. If you find your cavy is not eating or drinking, has eye and/or nasal discharge, ruffled appearance or diarrhea, it is wise to contact a veterinarian. Until you get your cavy to the veterinarian you should increase his vitamin C. If the cavy will not drink on his own, you can give him water using an eyedropper. You can also add some Karo Syrup to the water as a food energy source.

 Cavies are members of the rodent family, and like their cousins rats, mice, etc. their front incisors continue to grow throughout their lives. Although they do not grow as fast as their distant cousins teeth, cavies do like to chew on wood. If there isn't a piece of wood (preferably pine) available they will chew on the cage wire and also on the feed crock. Occasionally they will pull their teeth out of alignment and this will cause them to grow unevenly. Since their teeth do grow continuously, it may be necessary to clip the front incisors, so they may continue to eat. If this happens to your cavy please seek the help and advice of a veterinarian or a professional breeder.

 Occasionally your cavy may scratch, and this is perfectly normal. However, if he scratches himself excessively and is losing hair, there may be a problem with lice and mites. The mites and lice that infect cavies can only be transmitted between cavies. They cannot be transmitted to humans. The cavy mite appears as "peppering" around the lower hindquarters and jaws. These mites live off the dead skin particles and they will usually attach themselves to the hair shaft. The cavy louse appears white and is usually seen around the ears. Lice usually cause more discomfort to the cavy. Both lice and mites can be treated using a cat flea spray or powder. The cavy should be sprayed or powdered once a week for at least six weeks. This length of time is necessary to break the life cycle of the mite and louse. While the spray/powder will kill the adult lice and mites, it will have no effect on the eggs. It is necessary to repeat the treatment to eliminate the problem. A word of caution - be careful not to dust or spray around the eyes and mouth.

 Occasionally it may be necessary to trim the cavy's toenails. This can be accomplished by using a dog/cat nail clipper. You must be careful not to cut too close as you may nick the vein in the toenail. If this happens bleeding can be curtailed by applying an ice-cube to the nail or by using a styptic pencil.

To ensure A Health And Happy Cavy:

1. Clean the cage at least once a week.

2. Wash and disinfect the feed crock and water bottle once a week.

3. Feed and water the cavy every day.

And most important! Give him lots of love and attention!
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