Pet Wiki

Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig

Cavia porcellus

Also called Peruvian Satin, Satin Peruvian

Recognised breedShort profile

From Domestic guinea pigs come from South America. The satin coat is a recessive mutation that, according to Omlet, was established in America before reaching the UK in 1986; the satin Peruvian combines it with the Peruvian coat type.12

At a glance the quick version

Length20 to 25 cm1
Sizemedium
Long, shining coat
Silky texture
Friendly and playful
32

Coat and looks how to spot one

very long, flowing coat with a lustrous satin sheen

The Peruvian Satin has the Peruvian's long, flowing coat: soft, straight hair grows from the whole body, with a long fringe falling forward over the face and a sweep draping over the hindquarters, parted along the back. In the satin form the whole coat carries a lustrous shine and feels noticeably silkier. The satin coat comes from a recessive gene: the hairs are finer and more see-through than normal (Wikipedia describes thinner, more translucent shafts, while Omlet and other guides describe them as hollow), so light passes into them and the coat gleams.453627

ColoursMany self (solid) coloursSatin forms of other colours and patterns, such as agouti and dalmatian, are also bred2

Personality what they are like

Owners describe satin guinea pigs as very friendly and playful. Like all guinea pigs they are gentle, vocal companions that are happiest with a friend of their own kind.28

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Guinea pigs are busy little animals that can be up and about for much of the day and night, resting in short naps. Give daily time in a larger safe run or room with tunnels, hides and new things to explore. A happy guinea pig may jump and twist in mid-air, a move owners call 'popcorning'.81

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

This long coat takes real commitment. Comb or brush it gently along the parting on a regular schedule so it stays untangled, and trim it regularly to a manageable length. Like the Peruvian, it suits keepers who already have some guinea pig experience.94

Home where they are happiest

Provide a roomy enclosure tall enough to stand up on the back legs, with solid flooring and a deep layer of dust-free bedding instead of wire. Offer one more hiding spot than there are guinea pigs. Indoors around 17-20 C is comfortable; keep them away from heat over about 26 C and bring outdoor animals inside when it drops below about 15 C. Spot-clean daily and do a full clean at least weekly.10

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Hay should be available at all times and form most of the diet, with fresh grass when possible. Add a measured daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets and a handful of fresh vegetables and herbs. Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C, so their daily food must supply it. Keep fruit as a small occasional treat and always provide fresh water.1181

Company who they like around

A very sociable animal that should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig; pairs or small groups suit them best. In the wild, cavies live in close family groups.810

The story where it all began

Guinea pigs were domesticated in the Andes of South America thousands of years ago and later reached Europe, where fanciers began breeding them for coat and colour. The satin coat, with its finer, light-catching hairs, was developed by American breeders and arrived in Britain in 1986. Today the ACBA recognises satin versions of five breeds, and the Peruvian Satin is judged on the Peruvian standard with the added requirement of an even sheen over the whole coat.62123

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The Peruvian Satin keeps all the Peruvian's features, including the long fringe that falls forward over the face, but the OSU 4-H guide notes its texture is silkier than a normal Peruvian's.3

  2. 2

    Satin hairs are finer and more translucent than ordinary guinea pig hair, which is what lets the coat catch the light and glow.7

  3. 3

    The satin trait is recessive, so a satin baby needs to inherit the satin gene from both parents.6

  4. 4

    According to Omlet, satin guinea pigs first appeared in America and were brought to the UK in 1986.2

  5. 5

    British Cavy Council satin standards set aside 20 of the 100 points just for 'satinisation', the strength and evenness of the sheen.5

Recognised by the official bits

American Cavy Breeders Association
Peruvian Satin is one of the ACBA's listed cavy breeds, shown separately from the standard Peruvian. Shown in the US alongside the Peruvian with its own standard.12
American Rabbit Breeders Association
Publishes the Standard of Perfection covering the recognised cavy breeds, including the satin breeds.13
British Cavy Council
Has Satin standards (Solid Satin and Non-Self Satin) that ask for a pronounced, even sheen over the whole body; 20 points go to satinisation and the rest is scored pro rata from the base breed's standard.5

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Guinea Pig Veggie Sushi

A fun, crunchy treat that encourages foraging and provides a mix of safe vegetables and fruit.

You need

  • 1 courgette
  • 1 small piece of yellow pepper
  • 1 small piece of apple (no pips)
  • A few fresh mint leaves
  • 1 small piece of broccoli stalk

How

  1. Cut the courgette in half widthways and scoop out the centre to make a tube.
  2. Slice the pepper, apple, and broccoli stalk into thin sticks that will fit inside the courgette tube.
  3. Pack the vegetable and fruit sticks into the courgette tube, adding mint leaves between them.
  4. Slice the filled courgette tube into small discs, about 1-2 cm thick.
  5. Serve one or two discs as a treat, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

How much: One or two small discs per guinea pig, once or twice a week.

Recipe from RSPCA

Guinea Pig Forage Box

Encourages natural foraging behaviour and provides mental stimulation with safe herbs and treats.

You need

  • A shallow tray or planter
  • A handful of fresh hay
  • A handful of shredded paper (plain, non-toxic)
  • A small bunch of safe herbs (e.g. dandelion leaves, marigold petals, basil, coriander, cress, mint, dill)
  • A small amount of pulled fresh grass
  • A few guinea pig-safe treats (e.g. small pieces of carrot, apple, or bell pepper)

How

  1. Fill the shallow tray or planter with a layer of hay and shredded paper.
  2. Scatter the fresh herbs, pulled grass, and any edible flowers over the top.
  3. Hide the small pieces of fruit or vegetable treats throughout the box in random spots.
  4. Place the forage box in your guinea pig's enclosure and let them dig and search for their goodies.
  5. Remove any uneaten fresh food after a few hours to keep the box clean.

How much: Offer the forage box for 30-60 minutes at a time, a few times a week.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Simple Fruit and Veg Treat Plate

A simple, healthy treat idea using safe fruits and vegetables, perfect for bonding with your guinea pig.

You need

  • 1 small piece of carrot (about 2 cm)
  • 1 small slice of apple (no pips)
  • 1 small piece of broccoli
  • 1 small piece of kale
  • 1 small piece of spinach
  • 1 small piece of bell pepper (any colour)

How

  1. Wash all the fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
  2. Cut everything into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your guinea pig.
  3. Arrange the pieces on a small plate or directly in the enclosure.
  4. Offer the plate as a treat, and remove any uneaten portions after a few hours.

How much: Offer a small selection once or twice a week, in addition to their normal diet.

Recipe from RSPCA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig?

Hay should always be available and form most of the diet. Offer a measured daily portion of grass-based guinea pig pellets and a handful of fresh vegetables each day. Fruit is only a small occasional treat. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.1181 Pet Wiki plan

What should a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Their main diet is unlimited hay and fresh grass, plus daily pellets and a handful of vegetables rich in vitamin C. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and dairy. Always provide fresh water and never give alcohol, caffeine, or xylitol.118114 Pet Wiki plan

Should I bathe a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig?

Bathing is not usually needed as guinea pigs keep themselves clean. If a bath becomes necessary, ask your vet for the safest method for this long-coated breed.

Does a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig need brushing?

Yes, daily brushing is essential to keep the long, silky coat tangle-free. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every day and trimming every six weeks to keep the coat off the floor.94 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig's nails and teeth?

Trim nails every four weeks or so, and check teeth weekly for overgrowth. Provide plenty of hay and wooden chews to help wear teeth naturally. For nail trimming technique, ask your vet for guidance. Pet Wiki plan

How much space and exercise does a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig need?

Provide a roomy enclosure with solid flooring and deep bedding, tall enough for them to stand up. Give daily floor time in a safe area with tunnels, hides, and new things to explore. Keep indoors at 17, 20°C and avoid temperatures above 26°C.8110 Pet Wiki plan

Should a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig live alone or with friends?

They are very sociable and should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig. Pairs or small groups suit them best, as they thrive on companionship.810

How long does a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig live?

Lifespan varies; guinea pigs typically live 4 to 8 years. For more breed-specific information, ask your breeder or vet.

Is a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig a good pet for children?

They are gentle and friendly, but their long coat needs daily grooming, so they suit older children or families with some guinea pig experience. Always supervise interactions to keep both child and pet safe.2894

How do I hold a Peruvian Satin Guinea Pig?

Always support the body securely with both hands, one under the chest and one under the hindquarters. Never pick up by the legs or scruff. Ask your vet or a good breeder to show you the proper technique.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Guinea pig - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for general guinea pig size, lifespan, history
  2. Satin Guinea Pig - Omlet omlet.co.ukused for satin history, colours, temperament
  3. Cavy Breeds - Ohio State University Extension 4-H (Ashtabula County) ashtabula.osu.eduused for satin breed descriptions
  4. Peruvian guinea pig - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for breed coat and care details
  5. British Cavy Council breed standards (PDF) britishcavycouncil.org.ukused for UK breed and satin standards
  6. List of guinea pig breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for breed overview, satin trait, Himalayan colouring
  7. What Breed Is My Guinea Pig? - Lafeber lafeber.comused for satin hair structure
  8. Guinea pigs - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for lifespan, activity, social needs, temperament
  9. Peruvian guinea pig - zooplus magazine zooplus.co.ukused for breed coat and care details
  10. Guinea pig environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for housing and temperature
  11. Guinea pig diet - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for diet basics
  12. American Cavy Breeders Association acbaonline.comused for ACBA list of recognised breeds
  13. Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for ARBA Standard of Perfection
  14. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  15. Description and Physical Characteristics of Guinea Pigs - MSD Veterinary Manual msdvetmanual.comused for general weight and lifespan

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.