Big Love for Tiny Pets: How to Show Small Furries You Care
February 21, 2025
February is the month of love and we’re all about helping pet owners in Northamptonshire wrap their small furries up in love this season!
Whether you have a hamster, guinea pig, rabbit, or another small mammal, understanding what makes your furry friend happy and secure can deepen your connection. In this article, the team at Towcester Vets share general ways to make all small pets feel loved, as well as specific tips for individual species. For tailored advice, book a consult with our team who will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you.
Contact us for tailored advice
How your pet communicates
Every small pet has their own way of expressing love, comfort, and happiness. Observing their behaviour and body language is key to understanding their emotional state and meeting their needs. Towcester Vets’ nursing team share below how you can make your small furry feel truly comfortable, secure, and loved.
General tips for all small pets
- Routine is Key: Small pets thrive on consistency. Regular feeding, playtime, and cage cleaning help them feel secure.
- Gentle Interaction: Respect their personality – whether they like cuddles, petting, or quiet company, always observe their preferences and comfort levels. Always be gentle when picking up small pets, and for safety, holding them close to your body and avoiding holding them high up.
- Provide Enrichment: Boredom can lead to stress. Offer a variety of toys, tunnels, and things to chew or explore. Time outside their enclosure (if safe) may also be beneficial for exercise and mental stimulation.
- A Comfortable Home: A spacious, clean environment with appropriate bedding (go a little thicker and warmer in winter), food, and a peaceful atmosphere helps your pet feel at ease.
For tailored care and advice for your small furry pet, book an appointment at our vet practice in Towcester by calling 01327 350239 or visiting our booking page.
Species-specific tips
What your rabbit really really wants!
Rabbits are social and expressive animals. They love to binky (a joyful hop), nudge for attention, and flop over when relaxed. Make your bunny feel loved by spending time with them daily (ideally), offering hay to chew, and providing interactive play like chasing toys, digging and foraging boxes, or exploring tunnels. Most rabbits also thrive with a rabbit companion so be sure to check out animal rescue centres in Northamptonshire and further afield.
Getting gleeful with guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are vocal creatures that communicate with wheeking, especially at feeding time! To make them feel safe, Towcester Vets’ nursing team recommend ensuring your pet’s home is spacious with cosy hideaways and accessible obstacles to explore. Guinea pigs also enjoy companionship, so consider adopting a pal and offering foraging opportunities.
Hide spots and fun for hamsters
Hamsters are independent and nocturnal, so they appreciate secure environments with plenty of bedding and hiding spots. Hamsters love activities like running on wheels, digging, and exploring tunnels. You can also offer hamster-safe fresh fruits and veggies as a treat to make them happy and make sure they have quiet time too.
Creating calm for chinchillas
Our vet nurses in Towcester share that chinchillas thrive on routine and calm. While they may not enjoy being held, they show affection through gentle nuzzles. Offering a dust bath helps them feel relaxed, and a diet rich in hay keeps them healthy.
Every small pet will appreciate a routine, gentle interaction, enrichment, and a comfortable home. By understanding and catering to their specific needs, you’ll help your small furry feel safe and loved.
So, whether you have a rabbit, guinea pig, hamster or another type of small pet, book a consult with our team who will be happy to give you tailored advice.
Contact us for tailored advice
