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Episode 293 - Guinea pigs

293_DogCast_Radio.mp3

Released Sat October 25, 2025
Length: 0:33:00
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Guinea pigs with Clementine Schouteden

Guinea pigs with Clementine Schouteden

We recommend for a pair of guinea pigs - because you want your guinea pig to have a friend always - a cage that is at least 1.4 m long and 60 cm in width. That is really the minimum.
 - Clementine Schouteden

It's Guinea Pig awareness week and it's Adoptober at the RSPCA, who have seen a huge influx of Guinea Pigs at their centres, so Julie is talking to Guinea Pig enthusiast and expert, Clementine Schouteden about everything we need to know to keep our guinea pigs happy and healthy.

The discussion includes:
How many guinea pigs should I keep together?
Can guinea pigs and rabbits live together?
How big a cage do they need?
What's the best kind of cage to get?
Should they go outside?
What should I feed them?
And more!

The moment you put them in a cage that’s big enough, you'll see behaviours that are fascinating to watch. They run around, they jump around, they popcorn, they make happy noises and it's just so obvious they are happy in a bigger space, and that they need it. For me, that was the driver of everything I've done in the last few years, making sure that more guinea pigs in the world have access to space
 - Clementine Schouteden

You can find out more about Clementine's company, Kavee where there are resources to help you meet your Guinea Pig's needs. You can also find out more on their Facebook page, on Instagram.

We at DogCast Radio have loved many guinea pigs over the years.

More about Clementine:
Clementine Schouteden is the founder and CEO of Kavee, an award-winning global brand redefining small pet care. With a PhD in Genetics and early career experience at McKinsey & Company, Clementine combined her scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision to transform a neglected niche into a thriving international business. Frustrated by the lack of safe, enriching habitats for guinea pigs, she designed Kavee’s signature modular C&C cages, which prioritize animal welfare, comfort, and stimulation. What began as a bootstrapped startup at her kitchen table has since grown into a seven-figure company trusted by more than 100,000 pet parents worldwide. Under her leadership, Kavee has expanded far beyond products, creating a passionate global community, partnering with rescues through Kavee Rescue, and educating owners on responsible care. Guided by sustainability and ethics, Clementine ensures every design is durable, safe, and animal-focused. Today, she is recognized as a trailblazer in the pet industry, a scientist-turned-entrepreneur, and a dedicated advocate for making small pets’ lives healthier and happier.

Guinea Pig News

The RSPCA has seen a 40% increase in the Guinea Pigs coming into their centres. Sadly, they also have many other small furries waiting for their foreve homes - rabbits, mice, ferrets, hamsters and more. Visit their Findapet page to see who's waiting to love and keep you company.

Research by Burgess Excel has revealed that owners talk to their Guinea Pigs. And the same research shows that, sadly, many owners can't recognise signs of stress in their guinea pigs.

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