how smart are guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are quite smart animals. They have a sharp memory that helps them remember paths and food sources and can learn their own names, tricks, and commands. They also display high emotional intelligence, being able to sense emotional shifts within a herd or with humans and respond accordingly. Guinea pigs can recognize their owners and associate sounds like a refrigerator door opening with food. Compared to other rodents, they have more gray matter and neurons, making them smarter than hamsters and similar in intelligence to rabbits. However, they are generally not as intelligent as cats or dogs, which have more gray matter. Guinea pigs are also capable of problem-solving and quick learning, adapting well to their environment and engaging with toys or tasks that interest them. They show empathy and emotional sensitivity, contributing to their affectionate nature as pets.