Pet Hedgehogs – What Do Hedgehog Noises Mean
Hedgehog noises are a common part of owning a pet hedgehog. From wheeking to purring, these vocalisations from your spiny companion can signal different emotions and intentions. In this article, we’ll explore the world of pet hedgehog noises, discussing the various types and meanings.
Types of Pet Hedgehog Noises
No two hedgehogs are exactly the same, so their noises may vary in volume or pitch depending on the individual animal. Here’s an overview of some of the most common sounds you might hear your pet hedgehog make:
Wheeking
Wheeking is the most commonly known sound among hedgehog owners. The sound is often made in response to food or when they want attention from their owners. It is usually high-pitched and sounds like a combination of a “whee!” and an “EEK!”
Depending on how loud it is and how frequently it’s repeated, it can also be used as an alarm call if they feel threatened.
Purring/Churrs
Purring or churrs are low-pitched cooing noises that may sound similar to those of cats or birds. You might hear them when you’re holding or stroking your pet, which could indicate that they feel happy and relaxed in your presence. Your pet hedgehog will make these when they are content or trying to communicate with you.
Grunting/Growling
Grunting or growling noises from your pet hedgehog could indicate aggression or displeasure with something, such as when they’re being handled too roughly by someone unfamiliar. If you hear this noise, it’s important for everyone present to remain calm and not escalate the situation any further, as this could lead to further distress for the animal.
Clicketing/Clicking
Clicketing or clicking noises from your pet hedgehog could indicate surprise or confusion about something. They may also be used when communicating with other animals, such as coming across another animal in its environment. This noise usually lasts for only a few seconds before fading away.
Snorting/Sneezing
While snorting and sneezing sounds aren’t particularly common among pet hedgehogs, they do occasionally happen due to allergies or respiratory infections. If you start hearing these kinds of sounds often, it is worth consulting with a veterinarian in case there’s an underlying issue that needs addressing.
What Do Pet Hedgehog Noises Mean? – Emotions vs Intentions
Though different types of noises can mean different things depending on the context, there are generally two ways to interpret what your pet hedgehog might be saying: through its emotions and its intentions. The following list outlines some possible interpretations for each type of noise :
Emotional Hedgehog Noise Interpretations:
- Wheeking – excitement, happiness, hunger
- Purring/Churrs – contentment, comfort
- Grunting/Growling – aggression, displeasure
- Clicketing/Clicking – surprise, confusion
- Snorting/Sneezing – discomfort
Intention Hedgehog Noise Interpretations:
- Wheeking – seeking attention, requesting food
- Purring/Churrs – attempting communication
- Grunting/Growling – warning off intruders
- Clicketing/Clicking – communicating with other animals
- Snorting/Sneezing – alerting humans that something is wrong
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to interpret pet hedgehog noises can provide valuable insight into understanding what they need and how they feel at any given moment.
Becoming familiar with their vocalisations will allow you to develop a closer bond with your spiny friend over time by providing appropriate care based on their body language signals. With knowledge comes power – so take time out today to learn more about reading your furry little companions’ signals!
With hedgehogs being increasingly popular as pets, it’s important to ensure they are properly insured in case of any accidents or illnesses. Furrr.co.uk provides hedgehog owners with various hedgehog-specific insurance policies tailored to their individual needs and budget.
At Furrr, hedgehog owners can choose from a variety of coverage options such as lifetime coverage, accident and illness coverage, or both combined, which can be customised to your hedgehog’s breed and age. The policies also cover the cost of vet visits, medication, surgeries, dental care and hospitalisation for your hedgehog if needed. In addition to protecting your pet hedgehog, Furrr also provides financial compensation for the loss of a pet or death due to an accident or illness..
Whether you own one hedgehog or many, Furrr gives you peace of mind knowing that you are financially prepared for whatever comes your way! As an additional bonus, Furrr also offers discounts on their policies when multiple hedgehogs are insured with them – meaning you don’t have to worry about sacrificing quality coverage to save money on premiums.
As hedgehogs become more popular as pets they must remain healthy and safe in the event of any unexpected medical issues or accidents – so why not consider insuring your pet hedgehog with Furrr today? With their comprehensive coverage options and unbeatable customer service, they provide reliable protection for every pet
