Did you know about Cavies and Cake in Fakenham? Learn more about guinea pig cafe and its benefits to the community
Who would think that an animal as small as a guinea pig could have such a profound effect on a person’s well-being?
Tucked away in Fakenham is the Cavies and Cake guinea pig cafe on Oxborough Lane which offers exactly what it says on the tin - guinea pigs and sweet treats.
The business was started by two friends, Michelle Mills and Diana Taylor, who both have children with autism and know full well the advantages guinea pigs can bring into a person’s life.
Cavies and Cake was set up four years ago as an offshoot of Diana’s existing business - Cuddly Cavies - where the pigs hit the road, travelling around Norfolk to schools, care homes and community groups.
Michelle and Diana told me about the wealth of benefits their team of 25 guinea pigs bring to people from all walks of life.
However, the pair have found themselves in a difficult situation where they will have to close the cafe next year if they cannot find anybody to take it over.
This isn’t because of a lack of business. Quite the opposite in fact - they are too busy taking guinea pigs out and about in the community to keep the cafe open.
Diana explained: “We’ve been here for the last four years. This will be our last year.
“We want someone to take it on. It has grown so much for us, we don’t have the time to grow it more.”
But why guinea pigs?
As a guinea pig owner myself, I was incredibly excited to visit Cavies and Cake one morning to speak to Michelle and Diana and of course, see the pigs.
I know full well that they make brilliant pets. Even though they are small, they are full of character.
But what I didn’t know was how these lovely animals could bring an enormous sense of calmness and comfort to those living with dementia or who have special educational needs.
Michelle said: “They [the guinea pigs] are working, it is important they are spoilt. What they give people is amazing. They only give back if they feel up to working.
“Guinea pigs have initiative, they pick up on your mood. They pick up on the excitement.”
The small animals are great to have on your lap and there are different breeds with varying hair lengths.
Michelle explained that guinea pigs with longer hair have been well-received by people who are blind and like to feel different fur textures.
“You can calm children down with guinea pigs which gives parents a breather so they can have some time out and cuddle a guinea pig themselves,” she added.
How do guinea pigs help others?
A big part of what Michelle and Diana do involves going out into the community. This often involves care home visits.
They regularly meet residents who have dementia.
Michelle explained: “They get to be the person that cares for something rather than being cared for.
“Before, it has triggered memories for them. A lot comes from holding a guinea pig.”
Back at the cafe in Fakenham, some people are “regulars” and often book in a slot for a hot drink, cake and of course, time with some guinea pigs.
“We have people that come in every single week,” explained Diana.
“On Fridays, we have a lot of adults with special educational needs and people who are home-educated.”
Michelle added: “Families bring their children here because they have additional needs. They get to have their own room.
“It’s lovely, we’ve known children since we opened, we really get to know them.
“Often they don’t talk to other adults outside their social group but they do here. It’s a special place.
“We meet everybody, we get to know older people and all about their life. It is a privilege.”
What can you expect when visiting the guinea pig cafe?
Thinking about booking a visit at Cavies and Cake? Here is exactly what you need to know.
When entering the cafe, located next to Aldiss, you will be greeted by Michelle and Diana who will show you to your designated room.
Guinea pigs will be located in cage areas for you to look at while you enjoy a hot drink and one of the many delicious cake options available on the day.
A total of 12 guinea pigs will be in the cafe each day. They work two time slots in a day, ensuring that they get some quiet time between visits.
Once you have finished your drink and treat, Michelle and Diana will put the guinea pigs on your table with food for them to munch. Here you can stroke, watch and cuddle them until your time is up.
There is even the option of picking up a piece of merchandise on your way out with your favourite guinea pig on.
Tourists have travelled from as far as Wales to visit Cavies and Cakes.
“They’ve come here especially to see us, then have asked for recommendations of what else to do and see in the area,” Diana added.
What do guinea pigs need?
A lot of guinea pigs are rehomed because owners do not know how best to care for them and what their needs are.
Michelle and Diana advise that guinea pigs are “not daft” animals and they get to know your voices and routines.
They need a spacious living space - either inside or outside - with places to hide.
“The more space you can offer them is the biggest thing, that’s the same with most animals,” Michelle said.
A guinea pig’s diet should consist of 80% hay, as well as vegetables and pellets.
Diana added: “People underestimate the space they need.”
Do you have what it takes to run the cafe?
“We want to get someone to take it over, that’s the dream,” Michelle said.
It’s clear that Michelle and Diana have a passion for running the cafe, but no longer have the time to keep it going.
“It is a really hard decision to make. It has a very special place in the hearts of both of us,” she added.
Fancy taking on a guinea pig cafe? Get in touch with Michelle and Diana by emailing: squeak@caviesandcake.co.uk
