The 4-H Cavy Project is an animal project in miniature, teaching responsibility, patience, animal behavior, genetics, and record keeping. This project also gives you an opportunity to belong to a 4-H club, make new friends, learn new skills, and participate in a wide variety of 4-H activities. Cavies, commonly known as guinea pigs, are delightful animals. Although timid, they generously give affection for a small amount of care. Through this project, you will reap many rewards including the companionship of the animal. The cavy is popular as a pet because of its docile, gentle manner and attractive, roly-poly appearance. Its cleanliness and adaptability to a human environment make it easy to have in the home. In addition to being able to live in a home in the country, its ability to live easily in an apartment in the city makes it attractive to urban families. The cavy is an ideal first pet.