same with ferrets. if you don’t give them outlets to be “bad”, they will destroy everything. lots of pretending I don’t notice a they drag the old shoes across the floor to the new hiding spot, or “steal” kibble from the bag. had one guy that would check to see if I was busy in the bathroom before he’d go do the thing he really wanted to do. like steal the candy off my desk.
my cat, on the other hand, just yells for what she wants. worst case, if I leave her alone too long, she might decide she deserves a treat and will get it for herself. from the bag I left on the floor, knowing she could her it herself.
my guinea pig herdleader likes when everyone gets to eat a treat.
she didn’t really get why the cat liked meatpaste, but she’d yell until I put out a treat for the cat. I often grab a little something to eat while I sit next to the pen with them while they eat their veggies. it makes them feel like I am part of their little herd. i get all the positive reinforcement grooming and nuzzling affection.
she’s just a little too greedy to give me her food, though.