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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: When Harley the
hedgehog is in bed with me he sometimes spits on his quills. What’s wrong?
-- L.M., Orland Park, Fla.
A: "Pets have
moved into our hearts as never before, proof is how they’ve moved into
our bedrooms," says Dr. Marty Becker, author of "Chicken Soup
for the Pet Lover’s Soul" (Health Communications, Inc., Deerfield
Beach, Fla., 1998; $12.95). However, your example may be taking cuddling
with a four-legged companion too far. Ouch.
You must have sweet-smelling
sheets. Dawn Wrobel, author of "The Hedgehog: An Owner’s Guide to
a Happy, Healthy Pet (Howell Book House, New York, N.Y. 1997; $12.95).
explains that when hedgehogs like a scent, they literally lick it up.
They create a foamy saliva in their mouths and then wipe that scent on
their quills.
No one knows exactly
why hedgehogs do this, but most likely to smell like their surroundings.
In the wild, this would be an effort to protect against predators. Indeed,
hedgehogs often do their saliva baths after being moved to another location
(such as your bed) or after their cages are cleaned. But clearly, at least
some hedgehogs seem to have personal tastes. For example, some go bonkers
for cologne. "It could be a compliment; your hedgehog likes the way
you smell," Wrobel says.
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