They live in small groups of 5-10 individuals, forming polygamous or monogamous relationships.
Cavies mark their territory by marking it with secretions from anal glands and urine. Males defend their territory by sound warnings, shaking their rump, possibly engaging in fighting. Domesticated kavas are gentler than their wild relatives, those that spend a lot of time with their owner establish strong emotional contact with him. Characteristically, they whistle happily to greet the owner or respond enthusiastically to food.
