The spikey rodent, named Nuala by owner Colleen Regan, has become an internet sensation as it lays back and grooms its own feet.
For about a minute the loveable creature, with its big and round nocturnal eyes, gets to work and gives itself a good scrub using only its tongue.
The video has been watched over 55,000 times already, despite having been uploaded only in late July.
Regan has taken advantage of her ‘hedgie’’s success by raising awareness about keeping hedgehogs as pets.
She writes:
‘As this video has become so popular, I feel it necessary to inform people a little more about Hedgehogs. They are very cute and can be sweet, but they are A LOT different than other pets. Hedgehogs are not like hamsters or guinea pigs, they require A LOT more attention and care and don't tend to be great pets for young kids or people who's lives are very hectic and busy.’
She added:
‘Also, they tend to have more medical ailments such as cancer (Nuala had the equivalent of a hysterectomy in Feb because she had endometriosis and possible pre-cancerous cells in her uterus). So in the year and 8 months I've owned her, I've racked up about $2,000 in vet bills.
Keeping a hedgehog isn’t an easy job, as Regan explained:
‘They require a large cage, a safe wheel to run on, a Heat Lamp to keep their cage between 72-80F, as well as a LOT of time and attention from their owner. I handle Nuala for several hours a day. I usually take her out in the evenings and have her with me while on the computer or watching TV. If you are seriously interested in a Hedgehog, please do research first.’