Are you considering adopting a rabbit? Rabbits are adorable. They are soft, quiet and easy to house train. Much like a cat, they will use a litter box. Rabbits, more so than cats, require supervision in your home. Left to their own devices, they may do things like chew electrical wires and carpets or eat something potentially harmful to them. But with pet proofing and supervision during play time, they make excellent pets.
We suggest an x-pen be set up as their home base with supervised play in your home so they burn excess energy. They prefer to have a private place to sleep. A cardboard box with entrances cut in the sides will suffice. As long as rabbits have lots of toys and safe things to chew, they generally aren’t destructive. But it’s useful to remember that digging and chewing is natural to rabbits. Like a dog, without proper stimulation, they get bored and when bored, can become destructive.
Some rabbits enjoy being picked up and cuddled, but many don’t. Again like a dog or cat, they are individuals. But most enjoy being petted and all require your time and attention. The more time you spend with them, the more your rabbit will learn to trust and bond with you. They are fun to watch — they like to run, spin and jump for joy! Be prepared for cuteness overload. Your rabbit will bring a smile to your face every day.
Rabbits require hay, pellets, fresh fruit and veggies, and treats. Please do your research before you take on the care of a rabbit. They are more work to take care of that you might expect. For info about rabbit care and behaviour, check out bunny basics by the House Rabbits Society. They also have a frequently asked questions section on their website.
If you decide to get a rabbit, instead of buying from a breeder or pet store, please choose to adopt. Sadly, rabbits are often discarded and some people think they can survive on their own. But this is just another example of pet abandonment and it leads to great suffering. Like dogs and cats, rabbits need loving care and they should be spayed and neutered to prevent unwanted litters.