Rabbits are often thought of as quiet, fluffy pets that are easy to care for. While they can be wonderful companions, having a rabbit is not as simple as it may seem. They require special care, attention, and commitment just like dogs or cats. Many new rabbit owners are surprised to learn how much time, space, and effort it takes to keep a rabbit happy and healthy. If you’re thinking about bringing one home, here are 9 important things you should know before getting a pet rabbit.
1. Rabbits Need Space to Move
Rabbits may be small, but they need room to stretch, hop, and explore. A tiny cage is not enough. A rabbit’s living area should be at least four to six times its size when fully stretched out. Even if you have a large cage or hutch, your rabbit still needs daily time outside to move around and exercise. Many rabbit owners choose to let their bunnies roam free in a bunny-proofed room or even the whole house. Without enough space, rabbits can become bored, overweight, and unhappy.
2. They Are Social Animals
Rabbits are very social and don’t like being alone for long periods. In the wild, they live in groups, and domestic rabbits also do best when they have a friend. If you only plan to get one rabbit, make sure you can spend a lot of time with them every day. Otherwise, it’s often better to get a pair of bonded rabbits, so they can keep each other company. Loneliness can cause stress and health problems in rabbits.
3. Rabbits Need a Special Diet
A healthy rabbit diet is more than just carrots and pellets. In fact, carrots should only be an occasional treat. The main part of a rabbit’s diet should be fresh hay, such as timothy hay or orchard grass. Hay helps with digestion and keeps their teeth healthy. In addition to hay, rabbits should have a daily serving of fresh leafy greens like romaine lettuce, cilantro, or parsley. A small amount of rabbit pellets can be given, but too many can lead to obesity and other issues.
4. Rabbits Chew—Everything
Rabbits have teeth that never stop growing, so they need to chew constantly to keep them healthy and trim. This means they’ll chew on furniture, wires, carpets, and even baseboards if given the chance. Before letting your rabbit roam freely, you need to bunny-proof your home. Cover electrical cords, block off dangerous areas, and remove anything you don’t want chewed. Giving your rabbit plenty of safe chew toys can help prevent destructive chewing.
5. Litter Training Is Possible
Yes, rabbits can be litter trained, just like cats! They naturally choose one area to go to the bathroom, so placing a litter box in that spot makes training easier. Use a rabbit-safe litter like paper pellets—never use clay or clumping litter, which can be dangerous. Keep the box clean, and reward your rabbit when they use it. Some rabbits catch on quickly, while others may take more time, but with patience, most rabbits can be trained.
6. Rabbits Are Delicate and Easily Scared
Rabbits may look tough with those big back legs, but they are actually fragile and sensitive animals. They have delicate bones that can break easily if handled roughly. Many rabbits don’t enjoy being picked up and may squirm or even kick out of fear. Always support their bottom and back when you do need to pick them up. Loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar people can stress them out. Rabbits feel safest when they have hiding places where they can retreat and feel secure.
7. Regular Vet Care Is Important
Just like other pets, rabbits need to see a vet who specializes in exotic or small animals. Rabbits are prone to certain health issues such as overgrown teeth, digestive blockages, and respiratory problems. They should be spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted behaviors and health issues like uterine cancer in females. Even if your rabbit seems healthy, yearly checkups are important to catch problems early. Not all vets are trained to treat rabbits, so be sure to find one with experience.
8. Rabbits Live Longer Than You Think
Many people think rabbits only live a few years, but with proper care, domestic rabbits often live 8 to 12 years—some even longer. This means getting a rabbit is a long-term commitment. Before adopting one, ask yourself if you’re ready for a decade or more of daily care, cleaning, and attention. Make sure your lifestyle, housing, and budget can support a pet for the long haul.
9. They’re Not the Best Pets for Young Children
While rabbits are cute and gentle, they may not be a good match for small children. They don’t like being picked up or handled roughly, and they can get frightened easily. A scared rabbit may scratch or bite. Rabbits also need a calm, quiet environment, which can be hard to maintain with active kids around. If you do get a rabbit for a child, the adult must be the main caregiver. Many rabbits are surrendered to shelters because families didn’t realize how much work was involved.
Caring for a rabbit is a joyful and rewarding experience, but it also requires responsibility and understanding. These smart and sensitive animals can form deep bonds with their owners and bring a lot of love to a home. But they are not low-maintenance pets. Taking time to learn about their needs before bringing one home will help ensure your rabbit lives a long, happy life—and you’ll enjoy a deeper connection with your new furry friend.