Rabbit Care

It is estimated that 1% of the U.S. population owns pet rabbits. While this is significantly less than households with dogs and cats (approximately 45% and 32%, respectively), it still accounts for millions of rabbits. Rabbits have different care requirements compared to dogs and cats, so it is important to be educated on their needs to properly care for them.

Housing – Rabbits can be housed in a wire caged enclosure or pen with good ventilation. This means no fish tanks or glass aquariums. The floor should be solid as wire flooring will cause wounds on their feet. The bedding should be soft but should not stick to their fur. CareFresh bedding or other recycled paper bedding is recommended. Do not use cedar or pine shavings as they have volatile oils. The minimum size of the enclosure is four times the length of the rabbit, and they should be able to stand upright on their hind legs. Rabbits should have supervised time outside of the cage for enrichment and exercise. If this is not possible, then a larger cage should be provided. Rabbits should have a hiding box as they are prey species and like to feel secure. They also should have a litter pan as they tend to urinate and defecate in the same place. Shredded newspaper or pellets should be used as litter – do not use kitty litter or shavings in the pan. Improper housing and bedding can lead to respiratory problems.

Feeding – The digestive system of a rabbit is different and more complex than cats and dogs. They need to eat far more frequently and therefore should have unlimited access to hay, preferably timothy hay. This is the most important part of a rabbit’s diet. They can survive solely on hay, and it promotes proper health of their teeth and digestive tract. Rabbits can also eat fresh leafy greens such as alfalfa sprouts, basil, beet greens, and romaine lettuce. Avoid high-calcium greens such as parsley and kale as these foods can lead to bladder stones. Start off with a small amount of vegetables to see how they do as some rabbits can develop soft stool with too many vegetables at once. Fruits and other treats should be limited to a very small amount, if at all. Avoid sugary fruit (i.e. bananas and grapes), seeds/nuts, bread, and cereal. Commercial rabbit pellets do exist but should not exceed ¼ cup per day and should be timothy based (18% or more fiber). Avoid cereals or other mixes as these can lead to obesity and problems with their digestive tract.

Health – There are a few unique illnesses that a rabbit owner should be aware of. If they are not going to be bred, spaying is essential. The majority of female rabbits will develop reproductive cancer by the time they are four years old if they are not spayed. Oral care is also extremely important. Rabbits’ teeth, unlike dogs and cats, continue to grow throughout their life. These teeth need to be checked regularly to make sure they are growing properly. If they are not, they will require a veterinarian to trim them to avoid pain and infection. Eating timothy hay is the best way to keep their teeth healthy, but some rabbits may still require occasional trims. Another area to monitor is their feet. A rabbit’s foot has thick fur as opposed to a pad like a dog or cat, so they are more vulnerable to wounds. They also need their nails trimmed like most dogs and cats. Rabbits are also sensitive to digestive upset, which can be fatal if not detected and treated. Anything that stops a rabbit from eating for more than 12 hours is an emergency. Rabbits can also be prone to fleas and mites; talk to your veterinarian about preventative medication.

Owning a pet rabbit requires unique care, but it is often a very rewarding experience.