07/19/2025
Let’s Talk About Bunnies 🐰
Something that really bothers me is how often rabbits are treated like “just another small animal.” They’re often lumped in with hamsters or gerbils, when in reality, they have far more in common with cats and dogs when it comes to their needs and care.
💧 Water
Rabbits don’t sip like rodents. They lap up water just like a cat or a dog. Hanging water bottles actually make it difficult for them to drink enough, especially in warmer weather. Rabbits need about 50 to 150 ml of water per kilogram of body weight every day. A heavy ceramic bowl with clean, fresh water is the best option.
🏃♂️ Space to Move
Rabbits need to run, stretch, and hop freely. Their muscles and bones depend on movement just like ours do. A small cage is not a home. It’s confinement. They thrive with room to roam, ideally with access to a safe indoor or outdoor space where they can explore, dig, and play.
🐇 Social and Emotional Needs
Rabbits are extremely social. They form strong bonds with other rabbits and with people. They can suffer deeply from loneliness and boredom. A rabbit left alone in a cage without stimulation or companionship can fall into depression. They need enrichment, interaction, and love just like any other companion animal.
🐾Litter Training
Did you know that rabbits can be litter trained just like cats? This is one of the many ways they’re more similar to cats than to typical small pets. Rabbits naturally choose one area to go to the bathroom, so with a little consistency and the right setup, you can train them to use a litter box. Use a shallow box filled with paper based litter or wood pellets (never clumping or clay litter) and place it where your rabbit already tends to go. Keep hay nearby or even in one end of the box, rabbits love to munch while they do their business. With time, routine, and positive reinforcement, most rabbits pick it up quickly. This is especially helpful for free-roam house rabbits and makes cleaning so much easier for you too.
🥬 Nutrition
One of the most misunderstood parts of rabbit care is their diet. Most people assume rabbits should eat unlimited pellets, but that’s not true. An adult rabbit only needs about 1/4 cup of pellets per day. The foundation of a rabbit’s diet should be hay, and they should have access to it at all times. Hay provides fiber that keeps their digestive system moving. Without constant chewing and eating, their gut slows down and can shut down completely.
This condition is called GI stasis, and it is extremely dangerous. Rabbits must eat frequently throughout the day. If they stop eating or pooping, it’s an emergency and can become fatal very quickly. This is why proper diet and routine are critical.
Fresh leafy greens should be the next most important part of the diet, romaine, green leaf lettuce, parsley, cilantro, dandelion greens, and bok choy are all great choices. High-sugar fruits and starchy vegetables should only be given occasionally as treats.
🧠 They Feel Everything
Rabbits are emotionally intelligent. They feel fear, joy, sadness, and comfort. They build trust slowly, and they remember kindness. They are not “starter pets.” They are complex little beings with big needs and even bigger hearts.
If you are thinking of adding a rabbit to your family, take the time to understand what they really need. With proper care, a rabbit can live 8 to 12 years and bring so much joy to your life.
Let’s give bunnies the love and respect they deserve.
