Just like cats and dogs, rabbits require much time, attention, and care. Unfortunately, rabbits are often mislabeled as low-maintenance and easy-care pets and are frequently abandoned. So, should you get a pet rabbit if you are considering getting a pet and love rabbits?
Rabbits can be wonderful pets; they are small, cute, and fluffy, but they are not for everyone. Rabbits are high-maintenance pets that require specialized medical care, plenty of space, and
attention. Consider all aspects of rabbit care before deciding if a rabbit is the best pet for you.
If you love rabbits, then a pet rabbit might be the perfect pet for you. However, educating yourself on the pros and cons of owning a rabbit is important to make an informed decision.
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Should You Get A Rabbit?
Including a pet in your family is a big responsibility, and the decision should not be taken lightly. It’s important to ask yourself why you want a pet. A rabbit may not be the best option if you are looking for a pet to join you on your walks or vacations or for young, active children.
On the other hand, if you are looking for companionship, considering the pros and cons of having a pet rabbit will help you decide if a rabbit is a good fit for you.
Pros Of Pet Rabbits
Rabbits are wonderful creatures, and there are many benefits to having a rabbit as a companion animal. Let’s have a look:
Rabbits Are Quiet, Docile Animals
Rabbits do not bark or make loud noises like dogs and other animals. You will never hear your neighbor complain about your rabbit! If you work from home or enjoy peace and quiet, rabbits can be a great choice for a companion animal.
Rabbits Are Easy To Train
Rabbits are highly intelligent little creatures and pick up quickly on training. Well-trained rabbits can be kept indoors if you train them to use a litter box. Yes, they can be litter-trained!
You can also teach them tricks, like jumping, fetching, and circling. Always train your rabbit with positive reinforcement; you’d be surprised how motivating a snack can be.
Rabbits Are Social Animals
Rabbits are social animals, meaning they need companionship and attention. Their social behavior makes them great for pet owners looking for companionship.
Rabbits love giving and receiving attention. They are incredibly loving pets and get attached to their owners. It is hard not to get attached to them too!
Rabbits Are Prey Animals
There’s something magical about gaining the trust of a prey animal. While cats and dogs are fantastic pets in their own right, bonding with them is relatively easy.
In contrast, rabbits are prey animals, and as we (humans) are considered their predators, it takes time to bond with a rabbit. When you finally bond with them, it feels extra special!
Rabbits Make Fantastic Emotional Support Animals
Rabbits have been shown to positively affect people with depression or anxiety when they spend time with them regularly.
Their docile nature, general cuteness, and playful personalities are wholesome, and it’s near impossible not to smile when you watch them play and jump.
Rabbits Are Clean
Much like cats, rabbits spend most of their day grooming themselves and other rabbits (if they have companions). Rabbits love being clean, and if you clean their area regularly, they will not smell, nor do they have bad breath.
Please note: Rabbits should never, ever be bathed! Rabbits can suffer from hypothermia and die of shock when they are soaked in water. If you need to clean them, wipe their coat with a warm, damp cloth and dry them with a towel afterward.
Rabbits Are Crepuscular
Rabbits are most active early mornings and at dusk. As they sleep during the day, they can be left alone for hours at a time while you work or go to school.
Early mornings before work or school and the evenings after work is when most people spend time with their pets and when rabbits are most active. Win-win!
Cons Of Pet Rabbits
There are many reasons why people love rabbits. They are cute, very social, and can be tamed pretty easily. Despite this, there are also a few disadvantages to owning a bunny; you should never get one if you’re not prepared to take on all these responsibilities.
Rabbits Need Plenty Of Space
Rabbits need lots of space. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits should not be kept in cages. They are very active creatures that enjoy running and jumping and need the space to express their natural behavior. If you cannot provide your rabbit with adequate space, they are not the right choice for you.
Rabbits Require Special Care
Rabbits are considered exotic pets, which means that most regular veterinarians don’t work on rabbits, and you will need to visit an exotic vet specializing in rabbits.
As exotic pets, their treatments are more expensive than cats or dogs, and finding pet medical insurance that covers rabbits can be tricky.
Rabbits Can Be Destructive And Mischievous
The teeth and nails of rabbits never stop growing, so they are constantly chewing to keep their teeth from growing too long. Unless you bunny-proof your home, they will chew on anything they can find, including wires, cables, and furniture.
Rabbits Can’t Be Left Alone For Long Periods
Rabbits love routine, and they get attached to their owners. Unfortunately, this means that holidays away are a lot harder to plan. Rabbits can become stressed when their human companions are not with them or their routine is thrown off.
Furthermore, as they are territorial animals, taking them to a kennel will stress them more and may cause them to urinate to “mark their territory.” For this reason, it is best to get a pet sitter instead.
Rabbits Need To Be Groomed Regularly
Rabbits shed their fur at least twice a year during season changes. Unlike cats that can cough up hairballs, rabbits are incapable of vomiting, and their fur can cause a block in their digestive tract. Therefore, regular brushing is crucial.
You will need to cut their nails often too. While you can do this at a vet, it is expensive and stressful for your rabbit. You can easily cut their nails at home with a good-quality nail trimmer.
Rabbits Are A Long-Term Commitment
Rabbits can live up to ten years, requiring a long-term commitment. If you feel uncertain about your future, prefer to travel, or plan on starting a family, a rabbit may not be the appropriate pet for you.
Where Can You Buy A Pet Rabbit?
Your local animal shelter is the best place to buy a rabbit. Rabbits are the most abandoned pets; people often buy them as Easter gifts for children, only to neglect them when they get bored.
The benefit of adopting a rabbit from a shelter is that all vaccinations will be done, and most shelters neuter and spay the animals before giving them up for adoption.
Should Rabbits Be Kept In Pairs?
In nature, rabbits live in large groups and are very social animals. A human companion is not the same as a rabbit companion, and it is highly recommended to keep rabbits in pairs. Not only will you have double the fun and cuteness, but they will have each other’s company while you are at work or out for the day.
In rare cases, like adopting a special needs rabbit, more than one rabbit can be too expensive or time-consuming. Although, this should be the exception. In general, paired rabbits are happier.
Conclusion
If you have the time to take care of a rabbit and are looking for a gentle, adorable, and rewarding pet, then rabbits may be the perfect choice for you!
