Although rabbits are not as vocal as cats or dogs, they have their own manner of communicating, and once you learn their “language,” they are actually quite expressive. If you pay close attention, you will see signs that give you insight into your rabbit’s emotions.
Rabbits communicate using several body language signals ranging from drastic to pretty subtle. Happy rabbits purr, jump, give kisses, and have a relaxed posture, while unhappy rabbits will thump their feet, grunt at you, grind their teeth, or worse, stop eating.
Learning your rabbit’s signs makes it easier to make (and keep) your rabbit happy!
Contents
10 Signs That Your Rabbit Is Happy
If you want to know whether your rabbit is happy, look out for these signs and learn what they mean:
1. They Are Hopping Around And Exploring Their Environment
Rabbits are naturally curious, like cute little explorers! Their natural behavior includes foraging, and happy rabbits love exploring their surroundings.
2. They Are Healthy
Healthy rabbits are happy rabbits!
Signs of a healthy rabbit include:
- Bright, clear and alert eyes
- A shiny coat that feels soft to the touch
- Healthy weight – each breed has a range that is considered healthy
- A dry, clean nose
- A healthy appetite
3. They Love Their Food, Especially Treats!
Like cats and dogs, rabbits love to eat! They spend a surprising amount of time each day chewing away. Healthy rabbits have healthy appetites. Changes in appetite are usually the first indicator that your rabbit is unwell, so keeping a close eye on their eating habits will allow you to pick up on any subtle changes.
Some rabbits eat more than others. You may notice a difference in appetites between bonded pairs of rabbits, which is why you need to learn your rabbit’s unique habits.
4. Happy Rabbits Have A Relaxed Posture
An easy way to know if your rabbit is happy is to watch their body language. When your rabbit feels content and safe around you, it will have a relaxed posture. If they are lazing around the house, flat on their belly with their feet stretched out, you can be sure that your rabbit is happy and enjoying life!
5. They Are Grooming Themselves Regularly
Rabbits are clean animals and spend much time grooming themselves as cats do. When a rabbit stop grooming themselves, it’s usually an indication that something is off. Your rabbit may be sick, so pay close attention to their behavior.
6. They Are Excited And Playful
Their inquisitive nature makes rabbits very playful. Young rabbits have more energy and are more playful than adults, but adult rabbits are playful too.
When rabbits get excited, they really show it! The following behaviors are signs of an excited bunny:
- Binkies
- Zoomies
- Flopping
- Head-flicking
7. They Circle Around Your Feet
You can expect to be circled when you have been out all day, and they are happy to see you, or you are giving them fresh greens or treats. Happy rabbits often run circles around your feet to show their excitement. Circling is a clear sign that they are so excited that they don’t know what to do!
8. They Show Their Affection By Licking Or “Grooming” You
Grooming is a rabbit’s love language; how they show their affection and love. Not only do rabbits groom to clean themselves, but they also enjoy grooming their rabbit and human companions. When a rabbit licks you, he is telling you he loves and appreciates you.
Happy rabbits often “demand” being groomed by bowing down with their head flat on the ground and their bums lifted slightly.
9. Happy Rabbits Purr, Chin, Cluck, And Twitch Their Butts
To a casual observer, rabbits seem like quiet animals, but if you listen closely, you will hear a range of sounds that all have different meanings.
Purring sounds similar to a cat’s purr, but the sound is made by grinding their teeth in pure content. For a new rabbit owner, it can be hard to tell apart from teeth grinding (a sign of an unhappy rabbit).
Rabbits rub their chin on nearby objects to mark their territory. When your rabbit chins you, he is telling you that you belong to him (how cute!).
When rabbits enjoy their food, especially treats like bananas, they make clucking sounds and some rabbits will also twitch their butts.
10. Your Rabbit Has A Bunny Friend
Rabbits are social creatures; although you can keep a rabbit alone, it is not advisable. Unless you work from home, it’s not always possible to spend all your time with your rabbit.
If your rabbit has another rabbit as a companion, they will be happier. Bonded rabbits groom and play with each other and connect in a way humans can’t.
How Do You Know If Your Rabbit Is Unhappy?
When your rabbit is unhappy, they will tell you! Don’t be fooled by their innocent, fluffy appearance; rabbits are known to hold grudges. Look out for these (not so subtle) signs that your bun-friend is unhappy:
1. Unhappy Rabbits May Thump Their Feet
Thumping is how rabbits warn each other of danger. If your rabbit thumps while they are outside, look out for cats or other predators. However, danger is not the only reason why rabbits thump.
Despite their generally gentle nature, rabbits get annoyed easily. Thumping can also signify disapproval, like not giving them treats after they asked for them or picking them up unnecessarily.
2. Annoyed Rabbits Grunt, Growl, Or Hiss
Grunting, growling, and hissing are sounds of annoyance. Luckily, they are easily distinguished, and your rabbit will make these noises while you are doing whatever it is that annoys them, so it is easy to tell what behavior irritates them.
Annoyed rabbits usually start with a grunt and move on to a grunt if you ignore their warnings. Hissing is rare, but it is time to back off when you hear it!
3. Changes In Rabbit Appetite
Rabbits enjoy their food, so when they suddenly eat less than usual, or not at all, it’s a sign that your rabbit is not feeling well.
Rabbits have a very fast metabolism and need to eat often to keep their guts healthy. A rabbit that refuses to eat should be taken to the vet immediately, as this can be fatal.
4. Rabbit Squealing Or Screaming
A rabbit scream is a sound that you do not want to hear! This high-pitch scream sounds like something from a horror movie, and you can be sure; if your rabbit makes this sound, they are terrified!
Rabbits scream when they fear for their lives, like being caught by a predator or when they are about to die. If you creep up on your rabbit and pick them up by surprise, they may mistake you for a predator and scream.
How To Make My Rabbit Happy
Being a great human companion can make your rabbit happy. Here are some tips:
- If they don’t have a rabbit companion, consider getting them a friend
- Rabbits don’t enjoy being picked up, so only pick them up when you really need to
- Give them lots of chew toys, things to play with, and places to hide
- Give them love and attention
Conclusion
Rabbits are far more expressive than most people think! Learning to “speak rabbit” will allow you to adjust your behavior or your rabbit’s enclosure, food, or routine to ensure you and your rabbit companion are both happy.
