Can You Keep A Rabbit Alone?

If you are intrigued about having a bunny companion, you will be happy to know that rabbits can be loving pets. Many people will recommend that rabbits are best kept in pairs or groups and have the companionship of at least one other rabbit. But is this true? Are there exceptions to the rule? Can you keep a rabbit alone?

If you keep a rabbit alone, you should provide the companionship another rabbit would have. Rabbits thrive on social interaction and companionship, preferably with other rabbits. While rabbits should ideally always be kept in pairs, some circumstances can make pairing a rabbit difficult. 

However, whether or not keeping a rabbit alone is best for your rabbit will depend on several factors, such as your rabbit’s history and medical needs, to name a few. In some cases, introducing another rabbit into your home may cause more harm than good. Let’s have a look at the finer points.

Can You Keep A Rabbit Alone?

Rabbits have complex emotional lives, and as intelligent creatures, they need mental and emotional stimulation to be fully happy. While rabbits can be kept alone and still thrive, they are much happier with a companion of their own kind in most cases. 

If your circumstances allow, consider two rabbits instead of one, as there are several benefits to keeping a rabbit with another rabbit (or more).

Rabbits are prey animals, which is one reason they live in large groups in the wild. A group offers protection from predators and makes them feel safe. This being so, rabbits are social animals that crave the companionship and safety of other rabbits.

Rabbits kept in pairs tend to be healthier and happier, improving their overall quality of life. Bonded pairs have no concept of personal space and spend much time together. Besides, rabbits speak the same language, which humans can never do.

Caring for two rabbits is not as much work as you think. Sure, they eat and poop more, but if you add another litterbox, you won’t need to clean more often. Because bonded rabbits have each other to play with, they are less bored and get into less trouble. 

Another benefit of having more than one rabbit is that they can keep each other company while you are out or at work. You won’t have to feel guilty when leaving your bun alone for a few hours, and your bunnies will be so happy with each other that they might not even notice you slipped out for a few hours! 

That said, some situations warrant keeping a rabbit alone. As exotic pets, their medical bills can be significantly higher than your average cat or dog, and adding another rabbit will likely double it. If your financial circumstances only allow for one rabbit, keeping two will ultimately harm the quality of life of both rabbits.

Financial reasons for only keeping one rabbit ring true in the case of a special-needs bunny. Depending on your rabbit’s disability, they may require your full attention, lots of medication, and special care. Very often, special needs rabbits have very expensive medical bills. 

Even if the bills of a special needs rabbit are manageable, they require an enormous amount of your attention, which means you will likely neglect a second rabbit, or one can become jealous. Rabbits with disabilities often have a hard time bonding with other rabbits too.

Some rabbits, particularly rescue rabbits, may have experienced trauma in their past, making it difficult to gain their trust as their human companion. It can be equally difficult or near impossible to bond them with another rabbit. Rescuing one rabbit from a shelter and providing him with a loving home is better than rescuing no rabbits.

Lastly, when a rabbit from a bonded pair loses their partner, they aren’t always accepting of new partners. While it is true that grieving rabbits tend to bond quicker, there are cases where your rabbit will not want another partner after losing theirs. 

Can A Single Rabbit Be Happy? 

A single rabbit can live a happy, fulfilled life, but you must give them all the attention and love that a partner bunny would have provided them. Rabbits can form strong bonds with their humans, and the bond is often stronger if the rabbit has no other companion.

To ensure your single bunny is happy, follow these tips:

• Allow your bunny to free-roam so that they can be in the same room as you or approach you for cuddles when they feel lonely
• Provide plenty of toys, hideouts, and puzzles for enrichment
• If you need to leave your home for long periods, ask a friend or family member to “babysit” so your rabbit is never alone.
• Consider introducing another animal as a companion if another rabbit is not an option. The presence of another animal will make your bunny feel less alone.

Can You Pair A Rabbit With Another Animal?

Although rabbits are naturally skittish and wary of other animals, they can be paired with certain animals with the proper guidance and care. 

Introductions should happen slowly, and you can expect to go through a similar bonding process like that between two rabbits. It can take time for your rabbit to accept your other pet, but they can form a strong friendship once the trust is there. 

Not all animals are great companions for rabbits, though. Animals like ferrets and dogs should never be paired with rabbits as they are carnivores and will scare your rabbit. Regardless of how calm your dog may appear, instinct can kick in at any moment and cost you a pet’s life. Rats and rabbits are not a great combo and should never be kept together.

Luckily, a few other house pets can get along pretty well with your bunny. So, what other animals can be paired with a rabbit? 

The Best Companion Animals For A Rabbits

The best companion animal for a rabbit, other than another rabbit, are animals with the same temperament as a rabbit and other prey animals. The most common companion animals for rabbits are guinea pigs, birds, and cats.

1. Guinea Pigs And Rabbits

Guinea pigs are among the most popular choices for rabbit companionship. You will often see them together in pet stores too. However, while rabbits and guinea pigs can be paired, you should take care when introducing them. 

As rabbits are territorial animals and much bigger than a guinea, your rabbit can seriously injure a guinea pig. The ideal would be to pair them while the rabbit is still a baby. Alternatively, a de-sexed rabbit will be less territorial and easier to bond with a guinea pig.

When pairing rabbits and guinea pigs, a trip to the vet is beneficial in determining if either one has any diseases that can carry over to the other. 

2. Birds And Rabbits

Birds and rabbits usually get along well or ignore each other. One thing to remember when pairing a bird with a rabbit is that rabbits have incredibly sensitive hearing. Therefore, noisy birds like parrots, cockatoos, and macaws will likely terrify your bunny. A better choice would be a budgie or even a silkie chicken. 

3. Cats And Rabbits

Although cats are carnivores, they are very similar to rabbits regarding their grooming habits, overall temperament, and love for daytime naps. A cat with the right personality can bond surprisingly well with a rabbit. Larger rabbit breeds get along better with cats as they are less intimidated, and the cat usually won’t attempt to challenge the rabbit. 

However, never pair a cat with a baby rabbit or a small rabbit breed. 

Conclusion

Rabbits are great pets but are social animals and require companionship from other rabbits. If you decide to keep a rabbit alone, be prepared to give them a lot of attention and care. 

To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, you need to provide plenty of space for it to run around in and toys to play with and chew. This will ensure your pet is not bored or unhealthy from being alone all day.