While many pet owners may typically settle for dogs or cats, rabbits are also a great choice.
Like with all pets, rabbits also pose challenges with caring for them. However, there are many great things to look forward to as well.
Rabbits are small, relatively clean, have long lifespans, and are cuddly. So, this article explores why rabbits are good pets with various points to consider.
That said, it also includes a few reasons you may want to reconsider a rabbit as a pet.
So, you can make a sound decision for your home.
Why Rabbits Are Good Pets
A pet rabbit may not be for everyone, but it could be the best choice for you.
These points will help you understand what positives to expect with a pet rabbit.
They Bond Well with Human Owners
Arguably, one of the most significant reasons why people get pets is for having a furry companion.
Well, rabbits do recognize their owners’ voices and can enjoy your company.
You Need to Gain Your Rabbit’s Trust
You will have to gain your pet’s trust through a gradual process for them to be sociable.
So, you’ll need to make it comfortable with being handled.
Be Patient with Your Pet Bunny
It’s best not to rush the process because it can make your pet rabbit stressed.
Rabbits get stressed easily, and the effects of that stress can be catastrophic to their health if you’re not careful.
Moreover, you should start this process while your rabbit is still young.
This will help make your rabbit get used to being held. However, you should note that some rabbits prefer not to be handled at all.
In that case, you should not force your pet to allow you to hold it.
If your rabbit squirms while you try to hold, it could hurt or even break its back. So, be careful with building your bond with it.
They Are Fun to Interact With
Try to dedicate some time to play with your rabbit at least a few times a week, if not every day.
This can also help you bond with your rabbit. In turn, you can have a more enjoyable experience with your pet.
You Can Cuddle Them
You can play with rabbits and cuddle with them if they allow you to do so. They’re soft and warm and can help you feel relaxed while you lounge around at home.
As mentioned above, it can take some time for your rabbit to trust that you love it. However, it can be affectionate when trust is built.
It may follow you around from one room to the other. It may also spring to your lap for warmth.
Consider Giving Your Rabbit Time to Play Outdoors
Rabbits are perfectly comfortable staying indoors in most cases. However, it can be more beneficial to their health to play outdoors.
It’s best to consider this if you have a backyard where your rabbit can play.
The great thing about this is that they’ll have more open space for running around. Plus, they’ll get enough sun to stay healthy.
Monitor Your Rabbit’s Play Time Outdoors
You should only let your rabbits play outdoors if you can monitor the entire play session.
Rabbits are prey to a variety of animals, including large birds such as hawks, eagles, etc.
There’s a significant chance that another animal can attack your rabbit when it’s outdoors.
So, your presence will deter those animals from attacking your pet.
Rabbits are also notorious for creating escape routes by digging holes in the ground.
So, there’s a good chance that your rabbit will dig a hole that leads out of your backyard.
If it gets out, it can be a great challenge to find your pet. Moreover, it will be at greater risk from predators.
What you can also do to prevent this is to have a dedicated sandbox where your rabbit can play.
This way, you won’t have to deprive your rabbit of digging holes. Plus, it will stay safe while playing outdoors.
They Are Relatively Affordable
Keeping a pet is not a cheap investment. You have to spend money on food, toys, medical needs, and other miscellaneous factors.
However, the good thing about rabbits over dogs and cats is that they are relatively more affordable than those larger animals.
Rabbits eat less food than dogs because of their small size.
Make Sure to Consult Your Vet for Your Rabbit’s Dietary Needs
You could also consider letting your rabbit feed on the grass in your backyard if you have one. However, that may not be enough to keep them healthy.
It’s also in your best interest to first consult your vet about your rabbit’s diet. As a result, you can ensure that your pet stays clear of potentially harmful foods.
When you get a pet, it’s always best to make little to no compromises on the quality of food you give them.
Your pet’s diet is integral to maintaining good health on the whole.
You could also consider feeding rabbits some vegetables. However, make sure to do so in moderation.
This is because excessive vegetables can do more harm than good to their health. Consult your vet for more information on what vegetables are best.
They Are Relatively Easy to Manage as Pets
One of the best things about keeping rabbits as pets is that you don’t have to put in a lot of effort to care for them.
They Don’t Need Much Attention
If you have a particularly busy schedule, you can still keep a rabbit as a pet.
These creatures don’t require much attention and care from you.
However, this doesn’t mean that you can leave rabbits alone all day in their cages. Doing so may make them depressed due to the lack of social interaction.
It just means that you don’t have to be looking after them several times a day.
So, unlike dogs, you won’t have to take them outdoors for walks. All you can do is let it play in your backyard for a short part of the day every now and then.
If you don’t have time for that, rabbits can still stay happy with staying indoors.
In that case, it’s best to have a great play area where they can keep their minds and bodies sharp.
Consider Getting a Pair of Rabbits
You could also consider getting a pair of rabbits instead of just one.
This way, your pets won’t feel lonely when you’re not at home.
They Are Easy to Train
Another reason why rabbits are relatively low maintenance is that they’re easy to potty train. All you need to do is get it a rabbit litter box.
With a bit of training and positive reinforcement, your rabbit will begin using the box. So, you won’t have to take your rabbit outdoors for it to do its business.
It’s best to train your rabbit to use a litter box while it’s still young. This way, you can keep your home clean and relatively odorless.
They Don’t Make a Noise
At the same time, rabbits are quiet. They don’t bark or make any loud noises as dogs do.
So, if you prefer having silence in your home, rabbits are fantastic in that case.
They Are Relatively Clean Animals
Rabbits are relatively clean animals, which makes them easier to manage than other pets like dogs.
Rabbits groom themselves and remove extra fur. So, you don’t have to bathe them.
Moreover, because you won’t have to take them for walks, there’s little to no worry about your pet rolling in mud.
They Have Long Lifespans
If you take good care of a rabbit, it can live for about 8 to 12 years.
So, that’s plenty of time for you to form a strong bond with your pet. Just make sure it gets enough care throughout its life.
Why You May Want to Reconsider Getting a Rabbit
While rabbits are indeed awesome pets, they may not suit everyone.
Here are some reasons why you may want to reconsider getting one.
Rabbits Tend to Get Sick Easily
Rabbits are prone to various diseases. So, you have to make sure you care for a rabbit properly to prevent it from getting sick.
Rabbits are relatively fragile animals, so an illness can be fatal if left untreated. If you want to keep a pet rabbit, then make sure to visit your vet often.
Moreover, consult the doctor about caring for the rabbit and identifying potential illnesses.
Rabbits Are Fragile Animals
Pet owners will need to be very careful when handling rabbits. These animals have relatively weak bones.
So, if you’re not careful, it can get hurt badly. You have to be very patient when interacting with it.
Last Few Words
Rabbits tend to have unique personalities. Some may be more affectionate, social, or intelligent than others.
So, you can have a great time getting to know your pet. When getting a rabbit, it’s best to also do your research on the needs of each breed as they may vary.
Other articles you may also like:
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- Are French Lop Rabbits Good Pets
- What to Do If a Rabbit Bites You?
- Can You Put a New Rabbit With an Old One?
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- Why Is My Pet Rabbit So Aggressive?