Rabbits are undeniably adorable pets, yet they are also quite fragile. Many pet owners do not fully understand the special requirements of caring for rabbits, which can lead to problems when unexpected situations arise, as noted by specialists.

There’s something truly delightful about watching a rabbit bounce toward you, and stroking their ultra-soft fur is wonderful. However, their sweet nature often translates to a higher need for care compared to dogs or cats, according to Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer at the North American Veterinary Community. Understanding how to care for a rabbit, such as proper feeding, litter box maintenance, and safety measures, can also be quite challenging for new owners, she explained.

“Rabbits are prey animals, and they tend to be anxious and worried. Building trust with a rabbit is a rewarding experience,” Varble shared with YSL News.

Many new rabbit caregivers face difficulties, as highlighted by Jeanine Valand, executive director of Rabbit Rescue & Rehab in Westchester, New York. The organization rescues roughly 100 rabbits each year in the greater New York City area after they are left behind or brought to traditional shelters that are not equipped for their needs.

“Numerous rabbits are abandoned in places like the streets of Brooklyn or the woods of Westchester,” Valand, age 53, told YSL News.

Experts Say Rabbits Shouldn’t Be Caged

Despite how some pet stores house rabbits in cages, Valand insists these animals should have the freedom to navigate their homes, similar to dogs and cats.

“Rabbits are social, inquisitive, and energetic, and they shouldn’t be confined to a cage,” said Valand, who owns five rabbits. “Would you keep your dog locked up all the time? Of course not.”

However, keeping rabbits in a home can pose more injury risks compared to dogs or cats. Being naturally delicate prey animals, they require protection from household hazards, like furniture and electrical cords, according to Valand.

“They gaze up at you with their huge trusting eyes, which deeply resonates with our nurturing instincts,” Varble pointed out.

To keep your rabbit safe without confining them entirely, Valand suggests using a pet pen enclosure, similar to those utilized for puppies.

Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits lack paw pads; it’s just fur on their feet, Valand explained. Therefore, they tend to be most comfortable on carpeted surfaces. Over the years, Valand’s rescue has encountered rabbits that have sustained broken backs after slipping on hardwood or tile floors.

“It’s akin to us trying to walk on ice,” she noted.

An Abundance of Hay is Essential

Rabbits, much like cows, are natural foragers actively engaged in grazing throughout the day, nibbling on fibrous hay, Valand stated.

At home, rabbits benefit from having various piles of grass hay to sift through and should have a large cat litter box filled with hay as well. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits tend to relieve themselves in the same area where they feed, according to Valand.

While rabbits can eat food pellets, moderation is key, as these can be calorie-dense, Varble cautions. It’s also vital to include additional fiber in their diets, such as dandelion greens, Swiss chard, and endive lettuce.

“Maintaining their dietary needs requires regular grocery shopping and some shopping savvy,” Varble added.

To maintain a suitable length for most rabbits’ constantly growing teeth, it’s important to provide them with something to chew on. Rabbits that have misaligned teeth and can’t naturally wear them down will require regular teeth filing, according to Varble.

Different Aspects of Medical Care

According to Valand, rabbit guardians need to seek out a veterinarian familiar with rabbit care, as their delicate digestive systems can lead to serious health issues in no time.

At her home in Westchester, Valand manages a household of five rabbits—Lolli, Hastings, Bean, Billi, and Sophie—incurring hundreds of dollars every month for veterinary expenses, including blood tests, medications, and other treatments.

Similar to pet hamsters and guinea pigs, rabbit owners may think their pet looks perfectly fine one evening, only to discover it has passed away the next morning due to a ruptured stomach or gastrointestinal stasis, Valand warned.

Monitoring a rabbit’s health largely hinges on keeping a close eye on their eating habits and poop production, Varble noted.

“If a rabbit hasn’t produced any pellets overnight and then doesn’t eat in the morning, that’s an emergency, and you must contact the vet right away,” Varble stated. “This is a significant shift from caring for traditional pets.”

Veterinarians strongly recommend spaying and neutering rabbits because female rabbits are at risk of developing a dangerous form of uterine cancer at a young age. Proper veterinary attention, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering can enable many pet rabbits to live as long as dogs and cats, averaging around 12 years, according to Varble.

Valand affirms that all the effort and meticulous care she invests in her rabbits is rewarding, as she has built “extremely close bonds” with them over nearly 30 years.

“I have a love for all animals, but rabbits represent pure innocence to me; their gaze seems to look right into your soul,” Valand expressed. “My greatest joy comes from providing them with a safe environment.”