Guest Contributor: Lisa Fimberg, Owner www.PetPav.com
If you are looking to adopt or bring home a rabbit, it is important
to understand that rabbits are not much different than dogs and cats. They need a lot of care, love, attention and
guidance. Think of a rabbit as a
high-maintenance pet! You will need to
watch your rabbit, feed him or her the correct kind of food and schedule play
time with your rabbit friend!
Rabbits are curious pets
Your rabbit is a curious, tenacious and mischievous pet and can be
a challenge at times. Don’t put it past
your rabbit to tear up your carpet or chew up your couches. They usually enjoy racing around open spaces. Your rabbit likes to throws objects and climb
on things to see the view from the top, just like a kitten! At the same time,
your rabbit enjoys company very much – and he's an excellent communicator.
Watch and learn their body
language
Your rabbit usually makes a lot of different movements and sounds,
but you must pay very close attention to hear them. Rabbits also use body language as well as more
blatant signals such as the characteristic thump, thump that signals danger or
anxiety or that he or she is scared!
Rabbits need attention and
play time
Rabbits that are accepted and understood are happy rabbits. Paying
attention so you get to know your rabbit and spending time playing with him
leads to a healthy relationship. Your rabbit may follow you around the house
more faithfully than your dog; he may sit beside you watching television or make
a purr like sound as if he is a cat. And yes, he will play – with you or with
almost anything that he can find.
Rabbits love to play
Rabbits are naturally curious and playful. Chewing is not only
something they do, but also something they enjoy, and chew toys are always a
favorite treat. Your rabbit will also enjoy toys that he can push or toss
around. Toilet paper or paper towel rolls are easy, inexpensive toys, as are
all-natural wood blocks. Make sure to
play with your rabbit as you would your dog or cat.
Make sure to purchase safe
toys for your rabbit
You can purchase pet-safe cat or bird toys, balls with bells inside
and stuffed animals, noisemakers and a wide range of other items that will keep
your rabbit fascinated. But be careful to ensure that the toys are not
dangerous. Make sure the toys are durable
because your rabbit will try to eat them as well as play with them. Provide him
with an assortment of toys that have no small parts, toxic materials or choking
hazards.
Rabbits don't care how much you spend on toys or even that you made
them. They just need the mental stimulation that playing with toys provides.
But you will need to be innovative to keep your rabbit happily occupied.
Rabbits can get bored with their old toys, and a bored rabbit can become
excessively destructive or even aggressive (just like a puppy!)
Make sure that your rabbit
gets exercise
Rabbits need things to crawl under and over, climb on and hop off
of, dig into and chew on. Anything made of wood will eventually be consumed. Let your rabbit out of his cage and run
around your home. They love to get out
and join you or your family. A tired
rabbit is a less destructive rabbit so make sure to give him plenty of
exercise.
Reward your rabbit’s good
behavior
The key to a having well-behaved rabbit is distraction with toys
and food and rewards. Similar to a dog or cat, you need to provide your rabbit
with a clean home (cage) food, attention, and love. When your rabbit plays with the correct toy
or does something fun or friendly, reward your cat with love and a treat.
Rabbits are great pets! But,
don’t be mistaken, they need love, exercise and play time to keep them happy
and healthy.
Thank you Lisa Fimberg of Petpav.com for this for this wonderful article! (Petpav is a comprehensive, social networking, informational website for all pets. Build Your Pet's Profile!)
I had no idea! I love rabbits, but the only ones we see are wild ones. I used to know a woman with a HUGE rabbit and he was great. I had no idea they had such personality. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Great article. We are thinking about getting a rabbit for the kids and I found this article insightful. Thanks!
Thanks! I had a rabbit in my apartment for the years I was in University. “Spookie” was his name and he was so affectionate and smart. He was litter boxed trained and had the run of the suite. He did chew on cords though, which as you can imagine, was pretty hazardous. I had to spray them with bitter apple spray – that they sell at pet stores. He also chewed off the tips of my pencil crayons on my drafting table. Vet said it would just pass through. Confetti poop for a couple of days!