Is A Rabbit Right For You?

Everybody seems to love rabbits. With their cute faces, entertaining hop, and a reputation for being naughty and smart, yet gentle, rabbits seem to captivate us. We all are familiar with such famous characters as Peter Rabbit, Bugs Bunny, and the Easter Bunny. But unfortunately most people know very little about a real rabbit.

Over the last 20 years, the number of pet rabbits has increased dramatically. In Canada, more than 300,000 rabbits are companion animals. Sadly, each year too many pet rabbits dies needlessly at an early age. They die, not by neglect, but often because of lack of knowledge about rabbits.

Rabbits are herbivores, or vegetarians. They do not eat other animals but are preyed on by hawks, owls, raccoons, cats and dogs. It is no wonder that rabbits can be nervous around these animals! A rabbit’s best defence is early detection of the threat by using their superb hearing and smelling abilities and a rapid escape. The skeleton of a rabbit is much lighter and more fragile than that of a cat. Although this allows a rabbit to run quickly, it can also lead to injuries from improper handling. Young children should play with a bunny only under careful supervision.

Rabbits are social animals. In the wild, rabbits prefer to live in groups, yet as pets they love the companionship of people or other animals. Leaving a rabbit for long periods alone in a cage can lead to depression, behaviour problems and sickness.

Rabbits make very good house pets, and are great for those living in an apartment. They are intelligent and affectionate. Rabbits are quiet and clean, and can be easily trained to use a litter box, especially if the animal has been neutered or spayed. Rabbits do not have to be walked. Even a small apartment can provide plenty of space for a rabbit to run or jump. Rabbits are crepuscular, not nocturnal. That means that they are most active at dawn and at dusk and sleep at other times.

If you are considering adding a rabbit to your family, and would like more information on caring for these fascinating little creatures, please contact the Kindness Club.

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