You hear a soft thump behind you. You turn, and there’s your rabbit, nose twitching, ears up, eyes wide. She’s waiting for you to notice her. If you’ve ever wondered how to take care of a pet rabbit, you’re not alone. Most people think rabbits are easy, low-maintenance pets. Here’s the part nobody tells you: rabbits need more care, attention, and love than you might expect. But when you get it right, you’ll have a companion who’ll surprise you every day.
Why Rabbits Aren’t “Starter Pets”
Let’s break it down. Rabbits live 8-12 years, sometimes longer. They’re social, sensitive, and smart. If you want a pet you can ignore, a rabbit isn’t for you. But if you want a quirky, affectionate friend who’ll make you laugh and keep you on your toes, keep reading. Learning how to take care of a pet rabbit means committing to their happiness and health for the long haul.
Setting Up the Perfect Home
Space Matters
Imagine living your whole life in a closet. That’s what a tiny cage feels like to a rabbit. Your rabbit needs room to hop, stretch, and explore. A roomy pen or a rabbit-proofed room works best. Aim for at least 8 square feet of enclosure, plus 24 square feet of exercise space. The bigger, the better.
Safe Surfaces
Wire-bottom cages hurt rabbit feet. Use solid flooring with soft mats or towels. Avoid anything slippery. Rabbits love to dig and chew, so skip carpet if you can’t handle a few holes.
Litter Training
Here’s a surprise: most rabbits can learn to use a litter box. Place a box in their favorite corner, fill it with paper-based litter (never clay or clumping), and add some hay. Rabbits like to munch while they do their business. Clean the box daily. If you skip this, you’ll smell it—fast.
Feeding Your Rabbit Right
Hay: The Main Course
Hay isn’t just a snack. It’s 80% of a healthy rabbit diet. Timothy hay, orchard grass, or meadow hay—keep it fresh and unlimited. Hay keeps their teeth short and their gut moving. If you see your rabbit ignoring hay, something’s wrong.
Fresh Greens and Veggies
Every day, offer 1-2 cups of leafy greens per 5 pounds of body weight. Think romaine, cilantro, parsley, dandelion greens. Avoid iceberg lettuce and anything with high oxalates like spinach (once a week, max). Introduce new veggies slowly. Watch for soft stools or gas.
Pellets: Less Is More
Pellets are like fast food—easy, but not always healthy. Choose plain, high-fiber pellets (no colorful bits). Adult rabbits need only 1/4 cup per 5 pounds daily. Overfeeding pellets leads to obesity and health problems.
Treats and Water
Fruit is a treat, not a staple. A slice of apple or a berry a few times a week is plenty. Always provide fresh water in a heavy bowl (not a bottle, if you can help it). Change it daily. Rabbits drink more than you think.
Daily Care and Enrichment
Grooming
Rabbits shed—a lot. Brush them weekly, daily during heavy molts. Long-haired breeds need more. If you skip this, they’ll swallow fur and risk deadly blockages. Trim nails every month. If you’re nervous, ask your vet to show you how.
Chew Toys and Play
Rabbits chew everything. Give them safe toys: untreated wood blocks, cardboard boxes, willow balls. Rotate toys to keep things fresh. Bored rabbits get destructive. Play with your rabbit every day. Toss a ball, build a tunnel, or just sit and let them climb on you.
Social Time
Rabbits crave company. If you’re gone all day, consider adopting a bonded pair. If not, spend at least an hour a day interacting. Talk to them, pet them, let them explore. Lonely rabbits get depressed and sick.
Health and Vet Care
Find a Rabbit-Savvy Vet
Not all vets know how to take care of a pet rabbit. Find one who does. Rabbits need yearly checkups. Spay or neuter your rabbit to prevent cancer and unwanted litters. Watch for signs of illness: not eating, drooling, runny eyes, or sitting hunched up. Rabbits hide pain, so act fast if you notice changes.
Common Health Issues
- GI Stasis: If your rabbit stops eating or pooping, it’s an emergency. Call your vet.
- Dental Problems: Overgrown teeth cause pain and infection. Hay helps prevent this.
- Parasites: Fleas, mites, and worms can affect rabbits. Keep their space clean and check their fur often.
Rabbit-Proofing Your Home
If you want your rabbit to roam, you need to rabbit-proof. Cover wires with split loom tubing. Block off small spaces behind furniture. Remove toxic plants and keep cleaning supplies out of reach. Expect a few chewed baseboards—rabbits are fast and sneaky.
Bonding and Behavior
Understanding Rabbit Body Language
Rabbits “talk” with their bodies. A binky (a wild jump and twist) means pure joy. Thumping means fear or annoyance. If your rabbit flops on their side, they feel safe. Learn their signals. If you misread them, you might get a nip—or miss a chance to connect.
Building Trust
Rabbits don’t trust right away. Sit on the floor, let them come to you. Offer treats, speak softly, and move slowly. Never chase or grab. If you’re patient, you’ll earn their trust—and maybe a nose boop.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Get a Rabbit?
If you want a pet who’ll cuddle on command, a rabbit might disappoint you. If you’re ready for a pet who’ll challenge you, make you laugh, and teach you patience, you’re in the right place. Rabbits need daily care, time, and money. They’re not a good fit for young kids or anyone who travels a lot. But if you’re up for the challenge, learning how to take care of a pet rabbit will change your life.
Next Steps: Bringing It All Together
Here’s what nobody tells you: rabbits will break your heart and fill it up again. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll learn. You’ll laugh at their zoomies and worry when they hide. But if you stick with it, you’ll have a friend who trusts you completely. That’s the real reward of learning how to take care of a pet rabbit. Ready to start? Your rabbit is waiting.