Few pets can rival the absolute adorableness of a bunny. With soft fur, floppy ears, and wiggly nose, you can see why they made the list of top three cutest pets according to Money Beach. From Alice in Wonderland to Peter Rabbit, we have always had a special bond with these furry creatures. It’s natural to want to bring one home to live with you, and as long as you’re properly prepared, they do indeed make wonderful pets.

All Things Rabbits wants you to have all the information you need to create a happy, healthy life for your rabbit and a satisfying, caring relationship between them and you. Therefore, we present you with this guide to understanding and caring for your pet rabbit.

What’s Not To Love?

Rabbits are quiet, so they make a nice companion to have if you live in an apartment, or just generally appreciate a pet that doesn’t bark at your guests.
Rabbits really love being pet, so if you like some nice relaxing cuddle times, bunnies are for you.
Rabbits are very smart. They can be trained to come when called, and can even be taught to do tricks. The longer you own your rabbit, the more domesticated and intelligent they become.
Rabbits are gentle, and though they are not advised for homes with very small children because they are so fragile, they are non-aggressive and social, making them a safe pet to have around older kids.
Rabbits are clean and can easily be trained to use a litter box.

Caring for Your Pet Rabbit

Rabbits are sensitive to heat and cold, so they need to live inside with you. You can buy a cute indoor hutch for them with an attached pen so they have a space to call home as well as room to roam. If the weather is nice and you want to take your pet rabbit out for some fresh air and sunshine, make sure they are closely supervised and that the grass they nibble on is free from pesticides.
According to the NSPCA, rabbits need access to fresh clean water 24/7 and have good quality fresh hay available at all times. Your rabbit will also need to get nutrients from other sources they don’t get from grass and hay. Pellets that are specially designed for rabbits’ sensitive digestive systems contain healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals that will supplement their diets. According to PetSmart, 75% of your rabbit’s diet should be hay, 20% pellets, and 5% can be treats. Those treats can be small amounts of fruit like cherries, bananas, and berries, and veggies like bell peppers, leafy greens, and radishes.
Rabbits live an average of ten years, so taking one into your home will be a long-term arrangement. It’s best if everyone in the household is equally committed to the care and nurture of the new family member.

Bunny Proofing Your Home

Wires and cables need to be either covered with hard plastic sleeves or kept out of the way entirely. Bunnies have sharp teeth and will chew through wires quickly, not only endangering your devices but possibly electrocuting themselves.
Keep cleaning supplies and chemicals out of the way as well as any small object that could be picked up and chewed. Make sure all plants are up and out of reach. Too many plants can be, if not downright deadly, toxic enough to make your bunny ill if nibbled on. Get down on the floor and look at things from their level to be sure you’re not missing any hazards or places they could wander into and get stuck.

Choosing Your Rabbit

If after reading this, you feel like a pet rabbit is the right choice for you and your family, consider looking first to your local animal shelter. The Humane Society of the United States says, after dogs and cats, rabbits are the species most often surrendered to animal shelters. If you can’t find the rabbit you’re looking for there, they can put you in touch with one of the private groups that foster and find homes for surrendered and abandoned rabbits. Adopt Not Shop is always the most responsible way to obtain a pet.
What kind of pet rabbit is right for you? There are dozens of varieties of pet rabbits, from a Harlequin to a Havana to a Mini Lop. You have loads of choices when searching for pet rabbits and each has its own unique look, personality, and needs.

Now that you know what to expect and have bunny-proofed your home, you can feel good about bringing your new pet rabbit home to spend many years of happy (hoppy) fun and friendship.

Post written by Cindy Aldridge