By Rachel Andersen
For anyone who doesn’t know, all rabbits are amazing creatures who love deeply. They can be just as close to their people as cats and dogs–maybe more. With affection, attention, dedication, and a little bit of time, your relationship with a rabbit can be one of the most meaningful of your life.
Rabbits love routine
Watson is my favorite bunny of all time. I love him so much, and my life would be so much lonelier without him. Especially, first thing in the mornings when he waits for me, runs with me to the refrigerator, and his tiny feet walk all over mine eagerly awaiting his breakfast of lettuce, cilantro, baby carrot, and hay. (That is, if he hasn’t been sitting there as pretty as you please staring at me like “You are LATE! Where the #%*@ is my breakfast?!”)
Rabbits like order and schedules. They are most active at dawn and dusk, but they can adapt to your schedule, especially if you are sharing space with them.
No matter the schedule, rabbits thrive on routine. They will keep you on track if you follow their lead.
They know when each meal time should occur and will wait, not always patiently, for their breakfast, snacks, and dinner. That being said, the snacks they will accept at any time of the day, certain ones though, when added to a regular routine, will be demanded at the proper time–every day.
Rabbits love cleanliness
Watson is truly a flamboyant little creature. He sports his pure white rex fur, like a plush luxury carpet, sprinkled ever so delicately with black spots in a perfect row down his back.
His beautiful blue eyes are expertly lined with black all the way around, giving him a regal presence. His expression can be positively evil when he so chooses.
Watson watches with a suspicious eye when I clean his litter box or, as my boy Owen used to call it, a glitter box. If anyone would have a “glitter box” it would be Watson.
Rabbits love to be clean, and bathe themselves more often than cats do. They also like their spaces kept clean. They enjoy making messes, and they appreciate someone cleaning each mess up quickly.
They can be free roaming in your home with a little bit of prep work, no cage required. Rabbits can be potty trained very easily. They naturally deposit their preprocessed food and water in the same places most of the time.
A few factors feed into this.
- If they are spayed/neutered litter training will be easier and more consistent
- The degree of cleanliness of their litter box determines how consistently they will use it
- Letting your rabbit choose the placement of the litter box will go a long way to them actually using it
Rabbits love order
Watson will organize his space and might not talk to you (for days) if you rearrange it. The only way around that is to take advantage of the fact that he is also an attention and treat enthusiast. He will forgive ANYTHING for a bit of banana.
Many rabbits prefer to arrange their stuff themselves. Watson is no exception. If I move his litter box, food or water dishes, or move his set-up to a different place in the house, he will protest.
This usually includes extra little poops around, him moving what he can back on his own, or a few days of behavior until he gets used to things, or I give up and put it back the way he wants it.
Rabbits love others
Domesticated rabbits, like their wild counterparts, are very social creatures. They crave affection in the form of petting, licking, and sharing food.
If you have bonded with your bunny, they will love for you to pet them. They only lay down beside the people they really trust, and may lick you to show you their love.
Rabbits can even be emotional support animals. They are small, quiet, and their fluffy presence promotes calm. They are less complicated to take places than cats or dogs.
They are very loyal creatures, and can be very jealous. Their sense of smell is keen, if they smell unfamiliar creatures on you it can upset them. They feel most secure when they know you belong to them.
One time we had my sister’s dog stay with us for a few days. Watson let his displeasure be known. Once he got used to him though he settled down.
Watson loves to be pet, almost more than food. He will come sit next to me and stay as long as I keep petting him. He goes into a kind of trance sometimes, it’s so cute!
Rabbits can get along great with other animals. We also have a dog and a cat. Watson tolerates them both as long as they behave in his presence. He truly rules the house.
Speaking of other animals, whenever possible rabbits should be paired with a bunny friend. Both should be spayed/neutered of course.
If you can only have one bunny, like I only have Watson, make sure you are spending as much quality time with them as possible. Just like humans, rabbits can become depressed if they are always lonely or bored.
In conclusion
Rabbits are fun, interactive companions who can enhance the life of anyone who appreciates them.
Living in the house, not a cage, so they can spend time with their family is the best way for most bunnies. Bonding with your rabbit member of the family brings joy and security to you and them.
Incidentally, Watson and I have a lot in common. I don’t like my stuff messed with either. I want my coffee first thing in the morning, and I will step on your toes to get it if necessary.
I will also sit still indefinitely for snuggles, and I will forgive almost anything if you bring me dessert. My toilet doesn’t actually sparkle either, but I’d like it to. We are a match made in adopt-don’t-shop heaven.