What's Up., Doc?
What’s
Up, Doc?
What you should know before flip-flopping about Flopsy
By
Joanna Campbell
Every year around Easter, the cute bunny craze tempts
many families into getting a rabbit. But before hopping on the bunny wagon,
make sure you know what living with a rabbit is really like.
Rabbits
have become increasingly popular as companion animals. And unfortunately, just
like cats and dogs, rabbits frequently show up at shelters, rescue groups, and
animal control facilities. In fact, rabbits are now the third most common animal
in shelters nationwide, with more than 2,500 rabbits a year ending up unwanted
or surrendered in the
The vast majority of these rabbits are
given up because of misguided expectations. Some people believe their rabbit
will live only a few years, but many house rabbits live eight to 12 years.
Other people mistakenly assume rabbits are cuddly pets, but this isn’t always
the case. “As prey animals, rabbits interact with their environment much
differently than dogs or cats,” says Dawn Sailer, chapter manager of the
Indiana House Rabbit Society. “Most rabbits do not feel comfortable being
picked up off the ground. As prey animals, they feel like they are being
whisked off to become someone’s dinner, which is scary,” Sailer explains. Some
rabbits are indeed cuddly, but it is more common for rabbits to be spirited,
independent, and much too busy to sit still and be cuddled.
Another misconception is that rabbits are
low-maintenance pets. In fact, rabbits need a constant supply of grass hay and fresh
water, a daily ration of pellets, and a generous daily serving of fresh, leafy
greens. Most rabbits also need at least a couple of hours a day playing out of
their cage. Many rabbits are even able to roam free in a bunny-proofed room. “The
more freedom they have, the more personable they become,” says Marcia Coburn,
president of Red Door Animal Shelter in
Rabbits crave companionship and enjoy interacting
with humans—as long as it’s not threatening. Most rabbits instinctively react
to being picked up, or “captured,” by struggling to get away. “Rabbits are very
affectionate when you meet them on their own terms. Try sitting on the floor
with them rather than holding them on your lap,” Coburn says. In general,
rabbits make better companions once spayed or neutered. Just like with cats and
dogs, spaying or neutering has both health and behavioral benefits for rabbits.
Sterilized rabbits are easier to litter box train, are less aggressive, and are
significantly less likely to spray or mount. For females, sterilizing is especially
important because it minimizes the high rate of uterine cancer. It is important
to find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian to perform this procedure.
Rabbits also need to see a veterinarian at
least once a year. While no vaccinations are required, rabbits often mask
illnesses until they are severe, so checkups are important. In addition, rabbit
teeth grow continuously, and a veterinarian can make sure they are wearing down
properly over time.
Sailer has sound last words on adopting a
rabbit: “Rabbits make excellent companions for families that provide a proper
indoor living environment, healthy diet, appropriate out-of-cage exercise time,
and love and attention on terms the rabbit can handle.”
For more information:
The
House Rabbit Society, www.Rabbit.org.
“The
House Rabbit Handbook,” by Marinell Harriman
“Rabbits
For Dummies,” by Audrey Pavia
