Mini Satin Rabbit

by Diana Faria

Published: August 5th, 2016

About Mini Satin Rabbit

Weight

3-4.5 lb

Lifespan

5-8 years

Body Shape

Compact

Temperament

Docile, calm, sweet

Best Suited For

Rabbits for Singles, Rabbit for Seniors, Apartment/House Rabbits, Families with children, First-time owners, Indoor Rabbits

Comparable Breeds

Havana Rabbit, Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

Size

Mini

Mini Satin Rabbit Breed History/Origin

Standard-sized Satin rabbits were popular in the mid-1930s, when these satinized Havanas were bred by Mr. Walter Huey, a well-known breeder. By the 1970s a woman by the name of Ariel Hayes of Michigan tried to breed Mini Satin Rabbit, but gave up her quest in 1892.

However, the search was not over. From the mid 1980-1999, many breeders contributed to trying to create the small Satin rabbits. Mr. J Leo Collins obtained a Certificate of Development and created only two varieties of the Mini Satin: the red and the albino world. The red-eyed white Mini Satin was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association in 2006. Since then, there have been many more colors accepted by the ARBA.

If you socialize the Mini Satin Rabbit from the start, it will make a wonderful companion.

Overall Description

The Mini Satin Rabbit has a compact body that weighs anywhere from 3-4.5 lbs once it is fully grown. It is short and well-rounded when viewed from any direction and has a round, full head.

Coat

Like the standard Satin rabbit, the Mini Satin Rabbit’s coat has a beautiful, shiny fur that is appealing, especially at shows. It does not need much maintenance in order to keep its fur in tip-top shape; a bi-weekly brushing with a slicker brush is sufficient. If your indoor rabbit is shedding a more than usual, it is probably because it is either spring or fall, the time of year when rabbits tend to shed. Increase the brushings to every week and you will notice less stray hairs. Remember never to bathe your rabbit but instead, spot clean it with a damp cloth when and where necessary.

Colors

There are quite a few color varieties accepted by the ARBA when it comes to Mini Satin rabbits. Colors include black, blue, broken (any color mixed with white), chocolate, chocolate agouti, copper, chinchilla, opal, otter, red, siamese, silver marten, tortoise, and white.

Owners much approach Mini Satin rabbits with an extremely patient mindset when it comes to training.

Care Requirements

The Mini Satin’s small size makes it an excellent rabbit for both houses and apartments, as it do not need much space or a large enclosure to keep it happy. Because of its small size, it isn’t recommended for outdoor enclosures, as predators may make quick dinner out of them. Indoor enclosures need to be made of wire with a solid bottom and need to be large enough to allow the Mini Satin to comfortably sleep, eat and play inside. The bottom should be laid with bedding/hay; it needs to be spot-cleaned every day and completely replaced at the end of every week.

Rabbits will enjoy a diet composed mostly of pellets and hay (about 70 percent). Adult rabbits will eat about 1/4 cup of high-fiber pellets everyday for every 5 pounds they weigh (Mini Satins, for instance, would not need more than 1/4 a day since they are small). It will also enjoy fresh fruits, leafy greens and vegetables including carrots, watercress, red or green lettuce, celery, mango, pear, and peach.Research rabbit food before giving it to them, as some food or some part of the food may be dangerous to its health (apples are great, but their seeds contain tiny amounts of cyanide which is harmful).

Health

Unlike some rabbit breeds (such as the Angora), the Mini Satin rabbit is not susceptible to any particular health issues like Wool block. They do require regular checking in its ears (for mites), its coat and backside (for flystrike), and its teeth (for overgrown teeth).

Overgrown teeth can protrude into your rabbit’s face and jaw and be very painful. Symptoms include a loss of appetite, droppings and overall less movement from your rabbit. A diet that is high in hay (70 percent is ideal) should be enough to prevent this painful condition, as hay naturally files down a rabbit’s ever-growing teeth.

When a rabbit’s coat is soiled with feces or urine, flies may like to call your rabbit’s bottom their home. Flies lay eggs in the fur and once the eggs have hatched, they will burrow into your rabbit. If you believe your rabbit may have contracted flystrike, take it to your local veterinarian immediately for treatment.

Bucks can be neutered when they are young as 3 1/2 months old while does should wait until they are 4-6 months old before being spayed.

Like the standard Satin rabbit, the Mini Satin’s coat has beautiful, shiny fur that is very appealing.

Temperament/Behavior

Generally, the Mini Satin rabbit is gentle and calm; however if it is not used to the human that it is interacting with, it may be a little bit skittish and/or snippy.

Photo credit: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock; Evgeniy Goncharov photo/Shutterstock

Diana Faria

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Loyal after death, this mini-mutt remained at her owner's side until rescuers arrived.

Shelter Cat's Brutally Honest Adoption Ad Goes Viral: She Will Own You

Last month, the Humane Society of Washington shared a brutally honest adoption post in which they introduced a cat who is up for adoption. The adoption post, which went viral, describes the feline in question as “a more lively houseplant.”The three-year-old tortoiseshell cat named Quinn arrived at the Humane Society of Washington County in Hagerstown, Maryland, in August as a stray. According to the post, Quinn is currently the shelter’s longest-term cat resident.This is not the first time the shelter advertised Quinn’s adoption. However, since the first post hasn’t helped Quinn find her person, the shelter decided to change tactics with a brutally honest profile.“Do you want a cat who doesn’t want you? Do you crave the feeling of being judged in your own home? Do you need someone who will slap you back into reality without notice? If you answered yes to any of these questions we have a cat for you!” posted the Humane Society of Washington County on Facebook. “Meet Quinn!” the shelter added.The post went on to say that Quinn’s not for everyone. “But surely there’s someone out there who would appreciate her icy stare and her sudden smacks.”Continuing to highlight all of Quinn’s quirks the post said “She has an uncanny ability to make people feel unwelcome in her presence!” This particular trait makes Quinn perfect for people who are tired of visitors and just want to enjoy the peace of their home. Additionally, Quinn isn’t an overly energetic feline. “Quinn only seems to want to play about once a month,” making her an ideal companion for people who aren’t big fans of physical activity.“Quinn is essentially a more lively houseplant, because all she really needs a human for is food, water, and changing her litter,” said the shelter.“If you adopt Quinn you will not be her owner, because Quinn cannot be owned. She will own you, your house, your belongings, and everything you hold dear.” The shelter also noted that Quinn isn’t on the main adoption floor with other felines and must be asked for by name. The feisty feline has taken up residence in an office where she rules with an iron paw. Anyone interested in being “Quinn’s servant” should not have canines or small children in the house. “Quinn would challenge any dog to a fight. For the dog’s safety, it’s best that she goes to a home without any canines,” said the shelter. The Humane Society of Washington County added - “Quinn is like a more physical version of someone yelling ‘Get off my lawn!’ at small children.” - leaving teens and adults as only suitable housemates. “We originally [shared] a conservative post highlighting Quinn’s strengths, but when no one came for her, we decided the best way to find her a home was to rip off the band-aid and just let her true colors shine,” said Collin A. Berry, executive director of the Humane Society of Washington County, to Fox News Digital. Soon after Quinn arrived at the shelter it became clear that she wasn’t a particularly social feline. She didn’t allow any of the staff to touch her for close to a week. After being sedated for an exam, and given a clean bill of health, it became clear that her behavior wasn’t the result of pain or an underlying health condition. “Everyone thought time and space would help, but as it turns out, Quinn is just Quinn,” said Berry. “She’s a lady who knows what she wants and when she wants it.”We’re happy to report that Quinn has been adopted! It turns out honesty is the best policy! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years, and both humans and animals can benefit from it. When applied to pets, it’s referred to as Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).Veterinarians trained in TCM are able to go beyond the use of pharmaceuticals to also incorporate natural remedies like herbs and acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more about what TCM is and how it can benefit pets, continue reading.Traditional Chinese Medicine for PetsBased on Daoist philosophy, Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach and views an animal’s body as a part of the universe. Energy, referred to as Qi, flows through individuals and through the universe, so TCM practitioners look at more than just physical symptoms. They will consider what imbalances are occurring in the body, and how those imbalances can be fixed to restore the body to a state of harmony.Each pet is viewed as a unique individual who can be affected by various factors beyond the physical body. A veterinarian will ask about their daily life and their home environment. They’ll also consider the pet’s personality and behavior, including the things they enjoy, to figure out what may be causing their ailment and choose the right remedy.In addition, this healing system focuses on five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal, as well as five seasons of autumn, winter, spring, summer, and late summer, to diagnose and treat patients. Each season is linked to an element, and an animal moves through the seasons throughout their life (e.g., spring phase when they’re young and winter phase when they’re old). Also, the organs throughout the body are associated with these seasons and elements, and they affect each other, so all of this is taken into consideration when diagnosing and treating patients.For someone just learning about TCM, it can all be quite complicated. But a practitioner with a lot of knowledge and experience in this area will be able to understand how the body works as a whole and how it is influenced by the external world as well.What Types of Treatments Are Included in TCM?Veterinarians who practice TCM use several types of treatments to address a variety of pet health concerns. Those include:Herbs: A variety of herbs are used in TCVM, and your veterinarian will determine which ones are best for your pet. Your furry friend might need a single herb or a combination of herbs to feel better. Herbs can be potent, and it’s wise to discuss potential side effects with your vet. Also, if your pet is taking other supplements or medications, your vet will determine if adding certain herbs to the mix is safe.Food Therapy: Providing your pet with the right nutrition can be helpful in maintaining and improving their health, and you can receive personalized guidance in this area from a vet who practices TCVM. Certain ingredients, diets, and/or supplements might be recommended based on your companion’s specific needs. Options like Herbsmith Smiling Dog Treats and Herbsmith Sassy Cat Treats can be used to provide warming, cooling, or neutral foods to rebalance your pet’s constitution.

Do You Know Your Pet's Love Language?

Relationship therapists have long used the concept of “Love Languages” to encourage better communication among couples. It defines how we express and receive love and sorts these behaviors into five categories – acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. But did you ever stop to consider how your pet may fit into this framework? The folks at Nulo Pet Food did!Recently, the brand partnered with OnePoll to survey 2,000 cat and dog parents to better understand the secret to your pet’s heart.The survey found that quality time is the most popular love language among cats and dogs (27%). This refers to showing affection by giving your pet your undivided attention, with this increase in attention leaving our pets feeling loved and cared for. For 62% of respondents, this meant allowing their pet to sleep in their bed each night, while 40% reported that they would include their pet in their daily plans whenever possible.Of course, food still scored high in offering a path to a pet’s heart despite not technically being part of the original five love languages.53% of pet parents said they showed love by providing their pets with high-quality meals, which could technically fall under both acts of service and gift-giving. Dedicated to their pets' overall well-being, 47% answered that they showed love by prioritizing their pet’s health and nutrition over all else, and 32% focused on adding variety to their diet.“With 69% of respondents willing to put their pet’s dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets plan in their people’s lives,” explained Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nulo’s Director of Research & Development. “Not only are pet parents speaking their pet’s love language, they’re going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.”What inspires us to prioritize our pets so highly in our lives? These furry family members hold an important role in our lives, with 47% of pet owners believing their pet views them as a best friend and 42% stating that their pet sees them in the same way.This data gives us an insight into the dedication that pet parents show in providing quality nutrition to their dogs and cats. When asked why they feed their current diet, 50% said they strongly believed their pet enjoyed the food, 35% chose the diet for its high-quality ingredients, and 29% decided on a diet based on their budget.How important is variety in our pets’ diets? Only 48% of those surveyed believed they could survive eating the same meal every day for three months. It highlights the importance of products like food toppers that allow us to provide variation and make mealtime interesting while still prioritizing feeding a well-balanced diet. This includes commercial food toppers and pet-friendly human foods like pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and more.Ultimately, the data reveals that food is one of the most significant ways we express our love and affection to our pets – possibly even making it the sixth love language for pets and pet parents!

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