10 Reasons Why Rabbits Make Great Pets

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: November 7th, 2022

New Africa/Shutterstock

If you are looking to get a pet, but can’t (or don’t want to) adopt a cat or a dog, you’re probably considering your other options. Some pet owners find joy in sharing their life with a feathered friend, such as a clever African Gray or a pair of cute lovebirds, others are passionate about aquatics and enjoy caring for a shoal of exotic fish, and some prefer small animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, or rabbits – which consistently top the lists as some of the most popular pets around. Bunnies are so well loved for a number of reasons, starting from their cute looks to their lovable personalities and many in between. We’ve selected a few of the causes why rabbits are such popular companions for families of all shapes and sizes, so you can determine if a bunny is a right choice for you and your lifestyle. Read on and find out what are the 10 reasons why rabbits make great pets – it might be just what you need to know before adopting a bunny.

Rabbits come in all shapes and sizes

Whether you’re in love with fluffy bunnies, giant bunnies, tiny bunnies, bunnies with spots on their coat, or bunnies that have exotic colors, you will find what you are looking for. There are numerous different rabbit breeds to choose from, and their unique traits are often related only to their appearance and some slight changes in temperament, as they tend to be sweet, loving, and quite adaptable in general, no matter their breed. As a result, every type of owner – be they single, seniors, or a family with young kids, will certainly find a rabbit pet for their own liking.

Rabbits don’t need a lot of space

With some pets, things become challenging when there is a lack of space. For example, if you live in a cramped studio, you can’t really consider adopting a large breed dog or a working breed that needs a big backyard to burn off excess energy. But with rabbits, space is not an issue, as even the bigger breeds don’t need as much room as some other pets do. A bunny will be fine with a reasonably sized enclosure in the corner of the room, a litter, and a bit of safe and enclosed space to exercise and stretch. Anything more than that is up to you and your abilities. So, even those that live in small homes can enjoy the company of the rabbit – without worrying about overcrowding or neglect!

Rabbits are hardy animals

Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not fragile and frail. In fact, they can be quite hardy and tend to have good health. While rabbits are not impervious to diseases, there aren’t many serious illnesses that can affect them genetically, and most of the ailments that can happen are treatable by experienced veterinarians. Of course, a rabbit is only as healthy as you care for it. They are robust, sure, but still require your care and attention to stay that way. This means that their diet will have to be balanced and healthy, as well as their hygiene, exercise, and all the other parts of rabbit care. With all this taken care of, you can definitely count on your rabbit pet to be very resilient.

Rabbits have a reasonably long lifespan

It is only natural that all owners would love their pets to be around for many long years. Some animals have longer lifespans than others, and some pets are very short-lived. But luckily, rabbits do not belong to this group! These animals have reasonable lifespans. On average, they live between 7 and 10 years, and many can live beyond that as well. This gives you plenty of time for bonding and creating some wonderful memories. Of course, as usual, this can only happen if you provide your pet with proper care and attention. Take care of them –and they will stay with you for long.

Rabbits get along well with children

Rabbits make ideal family pets and make good first companions for children. As we already know, pets are important for children and can be a crucial part of their development. And rabbits are amongst the most adored pets! Kids will love these fluffy, adorable, and gentle balls of fur. But most importantly, they can learn a lot of important lessons from owning a rabbit. They will learn to be gentle with animals, to care for them and keep them healthy and safe, and to bond and play with them. Bunnies, in turn, can provide them company when you cannot, playing with them or simply cuddling. It is a match made in heaven, and bunnies make some of the best pets for children of all ages.

Rabbits are quiet and won’t bother your neighbors

Some owners find parrots or dogs too loud and have to find a more quiet pet. You might also be living in an apartment building, and simply can’t have a pet that makes noise due to neighbors complaining. This is not an issue if you get a bunny. Rabbits are very quiet animals and make almost zero sounds that can be considered loud. With a rabbit, there won’t be any risk of annoyance, being woken up, babies restless, or neighbors alarmed. Instead, you can get a good amount of peace and quiet, which can be ideal for snoozing, working from home, etc.

Rabbits are clean animals

Some owners, understandably, would prefer a pet that isn’t a hassle to clean after. Poop, pee, loose hair, bird seed, feathers, food crumbs – different pets can leave all sorts of dirt behind them. This is natural and understandable, of course, but it simply isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. With rabbits, dirt is down to a minimum. Sure, they have to do their “business”, but they aren’t as messy about it as some other animals. Of course, a rabbit is only clean when they are litter trained – otherwise, they will simply pee or poop wherever they happen to be. But training them is not a great challenge, and it will pay off, in the long run, to do so.

Rabbits are quite affectionate when socialized

Every owner would love a pet that is affectionate and loves to cuddle and doesn’t mind interaction with their owners. Luckily, when socialized early, rabbits are precisely like that – sweet, loving, and adoring of the attention their owners give them. Of course, some rabbits don’t like being handled and it’s important to note this. This is usually a consequence of poor training: you need to socialize and handle a bunny from an early age, in order to get them accustomed to human interaction and your hands. With this accomplished, however, the bunny will have no problem resting in your lap.

Rabbits are relatively low-maintenance pets

If you live a busy life with plenty of daily chores, rabbits won’t really get in your way as cats or dogs can. These are generally considered to be low-maintenance pets, that won’t give you all that much hassle. Regular feed times, and a bit of cleanup, and they’re pretty much good to go. This, of course, does not mean you should neglect your rabbit – they will need mental stimulation, affection, interaction, and exercise in order to remain the best version of themselves. Still, if your day is especially busy, you can count on your bunny to not get in their way!

Rabbits are intelligent animals

Did you know that bunnies can be real smarty pants? They might seem docile and lethargic at first glance, but don’t be fooled. These are intelligent and inquisitive animals, whose curiosity is often the instigator for some quirky and fun behavior. With a bunny, fun is always around the corner: they love to play, solve riddles, and play with special rabbit toys. They can even learn basic tricks, so don’t hesitate to try some training. You would be surprised at how smart they are, especially after a few years of living by your side. These are fast learners whose antics can really take you by surprise!

Conclusion

When you take all these reasons into account, it’s easy to see why rabbits are so loved by their owners and don’t lose their spot among the most popular pets decades back. They have many positive traits and are so adaptable that they make perfect pets for a range of owners, which is not something that can be said about many animals. They’re relatively easy to handle and take care of, and won’t be a constant hassle. Still, you’ll do good to remember that rabbits will need your attention and constant care – just like every other pet on the planet. Otherwise, your bunny won’t thrive or fulfill their potential. Be sure to take care of their needs, and they will remain steadfast companions for a good number of years.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Lost Dog Rescued After Surviving Six Years Alone in the Woods

A senior dog found living in the woods in the U.K. has been rescued and is now looking for a loving home.The dog, named Rose, was first spotted near Crawley Down in West Sussex, England. The Lost Dog Recovery UK South shared in a social media post that they’ve received a message from a concerned member of the public about a small black dog running in the road.The person who saw the dog “stopped the traffic” and let the pooch disappear into the woods, knowing it’s best not to follow. After visiting the nearest property, the person learned that locals were familiar with the dog and that drivers often stopped by saying that the pooch had been on the road. The locals explained that the dog was a stray fed by people.The individual who spotted the dog was troubled by the idea of a dog living in the woods and contacted the Lost Dog Recovery rescue organization with this information. Knowing that this could be a case of an “owned dog allowed to roam” the organization decided to investigate by setting out food for the pooch along with cameras to track its movements. The dog was caught on camera five times in two days and by the third day appeared to be waiting for meals.The organization also talked with residents in the area about the dog and were told that the dog was a stray who lived locally for about ten years. The residents also said that the dog should be left alone because was in good condition, fed, and cared for. After talking about this situation with another household, which has been leaving food for wildlife and were allegedly responsible for the dog’s care, the rescue decided to help the dog. Over the following week, the organization established a feeding schedule and confirmed that the pooch was indeed a senior dog. They set a trap for the dog by serving a warm roast chicken and managed to catch her.“Understandably she was shocked and scared, but very gentle, and was taken immediately to the warmth and safety of kennels,” the organization shared.  After taking her to the kennels, the organization made a shocking discovery - the dog was microchipped! Her name was Rose and she had gone missing from her owners less than 24 hours after they adopted her in 2017! A now 12-year-old Patterdale terrier, Rose, has gone missing from Ashurst Woods, located only six miles away from Crawley Down, where the organization found her. Unfortunately, there was no happy reunion for Rose. The organization managed to contact Rose’s registered owners, but they explained that they were in no position to take her back since their circumstances had changed dramatically and they had moved away. “After the initial shock, our absolute joy at finding a long-lost dog is tinged with sadness as there is no happy reunion for Rose; she never got the chance to know the love of her family,” the organization said in a post. They added that Rose is going to need time, patience, and rehabilitation, and being a senior dog she’ll likely need ongoing vet care and medication. Rose is going to be cared for by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, U.K. After sharing Rose’s story, the rescue received several inquiries about her from families willing to adopt her and give her a safe, warm, and loving home.“Please don’t leave a dog straying for longer than they have to be...not only for them and their wellbeing but also for the sake of humans who love them,” the organization added. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

Stray Dog Becomes Surrogate for Abandoned Puppies at Texas Shelter

A stray Great Pyrenees dog, found wandering the streets of Fort Bend County, Texas, became a surrogate mother to a litter of six abandoned puppies.In late October, a concerned citizen found an abandoned litter of puppies. After failing to locate the pups’ mother in the surrounding area, the person brought the puppies to Fort Bend County Animal Services. “They were tiny, needing immediate bottle feeding and care, they were just about a week to 10 days old,” said Rene Vasquez, the director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, to PEOPLE.Although the puppies arrived at the shelter in good condition, they were starving and needed nourishment ASAP. The Fort Bening County Animal Services took to social media to look for fosters to take in the puppies and provide them with around-the-clock bottle feedings. Around the same time, another local found a stray Great Pyrenees, named Nova, who was full of milk. While it was clear that Nova had a litter recently, her puppies were nowhere to be found. The woman who found Nova saw the shelter’s online call for help and decided to contact them with a different idea. Instead of using volunteers to do the bottle feedings, she suggested bringing Nova by to see if the dog would accept to nurse the puppies. The shelter loved this idea and decided to give Nova a chance. A few seconds after Nova met the puppies it became apparent that the shelter made the right decision. “Nova was so happy to see the puppies! She took to them right away, and they were very happy to have a mama and food,” Vasquez shared. Although the abandoned puppies aren’t Nova’s biological litter, she accepted them as if they were her own. Acting like a true momma, Nova quickly allowed the pups to nurse and cuddle close to her for warmth. Thanks to Nova’s maternal instincts the puppies are doing well and growing quickly.“We were so happy that Nova was able to step up and be a mom for them. Sometimes, it is difficult to find bottle feeders and fosters for when the puppies or kittens are so little, so to have a nursing mom available to accept the babies is definitely a good day,” said Vasquez. Nova and the puppies, five boys and one girl, are currently living in a foster home. The fosters caring for the four-legged bunch plan to adopt Nova once the puppies are weaned. “The puppies will stay with Nova until they are weaned, and then we will start looking for homes for them. They will also be vaccinated, microchipped, and fixed before going to their forever homes,” the shelter’s director added. The case of Nova and her adopted litter has a happy ending, but not all stories end on a positive note. “As an industry, we are facing a real crisis in animal welfare across the country with an abundance of stray animals and not enough adopters or fosters to help the overcrowded shelters and rescues. Nova and her puppies illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering,” said the Fort Bend County Animal Services director.Shelters around the country are struggling to take in new animals due to a lack of forever homes and overcrowding. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters across the nation, most of which are never adopted into a forever home. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion, visit your local shelter or rescue organization to see which of their residents would make a perfect addition to your home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Florida Courts Ready to Add Some Teeth to Their Animal Abuse Cases

The Court-Appointed Animal Advocate may be a thing in 2024.

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