Did you know that as of 2023, around three million households in the United States are proud owners of these adorable, twitchy-nosed companions?
Yes, rabbits have hopped their way up the pet popularity chart to become the third most adopted pet after dogs and cats. Their enchanting charm makes them irresistible to many pet lovers.
However, rabbit ownership is not all about frolicking in meadows or snuggling on a cozy couch. It comes with its own share of challenges and responsibilities.
In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of owning a rabbit, shedding light on everything you need to know before bringing one of these adorable creatures into your home. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
Pro: Low on Allergens
Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits are generally low on allergens, making them excellent pets for people prone to allergies. Their dander is different from most other pets, and it’s less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Keep in mind that some people might still be allergic to hay, a crucial part of a rabbit’s diet, so consider that before adopting.
Con: Need for Companionship
Rabbits are highly social animals that crave the company of their own kind. A single rabbit can easily become lonely and depressed, leading to health issues and behavioral problems.
If you’re considering getting a rabbit, it’s often recommended to adopt a pair. Introducing a new bunny to an existing one can be a complex process, requiring patience and careful monitoring to ensure they get along.
Pro: No Odor Problem
A clean rabbit in a well-maintained environment doesn’t stink. Rabbit pellets, if cleaned up regularly, don’t emit a strong smell like cat or dog waste.
Many products for rabbits are designed to manage waste and maintain a fresh, odor-free environment for your pet rabbit.
Con: Daily Exercise Requirement
Rabbits need to be active every day to maintain their health and happiness. They require plenty of time outside their cage to hop around, explore, and play.
Rabbits that don’t get enough exercise can become obese and unhappy. Additionally, a lack of activity can lead to boredom. This can cause them to exhibit destructive behavior.
Pro: Quiet Companions
If you’ve ever lived next door to a dog who loves to voice its opinion at all hours, you’ll appreciate the quiet demeanor of a rabbit.
Bunnies make some sounds, like purring, thumping, and light foot tapping, but they’re generally very quiet pets. This makes them perfect apartment pets, especially in places with noise restrictions.
Con: Speed and Agility
Rabbits are fast runners and agile jumpers. This can be a problem if they escape their enclosure or if you’re trying to catch them.
They can quickly dart under furniture or into hard-to-reach corners. It’s also important to remember that rabbits can easily hurt themselves if they get scared and start running or jumping around recklessly.
Pro: Space-Savers
Rabbits don’t require a lot of space, making them ideal for smaller living spaces like apartments.
They do need room to hop around and explore. But they don’t need as much space as a dog would, for instance.
An adequately sized cage, some free-roaming time, and a few rabbit-friendly toys are often enough to keep a bunny happy. If you decide to become a rabbit owner, it is important to invest in high-quality products for your pet.
Con: Frequent Defecation
Rabbits are known for their frequent pooping. They produce a large number of pellets every day, which can be a nuisance to clean up.
While rabbits can be litter trained, they may still leave droppings outside their litter box occasionally.
Pro: Long Lifespan
With proper care, a pet rabbit can live anywhere from 8 to 12 years, sometimes even longer. This longevity allows for a deep bond to develop between pet and owner over the years.
It’s truly rewarding to watch your bunny grow and evolve, transforming from a shy, fuzzy creature into a confident, affectionate companion.
Con: They Are Fragile
Rabbits have delicate, fragile bodies. Their bones are light and can break easily from improper handling or a fall.
This makes them not the best choice for young children who may not understand how to handle them gently. Furthermore, rabbits are prey animals.
They can also be easily stressed by loud noises, sudden movements, or unfamiliar situations.
Pro: Trainability
Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are quite trainable. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can train your bunny to use a litter box, respond to their name, and even perform simple tricks.
Be careful of rabbit bites during the training process, though. While typically non-aggressive, rabbits might nip if they’re scared or stressed.
Con: They Love to Chew
Rabbits love to chew. It’s a natural behavior that helps keep their ever-growing teeth in check.
But this can be a problem in a household setting as they can chew on furniture, cords, and other items. Not only might they damage your property. They could also harm themselves.
Pro: Strong Bonds
Rabbits are social creatures capable of forming strong bonds with their owners. They’re known to follow their favorite humans around the house, seek out pets and cuddles, and display various forms of affection.
This bond is often so strong that a well-socialized rabbit may become visibly upset when their favorite human leaves the room.
Con: Limited Vet Availability
Finding a vet who specializes in rabbits can be challenging. Not all vets are trained to deal with rabbits, and their unique health needs require specialized care.
Emergencies can become particularly stressful if there isn’t a rabbit-savvy vet available nearby.
Pro: Rabbits Are Intelligent
Rabbits are surprisingly intelligent creatures, often underestimated due to their quiet and timid demeanor. Compared to other pets, they exhibit a level of intelligence akin to that of dogs and cats.
Rabbits can be trained to respond to their names and even perform simple tricks. This is because they have very large brains.
They also demonstrate problem-solving skills. They can quickly navigate through mazes and find their way around obstacles for a treat.
This intelligence, combined with their curious and playful nature, contributes to their charm and makes them engaging and interactive pets.
Con: Prone to Illness
Rabbits are prone to a variety of illnesses and health problems, including gastrointestinal stasis, dental disease, and respiratory infections.
Due to their delicate digestive system, a poor diet or sudden changes can lead to serious complications. Dental issues arise from their continuously growing teeth, and untreated dental disease can be life-threatening.
Also, rabbits are susceptible to respiratory infections due to their sensitive lungs.
What makes these illnesses challenging is that rabbits, as prey animals, tend to hide signs of illness until it’s advanced. This means that early detection is difficult.
Pro: Stress Relief
Spending time with a pet rabbit can be a great stress reliever. Their quiet presence, soft fur, and gentle demeanor can help create a calming atmosphere.
In fact, petting a rabbit can lower blood pressure and reduce feelings of anxiety, making these furry friends perfect for those looking for a serene, comforting pet.
Con: High-Maintenance Care
Despite their small size, rabbits are high-maintenance pets. They have specific dietary needs, requiring a diet rich in hay, a moderate amount of vegetables, and a small number of pellets.
Their enclosure needs regular cleaning, and they need daily exercise and social interaction. Additionally, their health must be monitored closely.
Pro: Many Different Breeds
Rabbits come in a wide variety of breeds and sizes, each with their own unique characteristics.
From the compact Netherland Dwarf to the large, fluffy Flemish Giant, there’s a rabbit breed for every preference. Different breeds have different temperaments and care needs.
This means that there is a range of experiences for potential rabbit owners.
Con: Hard to Find
Depending on where you live, finding a rabbit to adopt can be challenging. While pet stores often sell rabbits, they may not always be the best source due to potential health and behavioral issues.
Reputable breeders and rescue organizations are better choices, but availability can be limited.
Rabbit Ownership Pros and Cons
Before choosing to become a rabbit owner, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of having a pet rabbit.
Understand that rabbits make great pets because they are low in allergens, do not smell, and are very quiet. On the other hand, rabbits frequently defecate, tend to be fragile, and are prone to illness.
Are you ready to become a rabbit owner? If so, PetMarvelous can help you to find the perfect pet. We also sell high-quality pet care products. Don’t hesitate to contact us to get started today!
