Rabbits As Indoor Pets: Behavior, Care, Food And Other Info

Small, cute and fluffy – doesn’t it sound wonderful? We have just described your rabbit, which is becoming a trendy indoor pet.

If you want to know how to feed them and how to take care of them, read this article and learn plenty of interesting information about rabbits as indoor pets!

Are Rabbits Good Indoor Pets?

While some rabbits can be held as outdoor animals, most of the pets are perfect for keeping indoor. Rabbits are very friendly and can be trained to live indoors, but you need to train them a lot. Even though most of the pets are curious and tend to play with people, they are still timid and handle them with care. For keeping rabbits indoors you will only need one cage, while outdoor rabbits will need a rabbit winter hutch to protect them from cold weather. All in all, while you keep them in warm conditions and try to teach them to behave, you can have a good and friendly pet.

How You Should Take Care Of Rabbit?

Before choosing a rabbit as a pet, you need to be aware that they need proper care and treatment. It isn’t the only carrot they eat, so we bring you useful tips on how to care for a rabbit and how their diet should be.

How To Choose Ideal Cage For Rabbit?

The first thing you need to choose for a rabbit is a perfect cage. It depends on the size of your rabbit and how much space can you provide outside the cage. There are different types and sizes, so you can find them almost perfect for your needs. The most important is to have a solid and deep tray where you can add a straw and all accessories. Also, it should have big grills and enough light inside. What is more, be sure you have big enough doors to help you clean it regularly. While some come with different accessories on the sides, you can always add additional as you want to. Be sure that your rabbit has separated space for sleeping and playing inside the cage with enough room for food and water.

How To Clean Rabbit’s Cage?

It is very important to know how to clean rabbit cage since they are clean animals. Also, it is crucial to avoid odours and keep the fur clean. Cleaning should be scheduled since some require daily cleaning. All in all, it should be cleaned deeply at least once a week. Every day, you should remove any bits of uneaten food and replace the water. Dry space around the water bowl and empty the litter bin. Also, clean the floor if there is urine. Weekly, you need to remove all accessories and textiles so you can clean them outside. Disinfect the whole cage and neutralise and odours. Try to use vinegar and water solution rather than strong chemicals for cleaning inside.

What Does Rabbit Need?

Some elements are essential for a rabbit cage. First, they need to have separate bowls for food and water. Then, be sure that the litter bin is in one corner and keep the area clean. For sleeping, combine a lot of textiles and materials to create a shelter and warm area. Since they are very active animals, you need to provide them with toys and activities to keep them happy. Be sure not to overcrowd the cage with toys and regularly replace the old ones with new and clean ones.

What To Feed Rabbit With And How Often?

Having rabbits as indoor pets, they should have access to fresh water and hay during the whole day. Yet, you should organise their meals twice a day at the same time, so they can have a routine. If you give them treats during the day, be sure to lower the amount of food for a meal. Quality hay and grass is the main diet for rabbits and you should replace them every day. They are well-known for chewing it in the early morning or evening, regardless of other meals. Additional diet can consist of rabbit pellets and fresh fruits. Since rabbit’s teeth grow constantly, they have to wear them, so try to give them harder food regularly. Yet, avoid muesli and sugary products since they can affect digestion badly. Rabbits don’t eat roots naturally, so you can give them fresh carrots and fruit as a treat, weekly. The same goes for washed and safe greens or spices. Be sure that you monitories their diet to prevent getting overweight.

Best Indoor Rabbit Breeds

Since rabbits are becoming more like pets, there are many breeds on the market that are adapted to indoor growing. Before choosing one, be sure that it fits you and your preferences. Also, always adopt the rabbit for certificated or checked breeder and adapt to their needs. We bring you the most popular breeds and their characteristics!

American Rabbit

This breed has characteristic white fur with red eyes. It can live from 8 to 12 years and are suitable for indoor keeping. The American rabbit has characteristic sharp ears and is fast. Since they are very curious and active, you need to spend more time with them and find new activities. They are loyal and ideal for older kids and adults. They are very strong and known as healthy breeds.

Lionhead Rabbit

With a signature fur around the head, this rabbit is similar to the lion. But don’t worry, it’s only because of the fur. It is usually small in size and carries long hair around the head and neck. The coat is thick and needs regular grooming. They are very friendly and adore having contact with people, so they are often called lap rabbits. They love gentle tapping, but try to avoid stress which can harm them.

Dutch Rabbit

This rabbit is one of the oldest breeds and is very popular because of its small size and compact body. It comes in many colours and fur types, so you can choose the best one. Since their popularity, they are well adapted for living indoors. It is very active and has no major health concerns.

Rex Rabbit

This rabbit has short fur and is ideal for people who don’t have much time for grooming. They are very intelligent with characteristic sharp ears and big heads, but also need a lot of activity. Since they can grow over 10 pounds, they are considered as big indoor rabbits, so be sure to have enough space to keep them.

Holland Lop

This rabbit is a medium-sized animal, with a muscular body and crown of fur on the back of the head. It usually comes in light brown colour and has thick and soft fur. The main characteristic is loped ears. They shed a lot during the hot period, but you don’t have to bathe them, simple grooming is enough.

Mini Lop

This cute rabbit is an ideal pet because it reaches only 5 pounds and has very soft fur. Because it can live from 5 to 10 years, it is an ideal pet for a longer time. Its main characteristics are loped ears and friendly behaviour. Among all breeds, they tend to need affection and human contact the most.

Typical Problems With Rabbits

Some breeds of rabbits don’t have health problems, but most of them do and you need to be aware of them. Never do anything on your own – always contact the vet or certificated person for their health!

The biggest problem is if they experience a lot of stress which can affect overall health. Next, if you don’t groom it often, you might have problems with hair lumps. A bad diet can cause digestion problems, especially a lack of water. Be sure to take care of them and if they unexpectedly change behaviour, ask for help.

Are Rabbits Ideal Pets For You?

Rabbits are very cute and friendly pets, but you need to be sure they are the right pets for you. First, having and maintaining a rabbit will cost money, especially on finding quality food. What is more, they need a lot of equipment, especially if you travel with them. Then, you need to clean their cage regularly and keep it clean to avoid odours. Rabbits need a lot of play and active time, so be sure you have time to think about activities and spend some time with them every day. Also, they are very curious and tend to investigate around. If you let them be free, you need to find borders, like dog crate alternatives. You can use a child protection fence or anything to make the surroundings safe for them and avoid them to escape.