NanouTurf

Owning a pet rabbit is like adopting a tiny, furry tornado. Trust me—I’ve seen my fair share of spilled pellets and shredded furniture. But when you’ve got the right approach, these little bunnies are a bundle of joy and a lifetime of cuddles.

Pet rabbits are playful and affectionate, but they need a little more TLC than you might think. The good news is, once you get the hang of it, caring for them is incredibly rewarding. So, if you’re just getting started, here’s everything you need to know to make sure your pet rabbit lives its best, most comfortable life.

Know What Your Pet Rabbit Really Needs

Okay, first things first: pet rabbits aren’t just furry decorations. They need a solid setup to thrive. You wouldn’t want to live in a shoebox, right? Same goes for your bunny.

When I first got my pet rabbit, I thought a cute little cage would be enough. Big mistake. They need space—like, a lot of it. If you’re housing your pet rabbit indoors (like I do), make sure it has room to hop around and stretch its legs. They’re not made to curl up in a corner all day.

Anyway, here’s the kicker: A cage is a start, but it’s a pen or free-roaming area that’ll make your pet rabbit the happiest.

Housing Your Pet Rabbit (The Real Deal)

Let’s talk about pet rabbit housing for a second. Here’s the thing: Pet rabbits are like toddlers in terms of destruction. At least mine is—chewed through half a wall last week. Seriously. It’s not just about size, though.

What you need to think about:

• Space, baby: Your pet rabbit needs room to move. We’re talking four times its body size. Think about it. When your rabbit stretches out, it needs to feel the freedom of…a small yoga studio, maybe? Or at least a decent-sized cage.
• Flooring: Avoid wire floors! They’re a rabbit’s worst nightmare. You’re setting them up for a splintered foot disaster. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when I used a cheap cage with wire flooring. Ugh.
• Litter box: Yes, pet rabbits need a litter box—don’t even think about skipping this. Rabbits are crazy clean, and they’ll appreciate the gesture. Just make sure the litter is safe. Wood pellets work great.
• Safety: My first “pet rabbit-proofed” area was an absolute disaster. Turns out, chewing on wires is a thing. Who knew? So, clear out any potential hazards—anything that looks like a snack (i.e., wires, plants, etc.) should be hidden.

What Should You Feed Your Pet Rabbit?

Now, don’t go feeding your pet rabbit lettuce from a fast-food salad. That’s what I did at first, and, surprise—it didn’t go well. So here’s the lowdown on what to feed your bunny.

What I learned the hard way:

• Hay: Hay is basically rabbit bread. It’s their staple, and it keeps their digestive system in check. Get Timothy hay, orchard grass, or meadow hay. Whatever you do, don’t skip it.
• Vegetables: Leafy greens. The darker the better. But—heads up—don’t go feeding them iceberg lettuce. You’ll just get watery, tasteless results (and my bunny will be side-eyeing you).
• Fruit: So yeah, they’ll love fruit—who doesn’t? But keep it limited. My first attempt at offering apple slices was met with pure joy. But too much can upset their stomach, so keep it in moderation.
• Pellets: I’m talking about the high-quality kind. Avoid anything with seeds or dried fruits. Those pellets are like junk food for pet rabbits.

Grooming Your Pet Rabbit (You’ll Get the Hang of It)

Okay, I’m not gonna lie, grooming pet rabbits is like brushing a cloud that doesn’t want to cooperate. I’ve tried it all—brushing a hyper bunny, chasing after fur, you name it. But in the end, it’s super necessary.

Grooming tips I wish I’d known sooner:

• Brushing: If you’ve got a long-haired pet rabbit (I learned this the hard way), you’ll need to brush daily. My Angora bunny looked like a mop until I figured this out. If you’ve got a short-haired one? Lucky you. A once-a-week brush is all it needs.
• Nail trimming: Ugh. Trimming their nails is harder than cutting my own. You will make mistakes. It’s inevitable. My first snip was a disaster. The bunny wasn’t thrilled, but neither was I. So just take it slow and be careful not to snip too close to the quick.
• Ear care: Pet rabbits have big ears, and those need attention. Don’t get too crazy, but check ‘em out for any signs of infection. I learned this tip after I noticed one of my bunnies shaking its head in a very dramatic fashion. Turns out, ear infections are a real thing.

Exercise and Playtime for Your Pet Rabbit

My first pet rabbit? Hopped like it was in a race. My second pet rabbit? Took one look at the new playpen and was like, “Nah.” But once they’re used to it, the hopping is real.

Get your pet rabbit moving:

• Free-roaming: If you’ve got a bunny-proofed area (y’all, this is non-negotiable), let them roam around. Mine used to bounce around my living room like an Olympic athlete. It’s good for them to stretch out and explore.
• Toys: Give your pet rabbit some cardboard boxes, tunnels, or chew toys. Trust me—they’ll thank you. The smell of Walmart’s parking lot rosemary on June 7th, 2019 still haunts me because I grabbed an overpriced chew toy from there. Lesson learned.
• Exercise wheel: Some pet rabbits love exercise wheels. Others, not so much. Mine? Straight-up refused. Just know, if you try one, get one with a solid surface.

Health Care for Your Pet Rabbit

Vet visits for pet rabbits? Oh yeah. You might think that they don’t need check-ups. But, as my experience goes, regular vet visits are crucial.

Keep an eye on:

• Dental issues: Pet rabbits‘ teeth grow like crazy. They need hay to keep them filed down. Overgrown teeth? I’ve seen it firsthand, and it’s no joke.
• Gut health: If your pet rabbit isn’t eating, don’t wait around. Get help. Gastrointestinal issues in rabbits are real, and they can spiral quickly. I caught a case of GI stasis in mine once, and let’s just say that the rabbit’s mood was as dark as my coffee.
• Parasites: Fleas, mites, and intestinal parasites can be a thing for your pet rabbit. Keep ‘em clean and get checked often.

Bonding With Your Pet Rabbit

I thought pet rabbits would be these little cuddly creatures who’d happily sit on my lap all day. Uh, no. They do like affection, but they’ll let you know when they’re over it.

Tips for bonding:

• Gentle handling: Always handle your pet rabbit with care. It’s a fine line between adorable cuddle time and “Please stop, I need a nap.”
• Bonding with other rabbits: If you’re adding another bunny to the mix, just know it’s gonna take time. My first bunny-to-bunny introduction was a disaster. There was fur. A lot of it. Gradual intros are your friend.

Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Rabbit

Spaying or neutering your pet rabbit is a solid move. Seriously. It’s good for health, behavior, and your own sanity.

Why you should consider it:

• Health perks: Spaying or neutering helps your pet rabbit live longer—no uterine cancer, for example. Thank goodness.
• Behavior: I can confirm that neutering helps calm things down. Trust me, no one needs a hyperactive bunny running around your house.
• Population control: Overpopulation of pet rabbits is a thing. Don’t add to the chaos.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of a pet rabbit isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. (Or bunny kisses and snuggles. You get it.) But once you’ve got the basics down, it’s the most rewarding thing ever.

It’s a lot of responsibility, sure, but the payoff? Big time. Pet rabbits will make you laugh, bring you joy, and maybe even teach you patience. So if you’re ready to welcome a little hopping ball of energy into your life, know that your pet rabbit will reward you with its own brand of love.

Anyway, keep learning, stay patient, and enjoy the wild ride. I’ll be over here petting my pet rabbit, who’s chewing through yet another roll of toilet paper.