Why would I recommend that rabbits make great pets for all ages? Truly, we love our furry friends, including our dogs and cats. But some people cannot have them due to time constraints. For others, it might be a noise issue. we also love our bunnies. Or perhaps you just love the idea of a vegan buddy.Â
Reasons Why Rabbits Make Great Pets For All Ages
There are a lot of misconceptions about rabbits as pets. People might think that they’re boring or that they don’t require a lot of care. But the reality is that rabbits can be fun, loving companions for people of all ages. In fact, rabbits make great indoor pets and have tons of personality. They are playfu and adorable. And they make great companions. If you are looking for a new pet, check out these reasons why you should consider a rabbit for your next pet.
Let’s Consider These Facts
1. Great Companions
Most of us want a pet for companionship. And like our canine friends, rabbits bond closely with their owners. Not only will your bunny recognize you and your voice, he will also react to seeing you. Like a pet dog, he will also want to follow you around your home. Once he learns his name and a few simple words, your pet rabbit will likely come when you call him and probably jump into your lap when he can.
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2. Rabbits are quiet pets
Need a quiet pet? Yes, this is another reason that rabbits make great pets. While some dogs are quieter than others, any of them might sound the alarm at times. And cats can have quite a loud meow cry, too. Our feathered friends may even shriek. But rabbits? Not a sound. They are capable of making sounds but usually only under extreme duress, such as when attacked. It is unlikely that your pet rabbit will ever be heard.Â
Hamsters and other little noctural friends are often known for keeping light sleepers awake. But not your bunny pal. He may choose to nibble quietly on his hay for a few minutes here and there, but pet rabbits usually are quite quiet at night, too.
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Why are rabbits so quiet?
Simply put, rabbits are prey animals. In the wild, they stay quiet to avoid being found by a hungry predator.Â
3. Small Spaces Suffice
Many people living in small homes and apartments seek a pet that needs less space. A pet rabbit doesn’t require a large area to be happy. They appreciate a secure home where they can stretch out and relax, and have their food, water, and a litterbox.Â
Or course, they need some exercise outside of the cage. For this, a small room suffices, although they are quite happy to follow you around your living space. If you have an outdoor patio or yard, your rabbit will appreciate some outside time when the weather is nice. We recommend either an exercise pen or train him to a harness and lead.
4. Pets with personality!
Just like dogs, cats, and even people, rabbits have distinctive personalities. They can be quite charming, affectionate, and loving. Some may come across as more aloof, while others want more attention. Some are playful, others more cuddly.Â
Keep this in mind when choosing your furry companion. While you might be attracted to a certain color, markings, or even ear length, the personality of your rabbit is even more important. Find one that fits your lifestyle.
5. Many choices of color, markings, sizes, and shapes
The American Rabbit Breeders Association, ARBA, currently recognizes 50 different breeds of rabbits, most of which have a variety of colors and markings within the breed. And many more breeds have yet to attain ARBA acceptance.Â
These 50 breeds are divided into various size categories ranging from the tiny Netherland Dwarf, which also claims the most color varieties, to the huge Flemish Giant. Other categories include fur type. You might want a fluffy long-haired angora type, a plush velvet type with rex fur, the shimmery satin coat type, or the standard coats.
Then there is the type. Some rabbits naturally sit upright, seeming to usually be alert and on guard. Others naturally sprawl out in a relaxed fashion. Some types are long and lean. Others are more compact.
6. Long Lives Ensure Rabbits Make Great Pets For Long Time
In the wild, rabbits rarely live as long as they biologically can. Predators are everywhere, and dangers abound.
Our pet rabbits live a life of secure luxury. They don’t need to forage for food or run from predators. Weather changes don’t affect them, either.Â
As a result, with proper care, they often live for as long as many breeds of dogs, up to 10 to 12 years in many cases. There have been reports of some living longer than that.
7. Rabbits are very clean pets
Even without litterbox training, most rabbits choose one area of their pen as their bathroom area. However, with simple litterbox training, your rabbit will choose to keep his pen quite clean.
They also prefer to keep themselves very clean and will self-groom often. But they do appreciate being brushed a few times a week, too. And the long-haired varieties will need more frequent brushing to keep that beauty-parlor fresh look.
Your pet rabbit will need a nail trim occasionally and probably ear cleaning, too. But those tasks are quite simple and enable him to stay picture-perfect!
8. Easily Trained, Rabbits Make Great Pets
Not only can your pet bunny be litter-trained, he also can be trained to simple commands, including to come when called. Beyond the basics, rabbits can be taught to walk on a leash, jump over obstacles, and even compete in rabbit hopping and rabbit agility. Some owners have taught their rabbits tricks similar to a dog.
Does this mean rabbits are smart? Â
Indeed, studies show that rabbit intelligence does rival that of a dog or cat. One study even described why a pet bunny is so snuggly.
9. Widely available
Some types of pets are hard to find. But rabbits are available nearly everywhere, and usually at a reasonable price. In fact, your local shelter may have some in need of adoption.
Even if you are looking for a purebred youngster, chances are that there are some available not far from where you live. This makes it easier for you to visit a few to find just the right companion for your family home.
10. Rabbits are adorable companions
Sure, rabbits are great pets for their looks alone. But when you factor in their cute antics, playful nature, and cuddly personalities, we think they are perfect companions for people of all ages.
Of course, before you hop into bunny ownership, we encourage you to consider what your rabbit will need. Make sure you are ready, then find your perfect pet rabbit and enjoy many years of bunny friendship!
Would a rabbit be a great pet for your family?
All in all, rabbits make fantastic pets that are suitable for nearly any age group. They’re gentle, intelligent creatures that can provide years of companionship.Â
A rabbit is a great option if you’re looking for a pet that the whole family can enjoy. They are easy to care for and make wonderful companions. Consider a rabbit if you’ve ever thought about adding a furry friend to your home. They will bring lots of love and joy into your life. You just might find your new best friend.
I have to admit, I was never taught about having a rabbit as a pet. I was looking for the benefits of having a rabbit as a pet, as my seven year-old grandson wants a rabbit as a pet instead of a cat or dog. I am going to share your tips with my social media followers so my daughter can read and learn as well.
Thank you, Jannette! Yes, many find rabbits a little easier to care for than cats or dogs. And they can be just as affectionate and bond tightly with their families. If your grandson does find his rabbit pet, please share pictures with us!
I remember when I was around nine I got a rabbit as a pet. Her name was Canela and she was the sweetest bunny every. I would lay her on my chest and she would stay there just scrunching her nose and enjoying being pet. I had her for over 5-6 years and I have never gotten another rabbit ever since. I have a dog and a cat, dog is great with other animals, but I’m scared of what the cats reaction might be so I’d hold on to bringing another bunny home, at least for now.
It sounds like Canela was a true bunny pal.
Some cats and dogs do well with bunnies, others terrorize them. It’s best to test their reaction before bringing one home. And even then, I would not leave them together unsupervised.
I wish you well with your fur-pals!
This article actually brought back some fond memories. My sons and I had a pet rabbit called Odd Ball. A co-worker was moving to a new place and was not allowed to have pets, so I took Odd Ball home to my boys. I tell you; this rabbit had more personality than a human being. I am fond of this one memory of Odd Ball. During this particular dinner time, we had a salad with our meal, and our choice of dressing was Thousand Island. Odd Ball’s choice of meal was chopped cabbage. Well, my son decided to give him a taste of the Thousand Island dressing on a leaf of his cabbage. Odd Ball was spoiled from day one. Every time we sit down for dinner, he wants Thousand Island dressing on his cabbage. Well, I decided that I wasn’t going to give him anymore. This rabbit turned back towards me and pouted – lol. Thanks for sharing!
I loved your story about Old Ball—he certainly seems like a bunny with quite the personality! I’m glad your family had a chance to befriend a bunny pal.
I mean who doesn’t love a cute bunny but I never realized that they could be trained to use a litter box or that they had the same intelligence as a cat or dog. Bonus is that they are quiet as I think the noise is what puts a lot of people off of getting a pet.
I also didn’t realize that they could become quite so attached to their owners. Is this more the case if you only keep one rabbit?
So many people don’t realize that a rabbit can be as good a pet as a dog or cat. We hope to help more people understand and enjoy these delightful little fur-friends.
As for the number of rabbits, we find that two are just as easy as one, in most cases. Like dogs, they are social animals and appreciate having a buddy as well as their human buddies.