RABBIT CARE

Cage and the environment

Your rabbit’s cage should be large enough to allow him to move freely without any restrictions and should include distinct areas for the litter, the food, and for resting. It is important to provide him with one or more hiding places where he can seek shelter. Because rabbits do not have paw pads (contrary to cats and dogs), you should place a towel or blanket at the bottom of your rabbit’s cage to provide him with a soft surface to walk on. Doing so reduces the risk of irritation and wounds on the paws (pododermatitis).
Your rabbit should do physical activity every day. He should be allowed time to walk outside of his cage for at least an hour a day. You can allow him to walk around the house under supervision or in a pen to fulfill this need. Be careful! Rabbits like to nibble and gnaw, so make sure that they do not have access to any electrical wires.
Finally, because rabbits are sensitive to heat, their cage should be placed in a cool and well-ventilated space, and their water should be refilled regularly, especially in the summer.

Cleanliness

Rabbits are generally «clean», meaning that they usually defecate always in the same place. Once this spot has been determined, a litter box can be placed there. A cat litter box without a cover is ideal. A litter made of recycled paper is recommended because it is less dusty and is odorless. Wood shavings should be avoided because they are dusty and release strong odors when in contact with urine, which can be irritating for the rabbit’s airways. Removal of feces and urine should be done daily and the litter box should be thoroughly cleaned once a week.

Coat maintenance

Because your rabbit cannot vomit or expel hairballs, if he ingests too much hair it can accumulate in his digestive tract and cause an intestinal obstruction that can be dangerous to his health. For that reason, it is important to brush him every day but for short periods at a time. As it may take a long time for him to get used to it, it is wise to offer him his favorite vegetables as a treat to make the procedure more pleasurable.
Rabbits shed when it’s hot and during the changing of seasons, so there’s more hair loss. During this period, they can be brushed twice a day to avoid a rapid accumulation of hair in the stomach and intestines.

The Nails

It is important to cut your rabbit’s nails regularly, at least once a month. You should get them used to having their paws and nails handled at a young age and offer them their favorite fruits or vegetables as a reward. This will make cutting the nails easier for you and more enjoyable for your pet.