Can Rabbits Be House Pets?

Rabbits As Pets - Pros And Cons

Domestic rabbits can be terrific family pets; however they are not appropriate pets for everyone. Before adding a pet rabbit to your family you should research and understand the pros and cons of owning a pet rabbit.

First the pros:

Rabbits are very quiet. This is a great benefit compared to the problems a barking dog can cause.

Pet Rabbits are inexpensive pets to purchase and to keep. Rabbits eat primarily pellets and hay which are readily available and relatively inexpensive to buy.

Rabbits are not aggressive and very rarely bite, however they do have sharp nails and can scratch when picked up. They can be sweet, cuddly and affectionate and are totally adorable. They have individual personalities that are similar to a pet dog or cat and love to romp and play. Some are shy and reserved while others are gregarious and outgoing. It is hard for anyone, child or adult to resist the charm of a baby pet bunny. Bunnies can often be litter box trained and can get along well with other species of pets, especially if they are raised with the other animals since babyhood.

As appealing and adorable as rabbits are as house pets; there are some serious drawbacks to owning pet rabbits. If you are considering adding a pet bunny to your household please be sure you are fully prepared for the responsibility of owning and keeping your pet rabbit.

Here are some of the drawbacks to keeping pet rabbits. 

Rabbits are extremely destructive! 

Because their teeth never stop growing they MUST chew in order to keep their teeth from getting too long. Unfortunately rabbits will chew on many items that can be dangerous to them such as electrical cords. They will also chew furniture and love to pull carpet threads. Not only is this destructive but it can cause intestinal blockages which can be lethal to them. Rabbits can also be very messy. Although they can be potty trained, that can be a hit or miss proposition. Also the hay that rabbits should eat can be messy as well. Rabbits also shed quite a bit. They don't shed year round but do molt about 3 times per year. During this time they will shed large amounts of fur.

If you are considering adding a pet rabbit to your household, you should understand that like dogs or cats, they need to run and play and will want to be part of your family. You should not keep a rabbit in a cage or hutch most of the time. Would you keep your dog or cat in a cage 23 hours a day? Anyone who has known pet rabbits and seen how much personality and joy they have would never consider keeping them caged for most of their lives.

Rabbits can make fantastic pets and become a part of your family. However you should be fully prepared for the issues you may face. It is important that you have a safe place for your rabbit to live and play and to provide a safe and loving home. It is also important that you are willing to supervise your pet in order to keep them safe. Rabbits can live to be 10 years old so you should be prepared to take care of your pet for that long.