Rabbits are often misunderstood. Many people think of them as low-maintenance pets who are fine in small cages and eat little more than carrots and pellets. In reality, rabbits are intelligent, social, and sensitive animals who need specialized care. Misunderstandings often lead to poor welfare, health problems, and shortened lifespans.

This guide highlights the most common mistakes rabbit guardians make and explains how to avoid them, ensuring your companion lives a long, healthy, and happy life.

1. Keeping Rabbits in Small Cages or Hutches

Confining rabbits to cramped spaces prevents them from hopping, running, and stretching, leading to stress and health problems.

Solution:

Allow rabbits to free roam in rabbit-proofed rooms or provide large exercise pens with daily supervised playtime.

2. Feeding the Wrong Diet

Many guardians rely too heavily on pellets or treat foods. An improper diet causes obesity, dental disease, and digestive problems.

Solution:

Base the diet on unlimited hay, fresh leafy greens, limited pellets, and occasional fruit treats.

3. Treating Rabbits as “Children’s Pets”

Rabbits are fragile and easily stressed by rough handling. Giving them as starter pets to children often leads to neglect or injury.

Solution:

Adults should be the primary caregivers. Children can participate but are always under supervision.

4. Ignoring Social Needs

Rabbits are social animals who become lonely when they are kept alone without enough attention.

Solution:

Consider adopting in bonded pairs or spend significant time daily interacting and playing with your rabbit.

5. Skipping Spaying or Neutering

Unaltered rabbits are prone to reproductive cancers, unwanted litter, and behavioral issues such as spraying or aggression.

Solution:

Spay or neuter your rabbit with a veterinarian experienced in rabbit care.

Many guardians never take rabbits to the vet, assuming they do not need regular checkups. As a result, illnesses often go unnoticed until too late.

Solution:

Schedule annual health exams with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian and seek immediate care if eating or behavior changes.

7. Not Providing Enrichment

A lack of toys, tunnels, and digging opportunities leaves rabbits bored and destructive.

Solution:

Provide cardboard boxes, tunnels, chew toys, and digging areas. Rotate items weekly to keep them engaging.

8. Using Unsafe Flooring

Wire-bottom cages or slippery surfaces can injure a rabbit’s feet.

Solution:

Use solid flooring with rugs, grass mats, or fleece blankets. Avoid wire mesh.

9. Mishandling Rabbits

Picking rabbits up incorrectly or too often can cause injury or make them fearful.

Solution:

Support the body fully when handling, avoid lifting unless necessary, and let them approach you on their own terms.

10. Treating Rabbits as Decorations

Rabbits are sometimes bought as seasonal “Easter pets” or treated as novelty animals. This often leads to abandonment once the novelty wears off.

Solution:

Recognize rabbits as long-term companions who can live 8 to 12 years or more. Adoption should always be a thoughtful, lifelong commitment.

Final Thoughts

The mistakes above are common, but they are also preventable. By learning from them, you can ensure your rabbit lives with dignity, comfort, and joy. Rabbits are intelligent companions who deserve the same level of respect and care as cats and dogs.

When guardians commit to proper housing, nutrition, socialization, and veterinary care, rabbits flourish into affectionate and engaging companions.

For further resources, visit rabbit.org and consult veterinarians who specialize in rabbit care.