Our blog mainly focuses on dogs and cats, and in rare occasions, we do get queries about rabbits too. Recently, there was an enquiry about rabbit-neutering (yes, we fund rabbit neutering as well, if the rabbit is rescued, as per policy for cats and dogs). Our rabbit neutering rate is a maximum of RM100 (same rate as dog – rabbit anaesthesia is very tricky).
However, there are not many rabbit vets in the Klang Valley.
There are also abandoned rabbits at local shelters. I see them at adoption drives and often “dream of” of the day when Cow & Bunny mellow down and maybe, just maybe, I can be confident enough to adopt a rabbit. But before that, we must learn all we can about rabbit care from reliable websites and experienced owners.
I see lots of videos where cats and bunnies get along perfectly well. Bunnies and dogs too. But it all depends on the personalities of the animals. Bringing in a new pet (same species or not) to a household which already has existing pets can be a risk and is definitely a huge responsibility.
If you don’t have any pets yet and would like to consider adopting a rabbit, here are some sites shared by a friend who has experience in handling rabbits.
Disclaimer: All of this information is just a sharing based on our best intentions. Please consult a rabbit veterinarian for expert advice.
– http://www.therabbithouse.
– http://rabbit.org/suggested-
– http://rabbit.org/what-to-
The danger of GI-stasis (gas): (MUST READ)
http://rabbit.org/gastrointestinal-stasis-the-silent-killer-2/
Handling a rabbit:
http://rabbit.org/how-to-handle-a-rabbit/
https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/rabbit-care/care-domestic-rabbits/
Common rabbit myths:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rabbits/diet/myths
https://www.petfinder.com/pet-care/rabbit-care/common-rabbit-myths/
Here are some personal sharing from a friend:
Do rabbits die easily?
With proper care, rabbits don’t die “very easily”. In fact they can live for 8-12 years. However, if they do fall sick it can be a fast decline. Use the rabbit’s eating habits as a yardstick. Avoiding food she loves would raise the alarm.Is it true that rabbits cannot get wet and even rain can kill them?
Yes, rabbits cannot get wet. I’m not sure if its right to say rain kills them, but I think it’s more of getting wet from the rain that can kill them. This post (http://rabbit.org/the-dangers-of-giving-a-rabbit-a-bath/) talks about avoiding giving rabbits baths as they can suffer from shock. The reason would be the same as to why they cannot get wet. Wiping dirt from paws with a wet towel should be alright.
Do rabbits bite?
Rabbits can bite but don’t do it unless forced to. Rabbits do nibble to let the human know she’s there or to pay attention to her or to just get out of the way. Rabbits have clear likes and dislikes. You can tell by their behaviour and body language. Some even grunt/growl in the morning when being fed, their way of saying “hurry up, I’m hungry”.
Do rabbits have emotional attachments?
Saying that rabbits have no emotional attachments is not true unless the owner has not bonded with them. Bonding and earning the trusts of any animal takes time. It might even take up to a hear for a rabbit to trust his owner. Rabbits can get very attached actually. Some rabbits will jump on the sofa and lounge together. Even if you are busy they will be close by. They would come to you to get some head rubs/strokes and even cuddles on their terms. Some even sleep with their owners. You know you are liked when a rabbit grooms you.
If you’d like to give an abandoned rabbit or rescued rabbit a home, do read up as much as you can first, talk to rabbit owners to learn everything you can. Find out if there is a rabbit veterinarian near you. We owe our pets that much.
If you have rabbit-care experience and would like to share reliable sites or experience, please do share with us. If it’s a link, I’ll add it to this post. Thank you!
Disclaimer: The only rabbit care experience I have is when I was a mere child and we had the small white rabbits (I think my mum brought them back from her school science lab). I was too young to remember anything…except patting and loving them. So, personally, I do not know much about rabbit care except from what I read and hear from friends.
Comments
One response to “Adopting a rabbit”
i guess you know that i have two bunnies that lived with perky. Actually, Perky very curious on my two bunnies and she loved to use her paws to play with them. however, my two bunnies did not like the way perky touch them, so, i have to separate perky from them. Rabbit in general is quite sensitive, but with good care, they can lived up to 8 years or more. yes, my bunnies were neutered and they lived up to 8 years, needless to say, they brought me a lot of happiness. both of my bunnies passed away in 2014 due to old age. it was a very painful experience for me and i still do not have the courage to have bunny until now. until one day i am more prepare, i will adopt bunny rather than buying them from the pet shop.