They’re basically fluffy potatoes with long ears and an attitude. If you’ve ever sat on a floor and had a three-pound Holland Lop chin-mark your leg like it owns you, then you know. Rabbits aren't just "starter pets" for kids who aren't ready for a dog. They’re complex, high-maintenance, and weirdly charismatic roommates. Honestly, the internet's obsession with cute rabbits and bunnies usually stops at the "look at the twitching nose" phase, but if you're actually thinking about sharing your life with one, there is so much more to the story.
You’ve probably seen the viral videos. A tiny bun doing a "binky"—that chaotic, mid-air twist that looks like a glitch in the matrix—and thought, I need that energy in my house. But before you rush to a breeder or a rescue, you have to realize that these animals are prey species. That changes everything about how they think. Their brain is wired for one thing: not getting eaten. That’s why that "cute" habit of thumping their back legs is actually a high-alert siren for the rest of the warren. It’s loud. Like, surprisingly loud for a creature that weighs less than a toaster.
The truth about the "bunny smell" and litter training
Everyone asks about the smell. Look, if you keep a rabbit in a tiny wire cage with cedar shavings, it’s going to stink. Don’t do that. It’s bad for their feet and their lungs. The secret that most people miss is that cute rabbits and bunnies are remarkably easy to litter train. They naturally want to go in one corner to keep the rest of their "territory" clean.
If you set up a large cat-sized litter box and fill it with paper-based bedding and a massive pile of Timothy hay, they’ll do the work for you. They eat and poop at the same time. Efficiency! But you have to use the right stuff. Never use clumping cat litter; if they ingest it, it’s a death sentence because of GI stasis. Use recycled paper pellets or even just extra hay.
Speaking of hay, it should be about 80% of their diet. It’s not a snack. It’s the engine. Without constant fiber moving through their system, their gut can literally shut down. Vet bills for "stasis" are no joke, often running into the hundreds or thousands of dollars because it’s a medical emergency. You'll know it's happening when they stop eating their favorite treats—like banana, which is basically bunny crack—or when they hunch up in a corner looking miserable.
Why do they chew everything you love?
It’s not malice. It’s biology.
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Rabbit teeth never stop growing. Ever. If they don't have enough hay or wooden toys to grind those teeth down, the teeth can grow into their jaw or eye sockets. It’s gruesome. So, when they find your expensive MacBook charger, they aren't trying to annoy you; they’re just "pruning" what they think is a weird plastic root in their burrow. You have to "bunny-proof." This means plastic cord protectors on everything. Every. Single. Cord.
I once knew a guy who thought his rabbit was "different" and wouldn't chew. Three days later, his lamp, toaster, and internet router were all dead. Save yourself the heartbreak and buy the split-tubing protectors.
Decoding the language of the bun
You have to get down on their level. Literally. If you stand over a rabbit, you look like a hawk. They will run. But if you lie flat on your stomach on the carpet and wait? Eventually, curiosity wins.
- The Purr: They don't have vocal cords like cats, but they grind their teeth softly when they’re happy. It vibrates through their head. It’s the best feeling in the world.
- The Flop: This is the ultimate compliment. A rabbit will be standing there, then suddenly slam its body onto its side like it just collapsed. It looks like they’ve fainted. In reality, it means they feel 100% safe.
- The Zoomies: Pure joy. High-speed laps around the sofa.
- The Chinning: They have scent glands under their chins. If they rub their chin on your phone, your shoes, or your forehead, congrats. You are now officially their property.
There’s a huge misconception that cute rabbits and bunnies are cuddly. Some are! But many hate being picked up. Think about it: in the wild, the only time a rabbit leaves the ground is when a predator has grabbed it. When you scoop them up, their instinct screams "I'm about to die." If you want a pet that sits in your lap while you watch Netflix, a rabbit might disappoint you unless you spend months, or even years, building that specific bond.
Breed matters, but personality matters more
People love the Lionheads because they look like tiny sheep with manes. Or the Netherland Dwarfs because they stay small. But honestly? The bigger breeds, like Flemish Giants or French Lops, are often the most chill. They’re like the Great Danes of the bunny world. The tiny ones tend to be a bit more high-strung and "spicy."
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If you’re looking to adopt, check out local rescues like the House Rabbit Society. They know the personalities of their buns. They can tell you which one is a "naughty" chewer and which one is a "cuddle bug." Plus, they usually come already spayed or neutered. This is vital. Unfixed rabbits are prone to territorial spraying (yes, even the girls) and have a massive risk of reproductive cancers.
Creating a "home base" instead of a cage
The "cage" is an outdated concept. Think "exercise pen" or "bunny-proofed room" instead. A rabbit needs space to stretch, jump, and run. A standard pet store cage is essentially a bathroom to them.
You need a rug. Rabbits don't have paw pads like dogs; they just have fur on the bottom of their feet. On hardwood or tile, they’re like Bambi on ice. They won't run because they can't get traction. If you want to see your rabbit truly happy, give them a low-pile area rug. They will treat it like a racetrack.
The hidden cost of the fluff
Let’s talk money, because being an expert means being honest. Rabbits are "exotic" pets. Your neighborhood vet who sees cats and dogs might not be qualified to treat them. You need a specialist. A simple checkup can be more expensive than one for a golden retriever.
And then there's the fresh greens. You’ll become a regular at the farmer's market. Romaine, cilantro, parsley, basil—they need a variety of leafy greens every day. Stay away from iceberg lettuce (it’s basically just water and can be harmful) and go easy on carrots. Despite what Bugs Bunny told you, carrots are way too high in sugar to be a primary food source. They’re a treat, like a Snickers bar.
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Keeping them busy so they don't destroy your house
Boredom is the enemy. A bored rabbit is a destructive rabbit. You don't need to spend a fortune on plastic toys, though. Some of the best entertainment for cute rabbits and bunnies is free.
- Cardboard Boxes: Cut two holes in a big box (rabbits like having an entrance and an exit). They will spend hours "remodeling" the interior with their teeth.
- Toilet Paper Rolls: Stuff them with hay and a few dried herbs. It makes them work for their food.
- Hard Plastic Baby Keys: For some reason, rabbits love picking these up and tossing them across the room to hear the "clack" sound.
- Dig Boxes: Fill a shallow plastic bin with shredded paper or clean dirt. It satisfies their natural urge to burrow without ruining your carpet.
It’s worth noting that rabbits are social creatures. In the wild, they live in huge groups. A single rabbit can get very lonely and even depressed. This is why many rescues push for "bonded pairs." Watching two rabbits groom each other—licking each other's ears for twenty minutes straight—is peak cuteness. But be warned: bonding two rabbits who don't know each other is a delicate, sometimes violent process that requires a lot of patience and "neutral territory" meetings.
Actionable steps for the aspiring bunny parent
If you’re ready to take the plunge, don't just wing it.
Start by finding an exotic vet in your area before you even get the animal. You don't want to be Googling "rabbit vet near me" at 2:00 AM when your bun won't eat. Next, buy a heavy ceramic water bowl rather than a drip bottle. Drip bottles are unnatural for them and often don't provide enough hydration.
Then, get your floor game ready. Spend time sitting on the ground. Let them come to you. Don't force the affection. The most rewarding part of owning a rabbit is that moment—maybe three months in—when they finally decide you're part of the warren and hop over to nudge your hand for head scratches. It’s earned, and that makes it better.
Finally, check your local shelters. Thousands of rabbits are surrendered every year after Easter when people realize they aren't "easy" pets. You can find incredible, personality-filled companions there who just need a cord-free home and a steady supply of cilantro.