If you’ve ever tried to pick up a rabbit and ended up with a scratched forearm or a bunny that looks like it’s seen a ghost, don’t feel too bad. Honestly, most people do it wrong. We see pictures of people cuddling rabbits like they’re teddy bears, but the reality is that rabbits are prey animals. To a bunny, being lifted off the ground feels exactly like being snatched by a hawk or a fox. It’s an existential crisis every single time you reach down.
Learning how to hold a bunny isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. Their skeletons are incredibly fragile. A rabbit’s back muscles are so powerful that if they kick out in mid-air without support, they can actually fracture their own spine. It's a terrifying thought, but it’s the reality of their anatomy. You’ve gotta be the floor. That’s the mindset. When you pick them up, you need to make them feel like they never actually left the solid ground.
Why your rabbit thinks you're a predator
Evolution is a trip. Rabbits have a nearly 360-degree field of vision, which is great for spotting eagles, but it also means they have a tiny blind spot right in front of their nose. When you reach directly toward their face, you’re basically a giant, looming shadow. They can’t tell if you’re a friend or a coyote. This is why they bolt.
It’s about trust. You can’t just walk up and grab them. Dr. Anne McBride, a researcher in animal behavior at the University of Southampton, has often emphasized that the human-rabbit bond relies heavily on the rabbit feeling in control of its environment. If you take away their ability to run, they panic. When a rabbit "freezes" in your arms, they aren't necessarily enjoying the hug. They might be in a state of tonic immobility—basically, they’ve shut down because they think they’re about to die.
Stop thinking of them as cats or dogs. They’re different. Cats are predators; they’re used to being the ones doing the chasing. Rabbits are the chased. Every interaction you have should start on their level. Get on the floor. Seriously. Lie down on your stomach and let them come to you. This changes the entire dynamic. You’re no longer a giant; you’re just a weirdly shaped roommate.
The "Football Hold" and other ways to keep them safe
There is a gold standard for how to hold a bunny, and it’s often called the "football hold." No, you aren't going to throw them or run for a touchdown. It’s about the tuck.
👉 See also: Why People That Died on Their Birthday Are More Common Than You Think
First, place one hand under the chest, just behind the front legs. Your other hand goes firmly under their hindquarters. This is the most important part. You must support the butt. If the butt is dangling, the rabbit will panic and kick. As you lift, you bring the rabbit close to your body. You want their head tucked into the crook of your elbow. This covers their eyes slightly, which helps calm them down, and keeps their body securely pressed against yours.
Things you should never do
Whatever you do, never, ever pick up a rabbit by the ears. This seems like it should be common sense, but historical cartoons have done us a real disservice here. It’s incredibly painful and can cause permanent nerve damage. Same goes for the scruff of the neck. While some people argue that mother rabbits move their young this way, an adult rabbit is way too heavy for that. It’s stressful and unnecessary.
Another thing: don’t "trance" your rabbit. This is when people flip a rabbit on its back so it goes limp. It looks cute for a photo, but research from the University of Exeter suggests that this is actually a state of extreme fear (tonic immobility). Their heart rate spikes. Their breathing gets shallow. They aren’t relaxed; they’re paralyzed with terror. Just don’t do it.
Recognizing the signs of a stressed bunny
You need to read the ears. If they’re pinned flat against the back and the rabbit is huddling, they’re scared. If the nose is twitching at a hundred miles an hour, they’re stressed. A happy rabbit might give you a little "binky"—that's the mid-air twist and jump—but a held rabbit is rarely "happy." They are, at best, "accepting."
If they start "thumping" their back legs after you put them down, they’re cussing you out. They’re telling everyone in the house that there’s a threat nearby. It’s their way of reclaiming their dignity. Honestly, it’s kind of funny, but it’s also a clear signal that you should probably give them some space and maybe a piece of cilantro to apologize.
✨ Don't miss: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
The sitting method
If you’re nervous about standing up while holding them, just don’t stand up. Sit on the floor with your legs out. Scoop the rabbit into your lap. This way, if they do decide to make a break for it, they’re only falling two inches onto your legs instead of five feet onto a hard floor. It’s the safest way for beginners to practice the grip.
Rabbits have very thin skin. If they struggle and you’re wearing a t-shirt, you’re going to get scratched. It isn't because they’re mean. It’s because their claws are designed for traction and digging. If you’re worried about scratches, wear a sweatshirt. The thicker fabric gives the bunny something to grip onto, which actually makes them feel more secure. If they feel like they’re slipping, they’ll dig their claws in. If they feel solid, they’ll stay still.
Building a relationship before the lift
Most people want to hold their bunny right away. I get it. They’re soft and they look like clouds. But the House Rabbit Society—which is basically the authority on all things lagomorph—recommends spending weeks just sitting near them before you even attempt a pick-up.
Feed them treats from your hand. Let them chin your slippers (that’s how they mark you as their property). Once they realize you’re the source of the good stuff—the kale, the pellets, the occasional slice of banana—they’ll be much more forgiving when you eventually have to pick them up for a nail trim or a vet visit.
When you HAVE to pick them up
Sometimes it’s not for cuddles. Sometimes you have to get them into a carrier. In these cases, be quick and be decisive. Hesitation makes them nervous. If you’re hovering your hands over them, they feel that predator energy. Commit to the scoop. One hand under the chest, one hand under the rump, and bring them to your chest in one smooth motion.
🔗 Read more: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
Practical steps for a successful hold
If you want to master how to hold a bunny, you have to practice the "scoop and tuck" consistently. Here is the move:
- Approach from the side, never from directly above or in front.
- Stroke their head to calm them down and let them know you’re there.
- Slide your dominant hand under the chest and your other hand firmly under their bottom.
- Lift and pull them against your ribs immediately. The more contact they have with your body, the safer they feel.
- Keep your hold firm but not crushing. You’re a seatbelt, not a boa constrictor.
When you go to put them back down, don’t just let go. Squat all the way to the ground. Wait until their feet are touching the floor before you release your grip. If you let go too early, they might jump and hurt themselves.
Rabbits are rewarding pets, but they require a shift in perspective. You have to stop thinking like a human and start thinking like a small creature that thinks everything is trying to eat it. Once you respect that boundary, your rabbit will actually start to enjoy your company, even if they never truly "love" being carried. They might just tolerate it because they know you’re the one with the snacks.
To keep your rabbit safe and healthy, ensure you are checking their nails every few weeks, as long nails make it harder for them to gain traction when being held. Always handle them in a carpeted area if possible to prevent slipping. Consistency is the only way to turn a jumpy rabbit into a calm companion.
Next Steps for Rabbit Owners
- Audit your handling space: Ensure the area where you practice holding is free of sharp corners or high drops.
- Schedule "floor time": Spend at least 20 minutes a day just sitting on the floor with your rabbit without trying to touch or pick them up.
- Check the "tuck": Next time you lift your rabbit, ensure their head is covered by your elbow crook to see if it reduces their struggling.