Considering a Pet Rabbit? Read This First
Rabbits often get marketed as the easy pet - quiet, small, cute, and perfect for kids. But the truth is, rabbits are complex, sensitive animals with needs that are very different from cats and dogs… and far more involved than many people realise.
Done right, rabbits make wonderful companions. Done poorly, they can suffer quietly. Here’s what every prospective rabbit owner should know before bringing one home.
🐰 Rabbits Are Not “Low-Maintenance” Pets
Rabbits typically live 8–12 years, sometimes longer with excellent care. That’s a long-term commitment, not a temporary pet.
They require:
Daily care and interaction
Specialised veterinary care
A carefully balanced diet
Plenty of space and enrichment
They are prey animals, which means they hide illness and stress extremely well - often until they’re very unwell.
🦷 Teeth That Never Stop Growing
One of the biggest surprises for new rabbit owners is dental care.
Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. Without the right diet and chewing behaviour, they can develop:
Overgrown teeth
Painful mouth injuries
Abscesses
Inability to eat (a medical emergency)
A rabbit’s diet must be high in fibre, with unlimited grass hay making up around 80–90% of daily intake. Pellets and treats should be strictly limited.
🥗 Diet Is Critical (and Often Gets It Wrong)
A common misconception is that rabbits live on carrots and muesli-style mixes. In reality:
Carrots are treats, not staples
Seed and grain mixes increase the risk of obesity and dental disease
Fresh leafy greens are essential
Unlimited hay is non-negotiable
Poor diet is one of the leading causes of illness we see in pet rabbits.
🚨 Gut Stasis: A Silent Emergency
Rabbits have a very delicate digestive system. Stress, pain, poor diet or illness can cause gastrointestinal stasis, where the gut slows or stops moving.
This is a life-threatening emergency.
Signs can be subtle:
Reduced appetite
Fewer or smaller droppings
Lethargy
Sitting hunched or grinding teeth
Prompt veterinary care can be lifesaving - waiting “to see how they go” can be fatal.
🏡 Space, Enrichment & Social Needs
Despite their size, rabbits need far more space than a hutch in the backyard.
They need:
Room to run, hop and stretch
Daily exercise time
Mental stimulation (toys, tunnels, digging opportunities)
Social interaction - many rabbits thrive with a bonded companion
Lonely or bored rabbits are prone to stress, destructive behaviour and health issues.
🩺 Specialist Veterinary Care
Not all vets treat rabbits routinely. Rabbits are considered exotic pets, and their care requires specific training.
This means:
Finding a rabbit-savvy vet
Being prepared for higher consultation and treatment costs
Regular health checks to catch problems early
Desexing is also strongly recommended, not just for behaviour, but to dramatically reduce the risk of uterine cancer in female rabbits.
Here at Lennox Head Vet Clinic, we see rabbits for basic vet care, and some timely emergencies. However for more specialised, in-depth care, Unusual Pet Vets up the coast are fantastic.
🐾 Rabbits Aren’t Great “Starter Pets”
Rabbits are often purchased for children, but they:
Don’t enjoy being picked up
Can be easily injured by rough handling
Require adult-level commitment and supervision
They’re best suited to households willing to learn, adapt and invest time into proper care.
🐰 So… Are Rabbits Good Pets?
Absolutely - for the right home.
Rabbits are intelligent, affectionate, playful animals who form strong bonds with their people. But they are not low-effort, low-cost or low-commitment pets.
🐾 In Summary
Before getting a rabbit, be prepared for:
✔ A long-term commitment
✔ A specialised diet
✔ Regular vet care
✔ Daily interaction and enrichment
✔ Quick action if something seems “off”
If you’re considering adding a rabbit to your family, chat with your vet first. The right preparation can make all the difference between a rabbit that merely survives - and one that truly thrives.