Uncaged!
Unleashing Your Rabbit’s True Nature and Unique Personality
Domestic rabbits are popular for good reasons: they are inquisitive, endearing, and have lots of personality. They also have qualities that make them great indoor pets, being quiet, playful, sweet, gentle, and clean (if they are neutered and litter trained).
Since rabbits are very social creatures who love attention and companionship, it’s no wonder that they are the third most popular mammalian pet in both the US and the UK. Yet once the novelty wears off, rabbits are very likely to be abandoned, either by release into the wild or by being dropped off at an animal shelter (and often euthanized). Most do not live the normal lifespan of eight to twelve years and, of those that do, only a very small percentage enjoy life as a valued family member.
It’s very difficult for a bond to develop with a rabbit companion when humans do not allow the bunny to live with them; often the main reason for this lack of emotional engagement is that most rabbits are relegated to cages or backyard hutches. Existing in such confined spaces shuts down rabbits’ lively, natural personality and makes them less appealing companions. Caregivers need to understand the unique nature and needs of rabbits, including their prey psychology. Well-informed families are more likely to enjoy their bunny, to understand normal behaviors (e.g., biting in fear, chewing, digging), and to make time to properly care for and nurture the rabbit.
When bunnies live in the house and are released from their condos or cages for at least a portion of each day, they display their individual and distinct characters. The curious, mischievous, amusing parts of their nature come to the fore, and they exhibit the intuition, behaviors, and intelligence that amaze and delight us. Rabbits are smart and quickly figure things out; they understand routines and look forward to interacting with the family. The more time that bunnies spend with their family members and exploring the household environment, the more they become integral members of the family.
Our perception of rabbits changes once we’ve seen them move about freely and express themselves naturally; we come to understand how different they are from more familiar furred companions, our cats and dogs. When we know rabbits more fully, they become more than cute, sedate little creatures. Their complex personalities and zest for life—their joie de vivre—more than compensate for the care they require, such as bunny-proofing, cleaning the condo, and sweeping up scattered grass hay.
Rabbits definitely possess gentle hearts and valiant spirits. When a rabbit experiences freedom and trusts his family, he often freely approaches and asks to be petted—the rabbit also looks forward to his or her human initiating interaction. It’s a real joy to watch a bunny follow her inquisitive nose, play, binky around the house, and be part of the family. So, unlock the door to your rabbit’s inherent nature—let him express himself! Allow this lovely, intelligent creature to live uncaged in a bunny-proofed home, and you’ll appreciate the difference.
Special Thanks to Cheryl Rosemary Abbott, kindergarten teacher and volunteer with the North Georgia House Rabbit Society, and Kimberly K. Dezelon, Director of Fundraising for Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue (Phoenix, AZ), for assisting with this article.
©2008 Marie Grosshuesch