How to read rabbit body language
Ears, posture, jaw, feet: a decoding guide to rabbit body language, the combinations that actually matter and the three confusions worth avoiding.
The pet rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Everything to know before adopting a rabbit: traits, lifespan, housing, feeding and adoption.
- Family
- Leporidae
- Origin
- Western Europe, mainly the Iberian Peninsula
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Size
- 20–50 cm
- Weight
- 1–7 kg
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Adoption difficulty
- Moderate
- Family-friendly
- Yes
- Apartment-friendly
- Yes
The domestic rabbit is now the third most common pet in many western households, after dogs and cats. Long viewed as a simple “small pet”, it is now recognized as a social, intelligent and sensitive companion that requires specific care and a non-negligible veterinary budget.
Key facts before adopting
- Long lifespan: 8 to 12 years, sometimes more. The commitment compares to that of a cat.
- Social animal: living in pairs (neutered male + spayed female) is strongly recommended.
- Daily out-of-pen time: at least 3 to 4 hours per day.
- Specialized exotic-pet veterinarian: essential, and more expensive than a general vet.
- Spacious housing: minimum 12 m² on the floor — never a tiny cage.
Species and breeds
Over 60 breeds are recognized, from 1 kg dwarfs (Netherland Dwarf, Lionhead) to giants of 7 kg and beyond (Flemish Giant, Continental Giant). Pick a breed based on available space, grooming time (long- vs short-haired) and typical temperament.
Going further
Start with these rabbit cluster pillar guides:
Behavior
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My rabbit destroys everything: why, and how to stop it
Skirting boards, carpet, furniture, cables: what your rabbit targets tells you the cause. A sorting table by target and a three-level method that works.
How to keep a bored rabbit busy: method and cheap ideas
A bored rabbit needs to forage, chew, dig and explore. The low-cost enrichment kit, the weekly rotation that works and what to avoid entirely.
My rabbit doesn't like being picked up: is that normal?
A rabbit that struggles when lifted is completely normal — it's a prey animal. Why being picked up scares it, how to handle it safely, and when to worry.
My rabbit won't let me pet it: what to do
A rabbit that flees or nips when petted is usually saying 'not like that'. How to read the refusal, rule out pain, and earn its acceptance gently.
Why does my rabbit grind its teeth?
Soft tooth-purring means a rabbit is content; loud, slow grinding often signals pain. How to tell the two apart and know when to worry or see a vet.
Health
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Caring for a rabbit after neutering: the first days
Scrotal wound, getting the gut moving, fertility that lingers: what to expect day by day after a male rabbit is neutered and the signs that mean call the vet.
Caring for a rabbit after spaying: the first days at home
Coming home, getting her eating again, checking the wound, managing pain: what to expect day by day after a rabbit spay and the signs that mean call the vet.
Senior rabbit health: what to watch from five years old
Senior rabbits change from about five or six: weight, teeth, joints, kidneys. The signs to track at home and the point where a vet visit is needed.
My rabbit is drinking a lot: possible causes and when to see a vet
My rabbit is drinking a lot: measure intake, distinguish heat or a dry diet from abnormal thirst, and know when veterinary advice is needed.
My rabbit is getting fat: how to act without putting it at risk
My rabbit is getting fat: confirm excess weight, adjust food safely without fasting, and spot a swollen abdomen that needs veterinary care.
Fleas in rabbits: signs, safe treatment and the mistakes to avoid
Fleas in rabbits: itching, black specks in the coat and myxomatosis risk. How to spot them, why never to use fipronil, and when to see a vet.
Housing
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My rabbit is eating its litter: should I worry?
Nibbling a few strands and eating litter instead of hay are not the same thing. Sort it by material, find the real cause and fix it with a 48-hour plan.
How to get a rabbit used to its carrier: a four-step plan
A rabbit walks into its carrier on its own if the box lives in its space. The four-step training plan, the mistakes to avoid and what to do in an emergency.
How many hours of exercise does a rabbit need every day?
A rabbit needs at least 3 to 4 hours out of its pen daily. How to split the sessions, what actually counts as exercise and what to do if you work.
Why is my rabbit peeing outside the litter box, and what to do
A litter-trained rabbit that starts peeing outside the box has a reason. Rule out the medical cause, decode marking and fix the setup in seven days.
How to keep a rabbit warm in winter: thresholds, shelter and mistakes
How to keep a rabbit warm in winter: cold thresholds, an insulated shelter, deep bedding and the key mistakes to avoid, indoors and outdoors.
How to keep a rabbit cool in summer safely: methods that work
Cool tile, frozen bottle, indirect airflow: here's how to keep a rabbit cool in summer without putting it at risk, and the mistakes you must never make.
Accessories
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Best litter tray for rabbits: what to look for and what to avoid
Choose the best rabbit litter tray: right size, wall height, open vs covered design and easy-clean material for your rabbit’s size and habits.
What accessories are truly essential for a rabbit?
The accessories every rabbit truly needs, what is useful but not urgent, and what to skip. Complete starter checklist with budget overview included.
Feeding
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Can rabbits eat apple?
Apple flesh is safe for rabbits — but seeds are toxic and must always be removed. High in sugar, apple is a rare treat, not a daily green. Amounts and tips.
Can rabbits eat banana?
Banana is safe for rabbits but very high in sugar. A small occasional slice is fine; regular feeding is not. Portions, frequency, and key precautions.
Can rabbits eat carrot tops?
Carrot tops are an excellent green for rabbits — low in sugar, rich in fiber and vitamins, far better than the carrot root. Full guide with portions and tips.
Can rabbits eat dandelions?
Dandelions are one of the best plants you can give a rabbit — all parts are edible and highly palatable. High calcium calls for rotation. Full guide with tips.
Can rabbits eat broccoli?
Broccoli is safe for rabbits but can cause gas. Which parts to give, how much to offer, and what warning signs to watch for — a practical guide.
Can rabbits eat carrots?
Carrots are safe for rabbits but far too sugary to feed daily. Frequency, portion size, and why carrot tops are a much better choice — all explained.
Adoption
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Male or female rabbit: which should you choose?
Behavioural, health and care differences between a male and a female rabbit, so you can make the right choice for your situation and experience level.
How much does a rabbit cost per month? A detailed budget
Realistic monthly budget for a dwarf rabbit: food, bedding, vet care and accessories. Low and high estimates with the costs most owners underestimate.