A curious Holland Lop rabbit in soft afternoon light
Written by rabbit owners

Keeping Rabbits — Your Guide to Happy, Healthy Rabbits

Everything your rabbit needs to thrive — written with expertise and heart. From first-day setup to senior care, we've got you covered.

Written by rabbit owners | Decades of hands-on experience | Cross-referenced with veterinary sources

What We Offer

Five rabbits in a sunlit garden

Explore Rabbit Breeds

From the playful Holland Lop to the majestic Flemish Giant, discover which breed fits your lifestyle.

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A happy rabbit relaxing at home

Why Rabbits Make Great Companions

Rabbits are one of the most misunderstood companion animals. They are not starter pets, and they are not cats or dogs in miniature. They are something entirely their own — and that is precisely what makes them so rewarding.

Quiet and Considerate

Rabbits are naturally quiet. They do not bark, and they rarely make noise beyond a soft foot thump or a contented tooth grind when petted. This makes them well-suited for apartments and close quarters.

Surprisingly Smart

Rabbits can learn their names, come when called, solve simple puzzles, and be litter trained. They form strong bonds with their owners and can show affection in subtle, individual ways.

Low Impact Footprint

Rabbits require far fewer resources than dogs or cats — less food, less space, and less veterinary intervention for routine care. For households conscious of their environmental footprint, this matters.

That said, rabbits require a serious time commitment. They live 10–12 years on average, need daily exercise outside their enclosure, and require rabbit-savvy veterinary care which can be harder to find than a standard dog or cat vet.

A rabbit in a peaceful natural setting

Did You Know?

300+
recognized rabbit breeds exist worldwide — but fewer than 50 are commonly kept as companion animals
360°
field of vision with nearly no blind spots — rabbits can see behind themselves without turning their heads
rabbit teeth never stop growing — which is why hay and chew toys are not optional, they are essential
10–12
years is the average lifespan of a well-cared-for indoor rabbit — plan accordingly before you bring one home

Ready to Bring a Rabbit Home?

Rabbits are a 10–12 year commitment. Make sure you're prepared with our free guides.

FAQ

Common Questions

Quick answers to what new rabbit owners ask most.

1 Are rabbits good pets for children?

It depends on the child and the setup. Rabbits are fragile and can bite or scratch if handled roughly or startled. Children under 8 who have not yet learned to be gentle are not a good match. Older children who can be calm and consistent — and who are supervised by an adult — can form wonderful bonds with rabbits.

2 Do rabbits smell?

Healthy, spayed or neutered rabbits kept in a clean enclosure do not have a noticeable odor. The most common source of rabbit smell is an uncleaned litter box or an unneutered male marking territory. Daily spot cleaning and weekly full litter changes keep odor to zero.

3 Can rabbits live outside?

They can, but indoor rabbits consistently live longer and healthier lives. Outdoor rabbits face predators, weather extremes, and less social stimulation. If outdoor housing is the only option, a secure hutch with a sheltered run, protection from sun and cold, and daily human interaction is the minimum.

4 What do rabbits eat?

The foundation of a rabbit's diet is unlimited timothy hay — they should eat a pile of hay roughly their own body size every day. Supplement with a small amount of pellets (about 1/4 cup per day for an average adult rabbit), one cup of fresh leafy greens per day, and occasional fruit treats in very small amounts.

5 How much veterinary care do rabbits need?

Annual checkups with a rabbit-savvy vet are standard. Rabbits also need to be spayed or neutered, which significantly reduces health risks and behavioral problems. Beyond that, budget for unexpected illness — rabbits can go downhill quickly and may need emergency care. Exotic or exotic-specialist vets are the right choice, not general small-animal vets.

A rabbit lying on its back on a wooden surface

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals who form strong bonds with their families.

What Rabbit Owners Are Saying

★★★★★
"This site helped me understand GI stasis signs I would have missed. I caught it early and my rabbit recovered fully. I can't thank Janie enough."
— Sarah M., Denver, CO
★★★★★
"The litter training guide saved me weeks of frustration. Everything finally clicked once I understood why the box placement mattered so much."
— Mike T., Austin, TX
★★★★★
"I recommend this site to every new rabbit owner I meet. The information is practical, honest, and written by someone who's clearly been there."
— Priya K., Portland, OR