Introducing Rabbits to Cats

For most pet owners, having a pet is simply a matter of having a companion for their morning walk; a buddy to keep the kids company; a showpiece; or simply a furry family member. For others, though, having animals around is more than a hobby -- it's an obsession. We've all known someone who keeps a miniature Noah's Ark in their house, with two (or more) of just about every critter under the sun. If this sounds like you, you know that keeping different kinds of animals in one home requires special attention to the potential for dangerous confrontation. If you are keeping rabbits along with cats, here are some guidelines and suggestions for making this process as safe and easy as possible.

As you should know by now, rabbits are extremely sensitive animals. The mere stress of a frightening experience can kill a rabbit, and any attempt to introduce rabbits to other animals should only be undertaken in tightly controlled conditions. Remember that rabbits are prey animals, while cats are predators. When you attempt to acclimate these creatures to one another, you are fighting against millions of years of evolution. Nurture plays a role here as well as nurture. Outdoor cats are less desirable as rabbit companions, as they have likely had many opportunities to stalk and kill small animals, and will have a taste for it already. Before you introduce rabbits to other family pets, make sure they are secure and acclimated to their environment. Keep cats away from the rabbit's area until you feel that the rabbit is comfortable in an established home- about a week.

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Begin by introducing each animal to the other's scent. Present the cat with tufts of rabbit fur, or samples from the rabbit's litterbox. Let the cat satisfy its curiosity before encountering the real thing. The rabbit will benefit from the same experience, and will be less likely to be timid and fearful when meeting the cat. This is important, as first impressions will establish the relationship right off the bat. A rabbit that consistently runs away from the cat will be filed in the cat's mind under "P" for Prey.

Luckily, this will generally not be the case. Most people who keep rabbits and cats note that the rabbit is the more aggressive of the two, even to the point of bullying the cat. This is due to the fact that rabbits are social creatures, with an instinctive urge to assert dominance over subordinates. Cats, on the other hand, are solitary creatures whose instincts tell them to evade aggressive animals. Still, until you have been able to observe both animals under controlled conditions, you cannot be sure that the cat will not identify the rabbit as a meal. Even if the cat doesn't decide to take a taste of rabbit, it may find the rabbit's presence intolerable and give it a nasty scratch. The first precautionary measure you can take is to get your cat's front claws trimmed so that they are blunt. Even a relatively small wound can be dangerous for a delicate animal such as a rabbit.

With these preparations made, and your rabbit locked in its cage, bring the cat to the cage. Allow them to investigate one another. If the cat attempts to reach into the cage and scratch the rabbit, or if the rabbit seems to be experiencing intense fear- signified by remaining motionless, quivering, thumping the hind legs, or displaying the third eyelid- remove the cat and try again later. Do this for about 15 minutes at a time.

After several such sessions, your rabbit should begin to seem more comfortable in the cat's presence. When you feel both animals are ready, remove the rabbit from the cage and set it down in a somewhat enclosed space, such as a small room or large playpen. With the cat on a leash or firmly held in your hands, allow the rabbit to approach at will. Make sure to constantly stroke and soothe the cat, and perhaps give it a favorite treat. Your goal is to make the cat associate the rabbit with love, attention, and other things it enjoys. Negative reinforcement is a very poor method of training a cat -- they will remember only that the rabbit brings unpleasant experiences, or that it should wait until the humans are gone to attack. If the cat hisses, attempts to scratch, or make any other aggressive move, end the session and try again another day.

By gradually allowing the animals more and more freedom together, they should eventually become completely accustomed to one another. Ideally, they should arrive at the conclusion that the other is a member of the "family" as they are, and a source of comfort and entertainment -- or at the least, not a threat. Remember that cats and rabbits are complex animals whose behavior can be unpredictable. Leaving a rabbit and cat together unsupervised is never 100% safe for either creature. You must use your best judgment to decide what level of responsibility you can expect from them when unsupervised, and be prepared to accept the consequences if you are wrong.

With these dire warnings aside, most people find that cats and rabbits make excellent companions. The first time you see the two of them curled up together, grooming each other with purrs and tooth-clicks of contentment, the hard work and vigilance you have invested in their relationship will seem well-rewarded. We wish you the best of luck!

Introducing Rabbits to Cats

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet rabbit, choosing a quality living environment should be on the top of your list. Whether you choose quality Rabbit Cages or opt for larger Rabbit Hutches, the quality of the materials and the construction of the dwelling will determine how well it works for your particular furry friend.

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