Kitten vs Rabbits

[Malibucyprus]

Hi,

We have 2 rabbits, and a cat, the rabbits have free run of our back garden during the day. Our cat has always got along with the rabbits, she tolerates them, gives them the odd claw-less slap every now & again if they get too "friendly" but they seem to have a mutual respect for each other.

Our NDN's have recently had a kitten, who is pretty much terrorising my rabbits, she seems fascinated with them, she stalks, and pounces at them. She's yet to make contact, as they usually stamp their feet and frighten her off, but she doesn't go far, she'll be back within minutes to stalk again. My rabbits are really unhappy about this and keep returning to their hutches, whereas they'd usually stay out until I put them to bed.

What can I do? I love kitty cats, and don't want to upset her. I've thought of just leaving them to it, in the hope that they'll get used to each other, but this has been going on for 2 weeks now, and I'm worried someone is going to get hurt (one of my rabbits is 2 x the size of a cat), I'm pretty certain that the kitten would come off worse.

Any advice?

[Dollymixture22]

What age is the kitten? Is she old enough to be out alone?

I think you just have to leave them to it. The kitten will out grow the very playful stage soon enough. Maybe mention to her owner you are a bit worried she might get hurt though - just incase something does happen.

[Malibucyprus]

She's not a tiny kitten (on the skinny side) I overheard the neighbours say she was 12 months old, but I'd guess younger due to how playful and scratchy she is (she's had our hands a few times).