Rabbits and cats?

[Richtea67]

Hi, we're thinking of getting 2 rabbits to keep in a large enclosure in the garden. I'd like to get rescue rabbits if they're friendly. We have 2 neutered 8 year old male cats. They're outdoor cats, and quite chilled. I think they'll be fascinated with the rabbits and probably just sit and watch them. We'd never leave them unsupervised, and rabbits will mostly be in a secure enclosure. Will the rabbits get really stressed in the presence of the cats? Is this a terrible idea? Any any input on what rabbits are like as pets gratefully recieved. We have 8 and 3 year old DD's .

My cats were scared of my rabbits, the rabbits didn’t care about the cats being around. One of them went up to one of my cats and I’ve never seen her run so fast 😆

We have house rabbits who spend a lot of each day in our enclosed garden. At first I would never let them stay out if I needed to go in even for a moment because we get lots of neighbours’ cats visiting, but over time I have relaxed because honestly the rabbits and cats seem really chill with each other. Once I was watching from the window and a cat came in, had a potter, and when he got within 1.5 metres of one of the rabbits she chased the cat away! but obviously that is very unusual (and I always keep an eye or have the very noisy kids outside which deters the cats), and must be at least partly because our rabbits are pretty big (bigger than our neighbour’s sausage dog…!) My point is just that not all rabbits are really scared by the proximity of a cat 😊

Just to add that most rescues won’t let you rescue unless your kids are at least five, I think. That was certainly the case when we got our guys five years ago which is why we had to get them from pets at home instead of rescuing

Have had pet rabbits running free in an enclosed garden together with cats. No problem, rabbits will chase the cat & can learn how to use the cat flap! One cat used to groom the rabbit, they got on fine.

Thanks all...I thought it wad going to be a definite no go!

@Mumofmarauders ah thanks re minimum age for rescues.

Have people generally found rabbits to be good pets, good with kids?

We have one elderly rabbit (we did have two) and two cats and they are friends, although wouldn’t leave them alone together.

I wouldn’t recommend a rabbit as a pet personally. Ours is 12 years old! We got him when my daughter was 5 and she’ll be 17 soon! We love him but I wouldn’t do it if I had my time again

I would recommend them for sure except if your kids are going to be disappointed that they don’t want to be picked up and held (one of ours will allow it with a grumpy expression and the other hates it!) or if you’re not going to totally secure their area (we know lots of ppl who have lost them to foxes from hutches which is why our guys are inside buns). I didn’t care much about rabbits either way when my daughter saw them on tipsy and tim and begged for them but now I’m a crazy rabbit lady! Indoor rabbits are lovely - one is on the sofa with me right now - but not for the house proud (litter training is easy, training them not to chew skirting boards, soft furnishings, any electric cords you leave within reach etc, not so much!)

Have people generally found rabbits to be good pets, good with kids?

Absolutely not. Rabbits like to interact on their own terms and, for most children, this is boring. They are fascinating to watch, have big personalities but, again, most children find them boring. Very very few rabbits are happy to be picked up, held or stroked. (I have never met one. I have only ever seen this on social media.)

IF IF IF your children are content to observe and are patient, rabbits might be suitable.

Rabbits aren’t to be honest great pets for small kids. They are not remotely as cuddly as they look, and are both strong and springy with big back claws which can deliver a nasty wound if they feel like it (speaking as someone who had to get a tetanus shot for some quite deep wounds after catching an escaped and frightened bun.) They like to potter about on their own and are better for watching, rather than interacting with or picking up. House rabbits are lovely for older teenagers and adults, but probably not for smaller kids.

We had a house rabbit and small cat who got on very well, and used to chase each other. But you do have to be very careful about how and when you let them roam (ours was almost killed once by a dog that got under the fence into our garden); and they are magnets for any local foxes. They can also chew and destroy furniture and electrical equipment indoors (risk of fried bunny…) They also are prone to jaw and mouth diseases which can cost you a fortune at the vet.

A friendly cat, or guinea pigs (probably not both at the same time!) are generally better pets for small children.

I agree with some of the previous posters that rabbits may not be a great pet for children. We had a rabbit when I was younger and he had very little interest in people. He would go mad when you had to pick him up or even tried to stroke him. We liked watching him hop around the garden at times but we had hardly any interaction with him. When he died, we got guinea pigs and I still have guinea pigs now! They're a far better option for children I think.

We had a rabbit when I was younger and he had very little interest in people. He would go mad when you had to pick him up or even tried to stroke him. We liked watching him hop around the garden at times but we had hardly any interaction with him.

I'm just going to add that rabbits must be kept in neutered pairs. They are social, they need a friend.