Many pets can easily become stressed when they’re frightened, especially rabbits. Rabbits are even more timid and easily startled than cats, so rabbit owners need to be extra careful to prevent them from getting scared. So what can you do as an owner? Let’s dive in as the Pet Doctor walks you through the reasons why rabbits get stressed, hoping that everyone raising rabbits can avoid these situations as much as possible.
Common Causes of Stress in Rabbits
- Long-Distance Travel Rabbits are especially prone to stress during long trips because the constant jolting, the dark and stuffy environment of a cardboard box, and all sorts of unknown noises along the way can make them extremely frightened and anxious. So, as a pet owner, you should avoid transporting your rabbit over long distances.
- Unfamiliar Environments When a rabbit arrives in a new environment, it can feel uneasy and scared. When you first bring your rabbit home, make sure to give it enough time to get used to the new cage and surroundings. Let it stay quietly in its cage, and besides providing food and water, try not to disturb it too much. Rabbits need some time to adapt to new environments—at least a week. During this period, don’t get too up close and personal. Once your rabbit slowly adapts and recognizes you as its owner, it’ll start approaching you on its own! Otherwise, your eagerness might just scare it.
- Suffering from Illness Rabbits have a lower tolerance for pain compared to other animals. When they’re suffering from illnesses—especially dental and gastrointestinal issues—the pain can be unbearable for them. When rabbits are experiencing unbearable pain, they often become stressed. If your rabbit seems distressed, is grinding its teeth, or even trembling from pain, please take it to the vet promptly to prevent stress and worsening of its condition.
- Noise Rabbits have very sensitive hearing and prefer quiet environments. Sudden noises like firecrackers or car horns can make them extremely scared and may cause immediate stress. For noises you can anticipate, you should prepare in advance. For example, on New Year’s Eve when there will be firecracker sounds, if you can’t move your rabbit to a super quiet place, you can download a recording of firecracker noises beforehand. Play it starting at a low volume and gradually increase it, while observing your rabbit’s reaction. Generally, rabbits that are mentally prepared won’t be as scared. Rabbits are mainly afraid of sudden noises, so letting them adapt in advance can help. But if you notice your rabbit showing signs of fear, stop immediately.
- Presence of Larger Animals Rabbits tend to be strongly hostile and fearful towards larger animals like cats and dogs. This isn’t about whether they’re natural enemies or if they actually come close to the rabbit. Sometimes, just smelling their scent can frighten a rabbit and cause stress. So, try to prevent other animals from approaching your rabbit. There’s no helping it—being timid is just in their nature!
- Poor Living Conditions If a rabbit’s living environment is too hot or too cold, they’ll feel uneasy and uncomfortable. When the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F) or rises above 28°C (82°F), please adjust the environment promptly and take appropriate measures to keep your rabbit warm or cool. Also, make sure to feed your rabbit regularly and in appropriate amounts. Don’t let them go hungry one moment and overeat the next, as this can also lead to stress.
The situations above are common causes of stress in rabbits. Hopefully, rabbit owners can avoid these scenarios. Additionally, if you have young kids at home who are quite mischievous, it’s not recommended to keep a rabbit! Because rabbits can easily become stressed under the teasing of little troublemakers.
