How to Get Pet Rabbits to Interact With Other Pets

Rabbits are social animals and make wonderful additions to any pet-loving family. However, when there are already pets in the house, such as cats or dogs, you must take special care to ensure that the animals get along. Follow these steps on how to introduce and get pet rabbits to interact with other pets.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Allow your pet rabbit to acclimate to his new home for a period of at least three days before introducing it to other household pets. A rabbit will be able to smell and hear the other animals, but because it will not be able to see the other pets, it most likely will not be as frightened. Keep your rabbit inside its cage in a room where you don't permit the other pets to go.

2. Bring in one pet at a time if you have multiple pets. With the rabbit still in its cage, introduce the cat or dog by letting it in the room. The animals will sniff each other, but you should watch closely for signs of aggression or fear and remove the cat or dog if the rabbit appears uneasy. Keep the animals in the same room for 15 minutes.

3. Lengthen the duration of the visits by 15 minutes each day or until the pets become comfortable around one another. When you feel that the pets are ready, allow the rabbit out of the cage. With the dog or cat on a leash, follow the same 15-minute meeting routine for a period of at least 5 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Never leave your rabbit unsupervised while outside of its cage. Rabbits are often aggressive to smaller animals, such as hamsters. Additionally, dogs and cats can seriously injure or kill rabbits.