How to Clean an Indoor Rabbit Cage

Rabbits are fairly clean animals, but they have sensitive respiratory systems and regular cage cleaning is necessary to prevent breathing problems and infections. Without frequent cleaning, food can become trapped in corners of the cage and cause mold and bacterial growth. Splash from rabbit urine can become malodorous, especially if your rabbit tends to spray urine. Dirty rabbit cages can cause problems for humans, too; dander from the rabbit itself and dust from hay can provoke allergic reactions in some people. Luckily, a weekly rabbit cage cleaning isn't difficult and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Dishwashing Soap
• Stiff Brush
• Hose or Shower

Instructions

1. Remove the rabbit from the cage before cleaning. Although you can perform quick spot cleaning with a damp paper towel while the rabbit is inside, you won't be able to thoroughly clean the cage unless the rabbit is elsewhere. If no one is available to watch the rabbit, put it in a cat or small dog carrier while you work.

2. Remove the litter box, food bowls, toys and any other accessories from the rabbit cage. These items should be cleaned separate with hot soapy water and dried completely before you replace them in the cage.

3. Remove the solid cage bottom, if possible. Most rabbit cages have clips that attach the bottom of the cage to the wiring.

4. Pick out any rabbit fur and hay from between the cage wires. If fur is hard to remove, use tweezers or needle nose pliers to pull it out. Although tedious, it is important to remove every bit of trapped fur and hay to prevent mold growth in the cage.

5. Use a mixture of 1 tbsp. dishwashing liquid and 1 quart of hot water to thoroughly clean the cage, paying special attention to the corners and any crevices in the cage. Scrub these areas with a stiff brush to loosen dirt.

6. Rinse the entire cage thoroughly under running water. The easiest way to do this is with a hose, but if the cage is fairly small, you may be able to rinse the cage in your shower.

7. Dry the cage with a clean towel, and make sure that it is completely dry before placing the rabbit inside. Most cages will need to air dry for an hour or two, but you can speed this up by placing the cage in front of a fan.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean plastic, wooden or metal toys and food dishes in the same manner as the cage. Wooden toys will require several hours to dry completely. Some cloth toys can be cleaned in the washing machine; check the toy's labeling for specific instructions. If the cage is extremely dirty, or your rabbit has been ill, you can sanitize it with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. Make sure to rinse the cage very thoroughly after using this mixture.

Resources

• House Rabbit Society