How to Litter Train Your Rabbit

Think litter training is only for cats? Well guess again! With a little patience, your rabbit can be housebroken as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Litter box
• Pine shavings
• Newspaper
• Rabbit elimination

1. Observe your rabbit to see where he likes to 'do his business'. Rabbit usually like to 'go' in the same spot or corner. After you find this out, gather your materials. Starting the litter training a cage is best, whether or not he will remain in said cage.

2. Start by placing shredded newspaper at the bottom of the litter box. Be careful with the amount. Many rabbits eat out of their litter boxes and too much newspaper(because of the ink) can be harmful. Also put pine shavings on top of the newspaper. Cedar shavings and cat litter is dangerous to rabbits for the same reason newspaper is.

3. Place your rabbit's elimination in the litter box as well. This is any urine soaked materials and a small amount of his poop. With this, he will realize this is where the elimination should go in the future.

4. If your rabbit doesn't immediately gravitate to the litter box, try placing him inside and stroke his head. Rabbits love to smell new things and he should recognize his scent and know what to do. Don't be alarmed if he doesn't instantly get it; it may take a little time.

5. If your rabbit 'goes' elsewhere, clean that spot ASAP! Once the urine stains, it is hard to get rid of it. Your rabbit has a strong sense of smell and will continue to eliminate there. If this behavior continues, you may have to consider allowing the rabbit to have his litter box there, if at all possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't move the litter box around. This will confuse the rabbit and make it harder for him to maintain one spot.
• Be sure to reinforce the one spot rule.
• Some rabbits will be litter trained and still emliminate everywhere.

[carldunn]

on 11/23/2009 It is true! it can be done! I had a pet rabbit in college, they make great pets. But none of my friends actually believed me that he was really potty trained

[respectfully]

on 10/23/2009 wow! We have a rabbit and i would of never thought I could of trained it like a cat.Our rabbit stays in the cage. We also have a cat and dog. We love animals!
great tips on training rabbits. 5* recommend

[sfenster]

on 10/23/2009 Great article! I need to tell my niece about this!

[mkh1958]

on 10/14/2009 Terrific article on litter training your rabbit! *****

[grove]

on 10/13/2009 Great article about litter training a rabbit. Nice avatar, too!