Mary Allen
If you have decided to keep rabbits, you can’t keep other pets, or can you? Find out under what circumstances it works with dogs or cats.
Just as we humans would like to have other people around us with whom we can communicate, most pets also need their conspecifics so that they feel completely comfortable. Again and again, one hears and sees how rabbits live together with guinea pigs and even with dogs and cats in one household. Is it even possible to keep such different species together, even if they are actually hunters and prey? In this post, we explain the conditions under which mixed farming is possible and give you tips on how to do it.
Keep Rabbits Together With Guinea Pigs
At first glance, rabbits and guinea pigs have a lot in common. Both have a soft fur dress that invites you to stroke and has very similar eating habits. Objects made of wood are often nibbled on and the curious housemates like to venture a little further for the right treats. But the similarities are quickly exhausted.
While rabbits communicate with their conspecifics mainly through gestures and posture, guinea pigs also communicate with their peers through a whole range of different sounds. However, the rabbits and the small mammals belonging to the rodent genus do not understand each other at all. What is more, the behavior of the other species is often misinterpreted, which leads to misunderstandings that often end in fights. Rabbits, for example, love grooming each other. With their heads bowed, they run towards their fellow species, which means submission and an invitation to clean. However, guinea pigs usually interpret this as aggressive behavior and then may even attack the much larger rabbit, but in the end to lose out.
How Can the Two Different Species Still Live Together?
If you want to keep rabbits and guinea pigs in a group, it is advisable to get at least two animals of each species. This ensures that both categories have their social partner with whom they can communicate. In addition, the enclosure for the small animals must be large enough that they can get out of the way. The rule of thumb, according to which rabbits need two square meters per sniffing nose and sea ice about one and a half square meters per pair of ears, can confidently be doubled in the case of a mixed position. A mixed enclosure must do justice to both animal species. The rabbits need retreats that are a little higher so that the pigs cannot disturb them. And for the guinea pigs, houses with narrow entrances are needed, through which rabbits cannot fit.
As a small animal owner, you should take into account that both rabbits and guinea pigs would prefer to be in the company of their conspecifics rather than in the vicinity of the other species. Therefore, you’d better consider dividing the enclosure in advance and creating a separate area for each species.
Keep Rabbits Together With Dogs
Many rabbit owners, in particular, would irresponsibly reject keeping rabbits and dogs together. After all, this constellation consists of animals that, by their nature, represent predators and prey. Dogs today find their food in bowls and are no longer used to hunting their food, but the instinct that has developed over many millions of years cannot be domesticated away within one or two hundred years. The opposite also applies to the rabbit, which as a flight animal has always followed its instinct and has run away from wolves and foxes. The cases in which dogs and rabbits can live together without any problems are rare. Yet they do exist!
In principle, both species can live harmoniously under one roof under certain conditions. One of the prerequisites is that rabbits and dogs as young animals are used to each other and that the dog does not show any pronounced hunting behavior. It often turns out to be an advantage if the rabbits have moved into their home before the dog. In addition, under no circumstances should you leave your dog and rabbit together unattended. Don’t force contact. If the socialization does not work, both animals should be given the opportunity to avoid the other species.
And even if the two seem to be of one heart and one soul and possibly even cuddle with each other: Even then, please never hold a single rabbit. It needs the company of conspecifics.
Are All Dog Breeds Good for Keeping Rabbits Together?
Additionally, keep in mind that not all dogs can be trained to view indoor rabbits as friends rather than prey. In some dog breeds, the hunting instinct is very strong. In particular, terriers, dachshunds as well as pointing and poking dog breeds should be viewed particularly critically. Herding dogs, on the other hand, tend to combine better with rabbits.
Basically, rabbits and dogs should get used to each other slowly and not be left to each other without supervision. As a keeper of different pets, you have to expect that animal friends can quarrel or a game degenerates and injuries occur. In a serious fight, rabbits would usually lose out, and life-threatening injuries cannot be ruled out. In addition, dogs go through different development phases; their social behavior can change over the years.
The socialization of dogs and rabbits only works with great sensitivity for both animal species. Should one have the slightest doubt, it is better to refrain from attempting socialization. The risks are too great – especially for the rabbit.
Keep Rabbits Together With Cats
Even with the constellation rabbit and cat, it is more of an advantage if the rabbits already live in the household before the young house tiger arrives. However, cats are by nature distinct hunters. Therefore, the rabbits should be at least three months old before the two species come into direct contact. Babies or young rabbits fit well into the prey pattern of cats and would be at risk even with cuddly velvet paws.
Like dogs, cats should get used to rabbits slowly and only become friends under supervision. During this time it is important that you do not favor or neglect any of your pets. Every four-legged friend should receive the same attention. Cats in particular are very jealous when they feel reset. They like to take their frustration out on the rabbits. Adult rabbits are not as defenseless as they seem. They understand very well how to treat opponents with claws and teeth so that many a seasoned tomcat has already searched the distance.
Can Rabbits and Cats Become Friends?
Basically, keeping rabbits and cats together is easier and, in the long term, less dangerous for long-ears than keeping dogs. However, Hoppelmann and Stubentiger don’t necessarily become best friends. Here, too, there is a lack of mutual understanding. Rather, they accept one another and live side by side. As always, there are exceptions and good friendships in such a constellation. However, caution is advised against stray cats that could attack rabbits in an outdoor enclosure. That should be closed all around and also at the top.
Conclusion:
Actually, all animals love their social partner, because one hundred percent of communication only works with one member of the same species. This is especially true for rabbits. Under certain conditions, however, they can also live under one roof with guinea pigs, dogs, or cats.