by Rebecca Weinstein

Created on: January 17, 2009

Many a parent window shops in a pet store only to be begged by their child for a cute, fluffy bunny. Many a parent winds up bringing said bunny home in a carrier not knowing what is in store for them. What they did not realize while slowly giving in to their child in the pet store is that rabbits as pets are quite different from dogs or cats. Most rabbits do not like to be cuddled, picked up and held for long periods of time, or even learn to recognize their own name (although some do). Rabbits will chew EVERYTHING, rabbits will dig anywhere they can, and will usually find a way to urinate anywhere but the litter box, especially males who are not neutered. What's that you say? Rabbits can be neutered? Why yes, they can and should be neutered or spayed whenever possible, but we'll get into that later. First, let's explore the unique qualities of rabbits as pets.

Your "typical" rabbit, like my Mini Rex doe, Cream, does not like to be cuddled. She does not enjoy being picked up, and she only wants attention when it's on her own terms. It is usually when I am in the midst of cleaning out their litterbox, because although she doesn't want you to pay attention to her when YOU want to, she wants to be right in the middle of things when you DON'T want to pay attention to her. This "typical" rabbit chews wooden molding, furniture (yes, there's a giant hole in our couch from her), wires (there go the speakers to the computer), rugs, and clothing. Anything you do not want chewed by your rabbit you should hide away somewhere, and wires should be well covered by plastic tubing. The "typical" rabbit will climb on things, jump on chairs, and explore every nook and cranny of your house. It will also leap and kick its heels up in joy when it is happy. The "typical" rabbit can have a range of personality traits; it can be outgoing or withdrawn, curious or afraid, playful or uninterested, gentle or agressive. Though I must note here that although all rabbits have different personality traits, a truly agressive or nasty rabbit will be so out of neglect, rough handling, or improperly met needs.

Your "atypical" rabbit, like my Dutch buck, Double Stuff, can have a range of personality traits, but he is decidedly different from a "typical" rabbit. He is calm but wary, enjoys being held and will even allow you to turn him on his back to rub his belly. He will allow you to hold and cuddle him for long periods of time and enjoys stretching out on the couch to watch television (hockey is

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