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How to introduce your new pet rabbit to your cat

Whats this? you've decided to bring a pet rabbit to your home and you already have a cat? Does this call for disaster or can both a rabbit and a cat live together in harmony? Well, it is possible that the two can become friends with a little bit of work.

First, you need to familiarize yourself with a rabbit's natural signs. You know what your cat means when she puts her ears back or wags her tail , but what does it mean when a rabbit puts its ears up or down? You must do a bit of research to figure these signs out before bringing your pet home.

Both rabbits and cat's are competitive in nature, and if you just randomly bring another pet into their territory (your house) they may regress or turn aggressive towards the other animal. Generally the two can live together harmoniously side by side in the same vacancy.

First of all you will want to bring your rabbit home in a carrier, much like the one you would use for a cat. Before releasing the rabbit into your house though , you will want to let the two sniff each other through the cage getting to know each other with a barrier so any angry paws or teeth can't get through! For a while, allow them to get to know each other this way.

Next, find a corner of the house to place your rabbit's cage, so she has a place she can recruit to when she wants to be left alone. Make sure your rabbit has a little house or something of the sorts to hide under when she wants to be completely isolated from everyone including your cat. Let your rabbit wander around the house on her own, after locking your cat in a bedroom or another room for a bit each day. This way the rabbit can explore without feeling threatened by the cat's territorial ways. If the two pets seem to be getting along than let them play together in the house, under your supervision of course.

After a couple of weeks, than it is safe to leave your two pets alone together without worrying that they will attack each other. Both a cat and rabbit can become very close friends if given the chance. You may find them grooming each other or even playing a game of "tag" most often with the rabbit chasing the cat. You will most likely find that this is just a game, and not with the intention of hurting each other. Enjoy your pets and relax they will be just fine together.

Learn more about this author, Callista Meyer.
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How to introduce your new pet rabbit to your cat

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How to introduce your new pet rabbit to your cat

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