On many occasions, the question arises as to which is the best animal to adopt in the world of responsible animal ownership. Beyond choosing it correctly, it is interesting to discover why people should be having a rabbit. A companion animal with a good character is ideal for their debut in the world of pets but also of responsibilities.
Because beyond their apparent softness, rabbits are tender animals that are capable of establishing emotional ties with their owners. Unlike other animals, they’re good companions for your child(ren) in the household. And your child(ren) can learn, thanks to them, that animals are not toys, but living beings that need care and attention.
If you are considering including one in your family, it is important to know some aspects that may end up convincing you. Reasons to have a rabbit that can also help you discover what its basic needs and care are.
Although other animals such as cats and dogs are more popular as pets, the truth is that in recent years rabbits have become the ideal animal in many homes. And, let’s see below, reasons for this are not lacking for this species.
1. They demand little time
Unlike other species, we will not have to take them out for a walk three times a day. However, it is true that they need attention and also the need to socialize with their owners (if not, we are in danger of becoming threatening to them). Hence, ideally, when we return home, we should spend time with them and release them at home.
A pet rabbit inside of their cage. By FASTILY
2. They need little space
And this is linked to the above. Until they have our supervision, the rabbit must be in its cage (which will be its natural habitat and the place where it not only eats but also sleeps) to avoid any accident. But it is true that, beyond this space and the freedom that we give them so that they can wander freely through the space of our house, they will have no more needs. What is important is choosing a cage of good dimensions according to its size so that it has a large space to live.
3. They are silent animals
Of course: except at night! Rabbits, like rodents, are eminently nocturnal animals so it will be common to hear them playing or moving around in their cage from afar. It is also important to keep in mind (and we return, again, to supervision when they are free) that this can be an inconvenience when they are small since we can step on them. Nothing that we don’t solve by not taking our eyes off them.
4. They are loving animals
As long as, as we mentioned before, you should spend time socializing with them from the beginning. It’s a way to make them one more member of our family and to strengthen that wonderful bond for the animal you love.
5. They can join you on your vacation
Since they only need their cage as a habitat, it will not be difficult for owners to take it with them whenever they’d go somewhere. In addition, they do not suffer from stress due to a change of space (Unlike, for example, cats).
6. Delicate but strong
Although rabbits do require regular veterinary checks, they are not prone to many worrisome diseases. What is important is to correctly watch over their diet (a key to their health) and, as with any other animal, observe them. To be able to identify that their health has not changed in a negative way.
A White Rabbit with dark spots. Photo by Steven Lek
7. Usually, a rabbit is a very intelligent animal
This means that you will be able to teach them, with patience and time, guidelines for living with them (including, for example, where to do or not relieve yourself). And they learn fast!
8. They easily adapt to their surroundings.
As long as you cover their basic needs (fresh and clean water, food, and a toy to gnaw on which they do all day) and the emotional ones (again and as with any animal: pay attention to them daily).
9. No Bathrooms but Brushing
Unlike other animals, in the case of rabbits, bathing is strictly prohibited, but brushing once or twice a week is recommended to help them pull their hair. Something that can become part of the daily pampering routine if we get used to it since we were little.
10. An Excellent Companion for Teaching Children Responsibility
And, beyond what are purely reasons to have a rabbit, now we focus on why it is a good pet for children. In addition to being loving animals, having a rabbit can be the starting point for them to learn their responsibility. An important reason for us to involve the little ones not only in the game with them but, above all, in taking care of their needs. Thus, it will help us to ensure that your diet is correct, but also to keep your space clean. A simple way to educate in animal respect!
11. Rabbits deserve Second Chances
They don’t have a home to live in. They deserve a second chance in their life. Parents give children a home to live in, so in this case, it won’t hurt to do the same thing.
Rabbit near a bowl. By FASTILY
Now that we reviewed the reasons why… it’s also best to read an article regarding tips and misconceptions about pet rabbits. If I convinced you enough to get a rabbit, that is. Regardless, I think it’s safe to say that it’s best to stay informed!
