Rabbits and cats may seem like two animals that can't be friends. Cats are predators, while rabbits are prey. However, the two can be good friends. Instead of rushing to keep both of them in the same place, you need to let them get used to each other's presence while keeping the rabbit in a safe place. Once you feel comfortable enough with each other, let them go so they can see each other. Maybe the bunny can be assertive and the pussy respects it, or maybe you just need to separate the two and give them more time. Follow the interaction of the two and let them get to know each other according to their own abilities.
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Part 1 of 3: Securing Rabbits
Step 1. Make sure your rabbit is calm
In nature, cats are predatory animals, while rabbits are prey animals. As a result, your rabbit will be very wary of cats and may feel pressured to be around them, and this pressure can affect their health. Your top priority is to keep the rabbit calm.
- Stress in rabbits can trigger intestinal stasis which can be life threatening.
- Have realistic expectations. It's rare for a cat and a rabbit to be "friends". Your best bet is to get the two of them used to each other's presence so that the pussy learns not to chase the rabbit, and your bunny learns not to be afraid of cats.
Step 2. Start the “introduction” with a smell
Before setting up the first encounter, let each animal smell one another. This means that you need to expose the cat's smell to the rabbit and vice versa so that they both get used to each other's smells. You can do this using a regular cloth.
- Take a clean washcloth or cloth and wipe it on one of the animals. After that, wipe the same cloth on the other animals.
- Repeat this step as often as possible.
Step 3. Keep the rabbit in a safe place
If you want to raise a new cat or rabbit, place the rabbit in a separate cage. Let him stay in his cage until he gets used to your new home or family. The cage you use should be large enough for the rabbit to jump and roam around, and have soft bedding (eg hay or soft towels), food, and water. Place the cage in a room that the pussy cannot access or enter.
Step 4. Allow the cat and rabbit to interact through the cage each day
Give the two a chance to see each other for about an hour each day. Move the rabbit cage to another room (eg the living room) and let the pussy see the rabbits. The cat may also try to climb up the cage to sniff out the rabbit. Stay in the same room all the time and watch the two interact.
- This safe interaction provides an opportunity for both animals to get used to each other's movements, smells and behavior.
- Make sure your rabbit has a place to hide in its cage when it's stressed. If he hides a lot from the pussy, re-introduce cat smells to your bunny until your bunny feels more adventurous and comfortable.
Step 5. Consider your rabbit's personality
The maintenance of rabbits and cats is very dependent on the character or personality of your rabbit. Your pussy may forget its basic instinct to chase rabbits, but rabbits can make it difficult for your cat to do so if she is often frightened, nervous, or startled by sounds and movements. If your bunny tends to be calm and relaxed, there's a good chance that she'll learn to get along with the pussy, especially if she's seen or interacted with cats before.
Part 2 of 3: Watching Rabbit and Cat Interaction
Step 1. Let your rabbit out of the cage
When you feel that both animals are ready to play together, set a time when both of them feel calm. For example, you can take your rabbit out of its cage when your pussy is a little sleepy or has just been fed. Open the cage door so the rabbit can jump out on its own.
- The room selected must be free from distractions or other noise so that both animals are not startled.
- Put a leash or leash on your pussy, or place it in its portable cage (carrier). This way, the rabbit can safely explore the room.
Step 2. Observe the interaction between the rabbit and the cat
You may want to encourage the two of them to become friends right away, but you need to give the rabbit and cat the opportunity to get to know each other. Try not to keep an eye on the behavior of the two animals so that the cat and rabbit don't associate each other with your dislikes or disagreements.
For example, if your pussy starts sniffing rabbits, don't say "Watch out!" or "Hush!" The pussy will associate the rabbit with punishment from you
Step 3. Give the rabbit a chance to be assertive
As the two of you become closer, don't be surprised if the rabbit tries to climb over the cat as if he were giving orders. If the pussy is comfortable with the rabbit, it will either back off or run away. It's important that you allow your rabbit to be assertive so that your pussy sees it as a friend, not prey.
Step 4. Separate the two animals if one feels stressed
If you let your rabbit roam outside the cage and it doesn't try to act assertive or it looks scared and runs away, you will need to put it back in its cage. When the rabbit runs, there is a chance that the pussy will start chasing it because it sees it as prey. Place the cat in another room so your rabbit can feel safe again.
Don't punish any of the animals. The two just need more time to get comfortable with each other's presence before they can interact face-to-face
Step 5. Follow your animal's abilities
Maybe you want to immediately separate the rabbit and cat for a few weeks, allow the two to interact, and give them some freedom to roam. However, if your pet doesn't look brave, don't force it. Observe them both to see if your rabbit and cat feel comfortable and at ease when they are together before moving on to the next step. This step can take several weeks to months, depending on the animal.
If you feel like it's too soon to push the interaction between the two, remember that you can go back to separating the rabbit and cat in a safe environment or place until they both become more adventurous
Part 3 of 3: Continuing Life with Rabbits and Cats
Step 1. Vaccinate your pet
Give the pussy and rabbit the rabies vaccine. If one of your pets has been vaccinated, ask your veterinarian when it is best to give a booster vaccine. Rabies can be transmitted between animal species so you need to protect your pet cat and rabbit.
Remember to trim your cat's claws. If the pussy scratches the rabbit, the disease in his body can be transferred to the rabbit's body
Step 2. Separate food, cages, and toilets for each animal
Pussy and bunny have different needs. Cats are territorial creatures so it's important that you give them a comfortable space. Rabbits don't like litter that clumps up in their litter or litter area, so you'll need to provide a separate litter box. Since they both have different dietary needs, keep the pussy food bowl away from the rabbit food bowl.
If you are afraid that one of the animals has eaten the wrong food, separate them at feeding time. Throw away any leftover food before you bring in another animal. Thus, the spread of disease can be prevented
Step 3. Observe the interaction of the two
Don't leave them alone until you're sure that the pussy won't hurt the rabbit. Let them play unsupervised only if you know they like each other, clean each other's bodies, and sleep side by side.
