CATS AND OTHER PETS
Rabbits
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Perfect paws
Rabbits character
These animals are an entirely different "beast" than cats. Unless you already have experience with them and knowledge of their needs and behavior, you must be willing to do some research and gain at least a basic understanding of rabbits. Their needs are similar to but at the same time, very different from a cat's needs. A rabbit that is confined in a cage to prevent house soiling will not be much of a companion for your cat. Therefore, house training your rabbit is a must. Without supervision, behavior training and rabbit- proofing your house, a rabbit can and will chew your belongings.
Behaviour issues
Can you understand rabbit language? What does it mean when its ears are back, forward, only one ear back, to the side, etc.? What does it mean when the rabbit lunges, circles or begins furious thumping when it sees your cat? Do you know what these signs mean? Are these signs of affection or hostility? What will you do when you observe these behaviors? At least with another cat, you're already familiar with feline language.
The perfect rabbit size
There are benefits to consider as well. While each can be extremely competitive with members of their own species, cats and rabbits can have harmonious, non-competitive companionship with each other. Introducing a half-grown or mature rabbit of a medium to large size breed is the recommended preference. A younger or smaller rabbit can trigger a cat's predatory instincts.
Presenting the rabbit to the cat
Have a friend bring Bunny to your home in a carrier. Set the carrier down in a quiet corner of a room and let the two see and sniff each other while separated. If they seem to get along, find a permanent location for your rabbit's cage. Make sure the rabbit has a secure place inside his cage to retreat to if he feels threatened. At least once a day, lock your cat in another room and let Bunny explore your home on his own. Watch both Kitty and Bunny get to know each other through the safety of the cage. If after about a week, they seem to like each other, then leave the cage door open and let them discover each other without a barrier separating them. Wait another couple of weeks before leaving them alone together.
Daily activities
A relationship between a cat and a rabbit can be very close. It is not unusual to find them licking and grooming each other. Cats and rabbits will often play together, usually with the rabbit chasing the cat. This game breaks up the daily boredom and gives them something interesting to do. Neither one takes the game too seriously, and neither feels the social pressures of same-species interaction.