Yes, you can cuddle a rabbit, but it depends heavily on the individual rabbit's personality, as many are prey animals that dislike being held, preferring to show affection by sitting next to you, nudging, or grooming when they feel safe and trusting. Build trust by spending time on their level, offering gentle petting on their forehead or ears, and respecting their boundaries, as forced cuddles often cause fear.
If you're thinking about adopting a rabbit, it's important to understand that not all bunnies will enjoy cuddles. Some will tolerate them, while others will outright fight you over it! Rabbits are little individuals with their own personalities, and the best way to find the right match is to meet them first.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: the first 3 days they are scared and hiding (decompression); by 3 weeks, they start settling in and showing personality; and after 3 months, they feel secure, trust you, and have bonded. This rule manages expectations, reminding owners that patience is crucial as prey animals adjust to new environments and routines, and significant bonding takes time.
🐰 If holding your rabbit like a baby means you are cradling them on their back, I recommend you find new ways to cuddle with your rabbit. While some rabbits may appear comfortable being held on their backs, this position can actually be quite stressful for them.
Rabbits tend to more friendly and open to cuddles if you go down to the floor with them. I've had some of the most standoffish rabbits come up next to me and hop on my back when I'm laying on the floor. Treats also work pretty well to get rabbits to associate you petting them with positive things.
Rabbits are sociable creatures that can form deep bonds with their human companions.
Never pick rabbits up by their ears.
This is extremely stressful for them and is highly likely to injure them.
Some rabbits don't enjoy being held, while some might. Rabbits can do puzzles and agility, just like tiny dogs! They need just as much socialization and enrichment as other pets. They need clean pens daily and need immediate vet attention if showing any signs of illness.
Zoonotic diseases associated with rabbits include pasteurellosis, ringworm, mycobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis and external parasites. Rabbits can transmit bacteria through bites and scratches.
Rabbits do not apologize by bumping foreheads. However, when bonded pairs of rabbits have a disagreement, they will often groom each other's forehead or ears afterward to indicate they are not mad at each other anymore. This is as close as rabbits get to apologizing and may have been where the idea originated.
Rabbits aren't “starter pets”—they're high-maintenance, long-term commitments. While healthy adult rabbits will typically use a litterbox to do their business, they do a lot of business—and you will have to keep their box clean by changing it at least every other day.
Rabbits need unlimited access to grass and hay, so they shouldn't ever be left without food. However, if it's an emergency and there's no other choice, then they can go up to 12 hours without eating.
Their back legs are stretched out behind the body and their front paws are pointing forward. A happy rabbit jumps into the air with all four paws off the ground and twists in mid-air before landing. This is called 'binkying' and is a sign that the rabbit is happy or excited.
While individual personality varies, breeds often cited as very friendly and docile include the Holland Lop, Mini Lop, and Rex, known for being cuddly, playful, and good with families, alongside large breeds like the Flemish Giant, nicknamed the "gentle giant" for their calm nature, and the Lionhead, known for its easy-going temperament.
Top 10 Bunny Dangers
Your bunny should have a safe place to nap. It can be a simple box with hay, fleece bedding, towels, or a blanket. But you can also get your rabbit a comfy cat bed or a basket. However, not all rabbits like comfortable bedding, so you shouldn't be surprised if your pet rarely uses its fabric bed or basket.
Generally, rabbit urine is not considered harmful to most people. Maintaining good personal hygiene practices, such as washing your hands after handling rabbit urine, is usually sufficient for prevention. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that rabbit urine can sometimes contain a microorganism fungus known as E. cuniculi.
Although many rabbit bites are defensive, some rabbits may bite aggressively for a variety of reasons. Rabbit bites can be painful and serious. If a bite bleeds excessively, shows symptoms of infection, or concerns you in any way, it's best to seek medical attention.
The best way to gain your rabbits' trust is by simply spending lots of time being near them, while allowing your bunnies to approach you in their own time. By sitting quietly with them in a safe enclosure, you'll show your rabbits that you aren't to be feared and that you can be trusted.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: the first 3 days they are scared and hiding (decompression); by 3 weeks, they start settling in and showing personality; and after 3 months, they feel secure, trust you, and have bonded. This rule manages expectations, reminding owners that patience is crucial as prey animals adjust to new environments and routines, and significant bonding takes time.
Signs of a stressed rabbit include body language like ears pinned back, a tense hunched posture, wide eyes, and stillness, combined with behavioral changes such as hiding excessively, aggression (biting, lunging), destructive bar biting, changes in eating/toileting, restlessness, rapid breathing, or unusual vocalizations like grunting. These signals, often a prey animal's reaction to feeling threatened or unhappy, need prompt attention as chronic stress can cause serious health issues.
Areas To Avoid
Most rabbits do not like their tails, stomach, or feet touched. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits are prey animals and may or may not enjoy being picked up.
Rabbits and older children
Teach older children how to hold a rabbit. They should use both hands and support the back legs properly. Never pick up rabbits by their ears or by the scruff of their necks.
Every bunny is unique and has their own “favorite spot.” But in general, it's best to offer pets on the forehead and behind the ears, says Harting.
Basic Handling
Always support a rabbit's hind end- they have very powerful back muscles and if they kick their legs too hard they could actually break their own back. It's best to handle rabbits while wrapped in a towel.