As hobby farmers we have a wide range of animals on our land and from our rabbits to our barn cats, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to keep the peace and encourage co-existence, and in some cases, even friendship between these two!
While it depends on a number of factors, it is possible for cats and rabbits to get along.
So whether you have one or two rabbits and cats or a whole hoard of outdoor animals like us, the facts we’ve learned about cats and rabbits living together will be key for you, so read on!
The Natural Relationship Between Cats and Rabbits:
Predator and Prey
The very first thing to realize when wondering if rabbits can live alongside cats is that rabbits are natural prey animals while cats are natural predators.
Rabbits As Natural Prey Animal
We’ve mentioned what being a natural prey animal means for rabbits in our other posts, rabbits are:
- Initially timid
- Easily startled or frightened
- Quick to stress or bolt
- Sensitive to loud noises
- Naturally afraid of unknown things or beings
Rabbits can also be very territorial, and will defend the space they feel most secure and safe in fiercly.
They also need time and space to run around, exercise, and socialize. Note that the joyful and quick movements of your rabbit while playing or exercising may easily trigger a predatory response in your cat that could end in disaster.
Cats As Natural Predators
And if you folks have a cat, you already know they love tracking, pouncing, pawing, gnawing and moving quickly.
In addition, cats also require time and space to move freely, burn energy, and satisfy their deep curiosity. A hyper cat is likely to find a rabbit entertaining and may be quick to invade your rabbits private spaces or swat at them instinctively.
You will notice that, right off the bat, the natural behaviors of rabbits and cats are quite the opposite.
In fact, if you’ve read our Top Rabbit Predators post, you know that in general, cats are considered s a natural rabbit predator (especially untrained outdoor or feral cats)!
All of that said, if you have a precious rabbit and want to introduce a kitty, or vice versa, there are some great methods that can really increase the chances of these two animals feeling safe around each other and being friendly.
But overall, due to their opposite natures, rabbits and cats (even well acquainted ones) should never be left alone together as a cat can always turn on a rabbit.
Can A Rabbit And Cat Get Along
When it comes down to it, a rabbit and a cat CAN get along, but as the Animal Welfare Association states, a lot of that has to do with the initial introduction of the cat and rabbit and a successful bonding experience between the two.
That’s right, starting off on the right foot is crucial, and if your rabbit and cat cannot bond they may never be able to happily live with each other.
In fact, the trial and error of many rabbit and cat owners have resulted in a key fact:
The younger the rabbit and cat are, the easier it is for them to successfully bond and become good friends as they mature.
On the contrary, older and fully mature cats and rabbits will have a harder time adapting to each other as they have already developed their instincts and habits and are less flexible when it comes to making friends (older domestic rabbits and cats even struggle with befriending new members of their own species!)
Again, before attempting to have your rabbit co-live with a cat, be aware that animosity between a cat and a rabbit can quickly escalate and result in injury for both or death for your rabbit.
Our Experience: How Do You Introduce Rabbits To Cats
Introducing a rabbit to a cat is a delicate process that is best done slowly and with lots of patience, as any aggressive behavior requires starting over from square one with them both.
Based on our knowledge of rabbits, we recommend the following when introducing rabbits to cats:
- Make sure you choose a quiet place as the introduction space. It is very important to choose a space away from where your rabbit’s house or hutch is as rabbits are very territorial and will not be able to calmly meet a cat if the cat is introduced to them in their personal space.
- We suggest introducing these two animals to each other after both have been played with separately and fed, so that they are low energy and are satisfied.
- First, place the rabbit in a cage or portable carrier that allows them to be visible to the cat but which provides a space to hide if they become frightened. Bring the two animals together in the neutral space and allow the cat to approach and sniff at the cage.
- Next, do the same but with the cat in a carrier or cage and the rabbit free to move. You may have to repeat these two steps a few times over the course of a week or more (always after playtime and a meal) until both animals are comfortable and remain unexcited in each other’s presence.
- You can also help them become familiar with each other by sharing their scents. Do this by petting your rabbit with a cloth over your hand and then placing that cloth close to your cat, and vice versa.
- When both animals seem completely calm and safe around each other, you can bring the two animals together outside of their carriers. We suggest having your cat on a leash so that any aggressive or predatory behavior can be stopped immediately.
- Be patient and practice this over many days and even weeks, feel free to offer your rabbits their favorite treats such as fresh fruit or herbs and reassure them often, same as with your cat!
- Finally, you can try taking your cat off its leash and allow both animals to be completely free around each other. Remain very observant and never leave the introductory space, it is important that you remain close by at all times.
- Behaviors that will develop between the two as your rabbit and cat continue to build trust and bond include:
- Sniffing gently at each other upon greeting
- Demonstrating relaxed body language
- Licking each other
- Grooming each other
- Sitting together
- Sleeping together
We have found that friendly bonding is more likely to occur between cats that are more docile and sweet and rabbits that aren’t too aggressive or territorial.
These two individualistic characteristics seem to mesh well between the species and have resulted in some pretty sweet bonds between our hobby farm cats and rabbits: we have one rabbit, Dewy, that grew up with a kitten called Gail and the two have been happy and docile to each other for the past three years!
Note: Even now we never allow Dewy and Gail to spend time together alone and always ensure they both have separate outdoor spaces in which to play. More on that in a minute…
How Do You Introduce Cats To Rabbits
If you are introducing a new cat to a rabbit, follow the same procedure outlined above, remembering to be patient with your animals.
Your new cat will naturally be curious and your rabbit may be a bit aggressive, so take the introduction slowly.
How To Have Rabbits And Cats Living Together
If your rabbit and cat can tolerate each other, or best case, are quite calm and friendly around each other, you can never forget four important factors to consider in order to keep it that way.
Bunnies and Cats: The Importance of Separate Housing
Due to their territorial nature, rabbits always need a separate and cat-free house or hutch where they can feel completely at home.
It is also wise to organize a completely separate and personal living and eating place for your cat so that they too have ample personal space.
Bunnies and Cats: The Importance of Separate and Adequate Playtime
Both rabbits and cats require daily exercise and socializing, which is why we offer all of our rabbits daily exploration and play time in their outside pen and play often with our cats.
But we have never, and will never, mix the playtime of our rabbits with that of our cats. Doing that would be asking for unwanted triggering of hunting and fleeing instincts. Instead, play and pet your rabbit and cat, but do so separately so that both animals feel safe and fulfilled.
Bunnies and Cats: The Importance of Proper Food And Diet
Ensuring that your rabbit is well fed greatly decreases their chances of chronic stress due to disease or illness, which helps them live a happy and long life (rabbits can live up to 12 years or more); and an unstressed and happy rabbit is much more likely to befriend a cat than a chronically stressed or sick rabbit.
Remember that rabbits aren’t like other pets or homestead animals and require lots of high fiber hay, read our post on How Much Hay To Feed Rabbits to learn more about rabbits’ dietary needs!
Similarly, ensuring your cat is eating properly and has all of its nutritional needs met can significantly lower the chances that they will ever view your rabbit as serious prey and do them harm.
In fact, for the first two months or so, we highly suggest only putting your rabbit and cat together after they both have been well played with and fed.
Bunnies and Cats: Observing Animal Behaviors
Observation is key when it comes to cats and rabbits sharing space, and you will learn that paying attention to their behaviors can really help you identify if something is wrong.
This is where it is so important to know the individual habits of your rabbit and your cat, knowledge that only comes through daily interaction, petting, and playing.
We highly encourage being actively involved with your animals as it enriches both your life and their lives!
Health Concerns: Can Cats Make Rabbits Sick
When wondering if cats and bunnes can get along, you also must consider the health risks involved.
For example, as the House Rabbit Society explains, even the smallest of scratches or cuts from a cat can easily get infected and cause serious harm to your rabbit.
In addition, small cat toys, cat food, cat treats, and clumping cat litter can cause sickness and digestion issues or blockages if ingested by your rabbit.
Learn more about using cat litter around rabbits in our Can Rabbits Use Cat Litter Post; note that if litter boxes are mixed up your cat can also easily share a parasite with your rabbit and vice versa.
No surprise that we are big proponents of creating different personal and eating spaces for your rabbits and cats and why we highly encourage taking all your animals to your local vet for timely checkups, shots, and general care.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Do Cats And Bunnies Get Along
Can Rabbit And Dog Get Along?
Yes, rabbits and dogs can get along but proper introduction and bonding is just as important with these two animals as it is with rabbits and cats.
While most dogs are known for being less predatory than cats, they can still see rabbits as prey and cause them harm.
Can A Rabbit Fight Off A Cat?
Yes, some aggressive rabbits are capable of fighting off a smaller cat. However, if it comes to this it is certain that the two animals are not friends and it is also very likely one of them will get seriously injured.
Can Rabbits And Cats Mate?
No, rabbits and cats cannot mate as they are from two entirely different animal species and do not practice the same mating rituals, have the same reproductive habits or compatible reproductive systems.
Final Thoughts On Do Cats And Rabbits Get Along As Friends
While the different natures of bunnies and cats may make you think it is impossible to have them sharing space peacefully, it is surely possible for rabbits and cats to get along and coexist with each other.
But before trying to introduce your bunny and your cat, we highly suggest evaluating their personalities, ages, and behavioral habits, as these are key in determining the success of a slow and safe introduction and the future tolerance or even friendly bonding between them.