When people imagine owning a rabbit, they often picture something small, quiet, and easy to care for. It’s a common misconception. Rabbits are gentle, beautiful companions, but they’re not low-maintenance pets. They need time, space, attention, and a genuine commitment that many new owners don’t realize until after they’ve brought one home.

I learned this firsthand, and it’s why I want to share what life with a rabbit truly looks like: the work, the responsibility, and the immense reward that comes with doing it right.

Rabbits Aren’t “Starter Pets”

Many people adopt or purchase rabbits on impulse, often around holidays or birthdays, because they seem like an easy first pet for children. But rabbits aren’t simple or hands-off animals. They live eight to twelve years on average, sometimes longer, which means you’re making a long-term commitment.

When the novelty wears off or when a child loses interest, too many of these animals end up surrendered to shelters and rescues. The reality is that rabbits depend on you every day for safety, social interaction, and proper care. Before bringing one home, it’s important to understand exactly what that responsibility means, and to take an honest look at whether a rabbit is truly the right pet for you.

The Daily Commitment

Caring for a rabbit involves consistent, hands-on attention. They need:

Proper diet: Unlimited fresh hay, a small portion of quality pellets, and a daily serving of safe greens for added nutrition and variety. Feeding the wrong foods, or too many treats, can cause serious digestive issues.

Space and exercise: Rabbits are built to move. They need room to hop, stretch, and run every single day. Keeping them confined to a small cage can lead to frustration, obesity, and behavioral problems.

Cleaning: Litter boxes should be scooped daily and fully cleaned every few days to keep your rabbit’s space sanitary and odor-free. Rabbits are naturally tidy animals, but their environment can get messy quickly if it’s not maintained.

Vet care: Rabbits require knowledgeable veterinary care. They can develop dental problems, digestive issues, and other health concerns that aren’t obvious until they’re serious.

Attention and enrichment: Rabbits get bored easily and need mental stimulation. They enjoy digging, chewing, exploring, and spending time near you. Without enrichment, they can become destructive or withdrawn.

Owning a rabbit means rearranging parts of your life to make space for their needs. It’s a daily routine, not a once-in-a-while hobby.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Even after years of experience, I’ve still had my share of mistakes. Rabbits have a way of keeping you humble.

One day, I thought I had everything bunny-proofed. But my rabbit Max somehow reached an art cabinet and chewed through the cord of a light fixture. It was an expensive reminder of how resourceful rabbits can be.

Then there was Sapphire, one of our sweetest rabbits. Early in our rabbit journey, she was hopping across a slick floor when she suddenly slipped and appeared to dislocate her leg. Smooth surfaces like tile, wood, or laminate can be dangerous for rabbits because they don’t have pads on their feet for traction. They should never be allowed to run or play on floors where they can lose their footing.

Soon after the fall, Sapphire stopped eating and began losing weight, which is dangerous for such a tiny animal. After an emergency vet visit, we came home with critical-care formula and medication. The vet warned that her leg might always stay dislocated, and if she didn’t eat, she wouldn’t survive. We syringe-fed her every few hours, hoping for any sign of improvement. Slowly, she began to nibble again and eventually made a full recovery.

Those moments taught me that even when you do your best, rabbits can surprise you. Their care requires not just knowledge but patience, quick action, and emotional resilience.

Bunny-Proofing and Behavior

Rabbits chew. It’s instinctive, and it’s not something you can train away. Electrical cords, baseboards, furniture, and even carpet are all targets if left unprotected. To keep your home safe and your rabbit healthy, you’ll need to bunny-proof: cover cords, block access to dangerous areas, and provide safe chew toys and tunnels to satisfy that natural urge.

I learned that lesson the hard way when Max chewed through the cord of an art cabinet light I thought was out of reach, a reminder I shared earlier in our story. Rabbits are quick and curious, and it only takes a moment for them to find something they shouldn’t. Even when you think you’ve covered every risk, it’s worth checking again before letting them explore.

When it comes to handling, rabbits are prey animals. Being lifted can make many of them feel insecure or frightened, especially at first. However, with gentle handling, proper support, and trust, some rabbits do learn to tolerate or even enjoy being held. The key is making them feel secure. Always support their hindquarters and hold them close to your body. Over time, many rabbits come to associate being picked up with comfort rather than fear.

The Costs of Care

Many new owners are surprised by the cost of rabbit ownership. Beyond food and litter, you’ll need regular veterinary care, grooming supplies, and replacements for toys and housing materials. Emergency vet visits for rabbits can be expensive, especially since they require specialized knowledge.

While some rabbit owners take their pets in for yearly checkups, others rely on careful at-home monitoring and visit the vet only when something seems off. Because rabbits hide illness so well, regular wellness exams, especially for older rabbits, can catch problems early and save you heartache later.

Caring for a rabbit properly isn’t cheap, but it’s part of the responsibility that comes with giving them a healthy, comfortable life.

The Reward

Despite the work, rabbits bring enormous joy to those who care for them properly. They have distinct personalities, some shy and gentle, others bold and mischievous. They make you laugh with their zoomies and flops, and they calm you with their quiet company.

Earning a rabbit’s trust is something special. It doesn’t happen overnight. It comes through patience, respect, and routine. But when your rabbit relaxes next to you, stretches out, and closes its eyes, that moment makes all the effort worth it.

Owning a rabbit isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. For those who are ready to make the commitment, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering bringing a rabbit into your home, take the time to learn about their needs first. Visit a rescue or shelter. Talk to experienced owners. Watch how much space they need, how much hay they eat, and how much care goes into keeping them healthy and happy.

A rabbit isn’t an accessory or a “starter pet.” It’s a living, feeling creature that depends on you completely. The work is real, but so is the love you’ll receive in return.

 rabbit truly looks like: the work, the responsibility, and the immense reward that comes with doing it right.