It can be very exciting to bring home a pet rabbit as you will probably be eager to play with it immediately. But as with all pets, you should always keep a rabbit’s own needs in mind and make sure they come before yours. For this reason, before you do anything else you should take your rabbit to the vet for a check-up to see that is happy and healthy. Rabbits are generally low maintenance but you want to make sure your rabbit is healthy from the very start. Your vet will also be able to give you some pointers for general rabbit care that will come in handy for the days ahead.
Rabbits have different personalities so some will love to be cuddled while others will not. You should always respect your rabbit’s wishes and never hold it too tightly when it wants to get away. Rabbits might not be very sociable to humans in certain cases, but they do enjoy the company of other rabbits. After all, imagine how lonely you would get if you spend your entire indoor life alone in a cage. So consider getting another rabbit so that they can be friends and if you do, remember to get them spayed or neutered as quickly as possible.
Pet rabbits are relatively clean animals although you will have to clean their cage regularly. An indoor rabbit cage that is left for days without cleaning will build up a nasty odour, not to mention the mess inside. So make sure you clean the cage every day, and once a week you should bring it outside to give it a spray with the garden hose. You will also need to give your rabbit a bath on occasion as well and this should always be done with lukewarm water and the gentlest of hands. Remember that rabbits startle easily so every movement you make with it should be soft and slow. In the end your rabbit will get used to your presence as time progresses. With proper care, you will be able to form a bond with your rabbit that will be unique and rewarding for both of you.
