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Pets

Rabbits

Rabbits are a popular choice for many families, with an estimated 900,000 rabbits kept as pets in the UK. And it's no surprise, as owning rabbits can be extremely rewarding. They’re highly intelligent, inquisitive animals.

Caring for rabbits

Rabbits come in a variety of breeds, shapes and sizes, and each bunny has their own unique personality. Rabbits require long term commitment as they typically live for 8 to 12 years, but some may live longer.

Pet rabbits are related to the wild European rabbit and the biology and behaviour of pet rabbits is very similar to that of their wild cousins.

Top facts about rabbits:

  • Rabbits are highly social animals - they must not live on their own unless advised by a vet. See our advice page on how to introduce rabbits to each other.
  • Rabbits are territorial animals and form complicated social structures. 
  • Rabbits have an unusual digestive system – food is passed through their gut and special droppings (‘caecotrophs’) are produced. Rabbits eat these, allowing the food to be re-ingested, getting maximum nutrition. Ensure your rabbit's digestive system is kept in tip-top condition by feeding them a healthy diet.
  • Rabbits have continuously growing teeth – a rabbit's top front teeth grow at a rate of 3mm a week! Keep your rabbit healthy by following our health and welfare advice.
  • Rabbits are intelligent – pet rabbits can be taught to respond to commands using positive reward-based training. Discover more about rabbit behaviour.
  • Rabbits need far more space than you might think. In the wild, they live in interconnecting underground tunnels. These can cover more than two acres and house 50 rabbits! We have lots of information on how to house your pet rabbit, so they feel at home. 

  • A female rabbit (a ‘doe’) can get pregnant when she’s four months old and is pregnant for just four weeks. She’ll have one to 10 kits in each litter and can get pregnant again within hours! The female kits can also get pregnant when they’re just a few months old. In one year, two rabbits could become 82! To avoid unwanted litters, take a look at our guide to sexing and neutering your rabbits. 

Find out more and adopt a rabbit from the RSPCA

We have hundreds of rabbits in our care who are all looking for loving new homes. Start your search for a rabbit today.

Find out more