Can a Cat and a Bunny Get Along? How to Help Them Do So
This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.
It seems almost incredible when you see animals from completely different species getting along. It’s even more amazing when those animals belong to different sides of the predator-prey spectrum.
Undeniably, one of the odder pet combos is that of a cat and a bunny. While it’s true that both can be a ball of fluffy affection, the cat’s predatory nature can threaten and trigger the bunny’s nervous disposition.
Cats vs. Bunnies
Although cats seem to be the most popular pick for a quiet pet, bunnies are certainly not far behind. Indeed, bunnies might even have an edge over cats in the quiet department since they do not have the same vocalization abilities that cats do.
However, bunnies do need a lot of supervision and care if you intend to keep them as pets. They are notorious for being social animals. As opposed to cats that are independent, bunnies will always need a companion to keep them happy and healthy, whether it’s in the form of humans, other bunnies, or a different type of pet altogether.
In addition, bunnies tend to get into all types of trouble, such as chewing furniture or digging where they’re not supposed to, when left alone. As such, you might also need to do a lot of proofing to keep your bunny from destroying your home.
Of course, getting two bunnies to keep each other company is ideal. However, if you already have a different pet, like a cat, living in your household, then it’s still possible to get them to bond together.
What should you consider before adding a pet bunny (or cat) to your household?
Socialization at an early age
Despite being social animals, bunnies don’t easily make friends with other species. After all, they’ve spent most of their existence being hunted by predators that being scared and skittish have become part of their nature.
As such, it’s better to teach them early on that humans and the other creatures living in the home mean no harm; otherwise, they’ll show signs of fear and aggression, which can often lead to biting and escaping.
If you already have a cat, it’s best to get a young bunny, as it’s easier to teach them how to live peacefully with other pets. However, if you already have a bunny and are still planning to get a cat, then you’d have to be more careful since bunnies are territorial and will try to assert dominance using aggression.
Physical size
As much as possible, try to get a bunny (or cat) that’s almost the same size as your current pet. Cats are less likely to think of the bunny as prey if they’re of the same size. You might also want to trim your cat’s nails to keep the bunny from getting injured if a fight ensues.
Get your pets neutered or spayed
Neutering or spaying both pets can help make them less territorial and aggressive.
How to introduce your bunny and cat to each other
The key to a successful and harmonious bond between a cat and a bunny is to introduce them slowly.
Give each pet their own space
The first thing you need to do is give each animal a distinctly separate space that they can claim as their own.
The trick is to let the bunny know that the space is their territory and everything outside it (except the cat’s room) is neutral space. This would reduce the chances of your bunny and your cat engaging in dominance struggles over neutral territory.
Make the introductions in a neutral space
When introducing a cat and a bunny, do it in an indoor, neutral environment. This is to let both pets know that the space in question is open and safe for everyone. It also reduces the outside factors that normally trigger a cat’s instinct to chase.
Supervise their interactions
It’s important to never leave the two of them alone and unattended, as anything can trigger their natural instinct to assert dominance over the other.
Allow the cat to become familiar with the bunny’s scent and let the bunny feel confident about moving even with the cat around. However, always BE VIGILANT, and be ready to separate them as soon as one of them shows signs of aggression.
What are the risks of housing a known predator and prey in one household?
Of course, getting a cat and a bunny as pets has its risks. Bunnies, in particular, are highly prone to injuries and with the cat’s tendency for rough plays, their cohabitation may end up in tragedy.
Another thing to consider is that bunnies are naturally nervous when there is a predator in their midst, even if that predator is in the form of a cute kitten. They easily get stressed, which can lead to a host of health problems.
In addition, although you can technically reduce the risks by introducing them at a young age, there’s always the chance that they’ll never get along. If this is the case, consider yourself lucky if both pets simply ignore each other.
For the pets’ safety, it might be best to keep them separated by a hutch or a cage. This would prevent any unwanted physical interaction from taking place, especially if no one is around to supervise them.
Another option is to keep your cat indoors at all times and your bunny in an outside, predator-proof enclosure.
RELATED ARTICLE: 38 Tips to Keep Your Cat Healthy
Final Thoughts
It brings so much delight when pets get along, more so when they’re of different species. Having both a cat and a bunny happily coexist in the same home is extra special, since one is a natural prey and the other a predator.
Although there’s never a guarantee that bringing these pets together will make them like each other, early socialization, proper introductions, and the necessary safety measures increase the chances of both pets thriving in your home and living happy lives.
Featured Image Credit: Kvitochka / GoodFon
