A Gentle Option: Rabbit Pets

An often overlooked option for acquiring a soft, gentle pet is the many breeds of rabbits that are available. There are several of the small breeds, like the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit or the Mini Lop which have very gentle dispositions and much better for younger children than the larger breeds. Small rabbits from two to four pounds make excellent apartment dwelling pets. They are not loud and are easy to keep clean.

A cage to contain your rabbit is not complicated. You will want a wire bottomed cage so droppings can fall to a catch pan for quick and easy disposal of waste. The bottom of the cage will need to have some "sitting boards" though so your rabbit's feet do not get sore from always walking on wire. Water is very important to good rabbit health so installing an extra drinking bottle is recommended. If you are using a bowl, be sure it is heavy ceramic for stability and big enough that the rabbit does not run out of liquid.

Rabbit food is inexpensive and can be bought in bulk at feed stores. Commercial rabbit pellets contain almost all the nutrition a pet rabbit would need. The occasional supplement of green leafy vegetables will help your pet rabbit maintain the best health condition. hay and grasses are always a welcome addition to the standard diet.

Your rabbit's living quarters should be kept in a shaded area and protected from Drafts and access by predators including a family dog or cat. With the attention of frequent handling you pet rabbit will be able to join you in your activities around the house and can be let run loose in a safe environment. The biggest problem with having a rabbit companion as a pet is their perpetual chewing instinct which could be hard on the furniture if your rabbit is left unsupervised.

Rabbits provide the excitement of competition as well. There are many rabbit breed competitions and shows and breeding pedigree rabbits can be as satisfying as dog and cat shows. There are over forty breeds that are officially listed in the American Rabbit Breeders Association's Standards Guide.

As with any pet your rabbit will need to be introduced to your local veterinarian. Several shots and vaccinations are available to keep your pet rabbit healthy since there are several diseases that could otherwise be fatal to your furry pet. A well-handled rabbit can be as snuggly as a cat and be quite willing to be held as long as you want to pet it.