Rabbits’ Body Language

Not only dogs and cats communicate with us non-verbally. Even rabbits tell us what and how they feel with their non-verbal expressions such as postures, gestures and sounds. It helps us understand what mood they are just in. Let’s look at expression which are the most typical ones for these little friends.

Sniffing

As well as other animals, also rabbits rely on their own noses for recognizing well-known people and strangers. However, when the sniffing turns to poking with its nose, your little furry friend wants attention and wants you to caress it and spend time with it.

Stretching

Not many people know that rabbits can stretch the same way cats do. They basically do the same thing with their back. They stand on all four paws and make a subtle noise. Rabbits stretch like this mainly after they wake up or stop relaxing. It looks really cute.

Licking

Rabbits express their affection by this. If they lick you, you know you are one of the people they like and they want to express their gratitude for being good to them. If a rabbit licks you, you may cuddle or caress it. You will show you like it as well by it.

Territory marking

Rabbits mainly use their poop, urine and glands under their chin to mark their territory. These furry friends usually mark their territory by wiping its chin on the things it considers or wants to consider its own. Every rabbit, may it be male or female, has to have a clearly defined territory. It is necessary for them. In the case of urine marking, it is worse as this form of marking comes with an unpleasant smell.

Snuggling up

Even rabbits can sometimes feel endangered. You can see your rabbit is scared of something very easily – it snuggles up. Its aim is to look as small as possible for the potential enemy so it doesn’t even see it. Its pulse is faster and breathing louder which is similar humans.

And what about noises?

If a rabbit is happy and for example, you are cuddling, you can hear it creak with its teeth. That is a noise you might be happy with as it shows the animal is satisfied. However, if it becomes louder and turns into grating, your pet shows you something hurts and it may even seem kind of absent or even apathetic. The third most typical noise is squeaking. Most often, it occurs in young pets and it signalizes fear.

And what is the most typical behaviour of your rabbit?

 

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