Rabbits are great pets for all who live in flats, but cannot afford a cat, or just want to have a cheerful companion who won’t let you down and can handle being alone at the same time. Still, there are certain factors you should think about before getting a pet rabbit. We interviewed breeder Nikola Čapková on what it entails to have a pet rabbit.
What are the benefits of having a pet rabbit?
Rabbits are very intelligent creatures. For some people, silence is one of the benefits – rabbits don’t bark as dogs do. If they inhabit a flat in a block of flats, a rabbit might be the right choice when you want to be considerate to your neighbours. Another benefit is the relatively easy “maintenance” – these pets only need claw trimming and brushing from time to time. At the same time, certain breeds are as big as a cat, which is good for those who cannot afford a cat. To me, a rabbit is a trouble-free pet that doesn’t require much in terms of its surroundings and special training. Moreover, rabbits very often do well on their own and don’t need a companion of the same species as guinea pigs do.
Is there any group of people for which a rabbit is better suited than other small rodents?
Rabbits are certainly good for children who could accidentally hurt any smaller rodent, like a hamster. Rabbits are larger, and thus much safer to handle. Furthermore, rabbits are great because of their patience, but if someone treats them badly, they may bite. Rabbits are great teachers – they won’t let themselves get pulled by the ears or poked in their noses.
What should people consider before getting a pet rabbit?
The financial side of it certainly plays a role (care can be financially demanding, for example, in case of illness or unexpected injury). Also, we should consider whether we have enough time or whether the rabbit will have everything it needs, for example, the ability to move around and stretch.
Is it appropriate to get a pet rabbit in a flat?
Definitely. Rabbits don’t need a whole yard. All they need is a human company and enough food. Plus, they are trouble-free creatures, which is why most landlords don’t mind them. Rabbits are also very clean.
When, on the other, should one avoid getting a pet rabbit in a flat?
If you have allergies, I would definitely reconsider getting a pet rabbit. If you suspect that the rabbit's fur might make someone in your household uncomfortable, you should consult a doctor first. Time is also another factor. If you know that you spend entire days at work, you should think about whether the rabbit will be safe at home all the time.
How much does having a pet rabbit cost on a monthly basis?
If I were to break it down:
Pellets 15 kg: approx. 3,5 €, depending on the brand
Brit feed 3 kg: 12 €
Shavings: approx. 4 €
Vegetables: 4 to 8 €
Buying other things (a new toy here and there): 4 €
Veterinary care for half a year: vaccination 7 €, test for coccidia 5 € and others.
We should also take into account any unexpected costs (injury, illness).
What else should the care include?
You shouldn’t forget about lots of love. Rabbits are pets able to give the love back. Some time and finances, of course, should be taken into account as well. Standard training is also important. Paying the pet more attention in puberty is important.
Is there anything you would recommend to people who opt for getting a pet rabbit?
I certainly recommend getting a purebred rabbit with a pedigree and a tattooed identification. Choosing the right rabbit is the beginning. The breeder should be helpful throughout the rabbit’s life. Of course, before taking the rabbit, I would recommend reading some basic information or visiting the breeder and getting informed.
If you have decided to buy a purebred cat, you still have a lot of questions ahead of you. Which breed should you choose? A female cat or a tomcat? A kitten or an adult? Only if you consider everything carefully, you'll get the right companion for...
Lots of rabbit lovers choose this breed mainly by its appearance. The cuter, the better. But maybe they don’t know that a certain kind from the order of lagomorphs lives in nature, and hardly any domestic rabbit can match it in its cuteness. The same...
If you've noticed that your fluffy friend excessively licks and nibbles at his paws, you should not leave it like that. It might have several causes. Whether it's a psychological problem, allergy, yeast or other problem, the situation must be...
Did you know that our senses include the perception of the magnetic field? While we have almost lost this ability already, dogs still have it and use it every day. Do you know for what?
The British Shorthair cat is without a doubt the most popular cat breed not only in the Czech Republic, but also in the rest of Europe. This is caused not only by its appearance of a small Teddy bear, but also a mild, trouble-free nature.
In individual rodents, we’ll find breeds that are more popular with breeders than others. One of those is the American Teddy, typical with its peculiar hair structure that gives it the appearance of a teddy bear.
There is certainly no doubt that the Labrador belongs among the best known and most popular dog breeds. The reason is his extraordinary versatility, adaptability, intelligence and loyalty. Like the British Shorthair cat, the Labrador Retriever can be...
To spend a few days outside of civilisation - in the forest, on the ridges of the mountains - away from the hustle of the cities, in the wilderness and ideally with your dog. An imaginary return back to nature is the trend that did not avoid even the...
Hunting and exercise. If the dog loves both these activities, then coursing is the perfect activity for it. This cross-country race is based exactly on the desire of the dog to catch its prey.
No matter how thorough we are with the prevention, a situation might come up when a dog or a cat will get to a poisonous thing, whether it’s by our inattention or it's somebody else’s fault. That’s why it’s not off-topic to prepare yourself for the...
Under the name of dogtrekking, imagine an orientation walk with the dog. Official rules rank it among extreme dog endurance sports.
There may be more causes of dog fear. And the first step to eliminate it is to find out its origin and cause.
