Some rabbits hate the sounds and smell of other pets, like cats or dogs.
Then again, many rabbits are perfect friends with a cat or dog, best buddies!
When you do get a new pet and your rabbits are sensitive to the new pet, it makes things really difficult. People mostly choose the dog or cat above the rabbit… And this often leads to either dumped or dead rabbits.
Always keep your rabbit's reactions and feelings in mind when you make decisions – even if it is just a violent or loud movie, make sure your bun is comfortable with the smells, sounds, vibrations, and acts. If you had your rabbit first, your rabbit should be taken into consideration when getting other pets.
First, see how your rabbit reacts:
So, when you decide to get a puppy or kitten, first have friends bring over a pup or cat and see what your rabbit’s reactions to it are – when the rabbit hears or smells it. Do not introduce them, but keep them in separate rooms and see how the rabbit acts when the dog is barking or the cat is meowing. Pick up the dog or cat, so the smell can get on you. Then go greet your bunny, and see how they react to the smell. If they run or cower from either the sound or the smell, it is not a good idea. If they are inquisitive but flighty, it is a normal reaction to proceed to the next step.
If you want a dog, see what type of dogs do not have Hunter's instincts. For example, Jack Russels and Fox terriers are hunters and have a very strong prey drive, and that instinct is in them - they WILL get triggered at some stage to hunt. Livestock guardian dogs of the safest dogs to get. Puppies will not show how they will react when they are big and their full instincts have settled in, so consider the breed.
If you want to adopt an adult dog, first introduce the dog and your rabbit through a fence and see how the dog reacts. Always keep the rabbit at a safe distance. Keep in mind that a dog's jaw or paw can cause many internal injuries, while the dog's teeth are deadly as well.
Kittens raised with bunnies are almost always good. Adult cats may try and catch baby bunnies. Wilder cats or scared cats may try and claw a bunny that comes too close. keep in mind that the cat's claws and teeth have lots of bacteria and may cause infection and abscesses in your bunny. If your bunny is OK with your friend's cats sound and smell, also see how the cat you would like to adopt reacts to the bunny. If the tail starts to flick, it is not a good idea, and you may try adopting another cat.
Remember that many of the flea and tick treatments used on cats and dogs are extremely poisonous to your rabbit, so make sure to speak with us or your vet before you get treatments.
Always consider the pet you have taken responsibility for first. Never give an older pet away to get a new pet, it is not responsible behavior.
