Rabbits are the third most common companion animal in many countries yet are frequently misunderstood and poorly housed. As highly social, cognitively complex prey species with strong territorial and foraging drives, they have welfare needs that differ substantially from cats and dogs.
Rabbits are prey animals with strong flight responses and complex social needs that make them poorly suited to the isolated, confined housing that remains standard in many households. A rabbit kept alone in a small hutch experiences chronic social isolation, spatial restriction, and inability to express natural behaviours including running, jumping, digging, and complex foraging. These conditions cause measurable physiological stress and behavioural indicators of poor welfare including stereotypic bar-chewing, self-barbering, and lethargy. Despite being commonly given to children as easy pets, rabbits have sophisticated welfare requirements and typically live 8-12 years, requiring long-term commitment. Welfare-centred rabbit keeping means bonded pairs in spacious, enriched environments with appropriate veterinary care.