cuzrabbits

Deciding whether or not to get a rabbit can be a pretty tough decision. There are a lot of different factors to consider. A rabbit is certainly not for everyone, but they make adorable additions to the family.

These lists are not even.

Being a bunny lover, I’m pretty partial to the pros. But the cons can be real deal breakers for people. Know yourself and what is important to you in a pet.

Pros

1. Adorableness: Rabbits are sooooooo cute. They’re perfectly Instagramable eye candy!
2. The rewarding connection: There’s just something about earning a rabbit’s trust that is simply magical. Rabbits are naturally prey animals, so they don’t just cozy up to anyone. So when you’re petting your rabbit, and she starts licking you, it feels like you’re The Chosen One.
3. The perfect bingeing pal: Rabbits are indoor pets, so they’re happy to stay inside with you all winterlong. For Baby and I, it meant binge watching the entire Gilmore Girls series on Netflix. Just a girl and her bun hanging out together ❤
4. Litter training: Similar to a cat, rabbit can be trained to use a litter box. It means you don’t have to let them out to do their business when it’s raining or when there’s a snowstorm. Some pet parents recommend changing the litter box once a day with shedding top offs, while others settle for every couple of days. It’s as clean as YOU keep it. So if it starts to smell, whose fault is it, really?
5. Teaching tricks: Rabbits can learn to do tricks. The best example I’ve seen is Bini the Bunny, but you can teach small tricks too. Baby and Pepper can both come when called. In the past, I’ve taught rabbits to stand up on their hind legs on command.
6. Being trained: Your rabbits often train you! Baby once tricked my mom into petting him for two hours straight by giving little nudges and encouraging nips when she stopped petting him. He has also trained me to give him a carrot every day as soon as he hears me wake up. 
7. Independence: Rabbits are the best combination of dogs and cats; oftentimes playful like a puppy but can do their own thing like a cat. You can go on a day trip and not have to worry about accidents at home. You don’t have to race home to let them go to the bathroom. You can go on a weekend trip if you stock rabbits with the essentials. Although bunnies love a good cuddle, they don’t need your attention 24/7. It offers flexibility.
8. Long life: Bunnies are not like goldfish you buy at a carnival. Without illness, an indoor rabbit can live to be around 10 to 15 years old. You’ll have time to really bond with the bunny and have a long time partner in crime.  
9. Bunny habitat: It is so much fun figuring out a setup for your bun! Even if you free roam your rabbit, you can make cardboard castles, box tunnels, etc. Or you can go fancy and convert a dresser into a bunny bungalow. See Pinterest for inspiration!
10. The bunny community: You’ll be able to join other pet parents online, sharing cute pictures and getting advice. There are Facebook groups and plenty of bunny Instagram accounts (like ours!) 

Cons

1. Not a dog/ long bonding times: While some rabbits will follow you around and go for walks on leashes, they are NOT dogs. They won’t give the same burst of affection that dogs will. Bunnies are subtle creatures. You have to really make an effort to learn their language and bond with them. Once you do, you’re golden! This long-term bonding strategy is not for everyone.
2. Lots of attention: While rabbits enjoy their independence, they do need a lot of love. That’s petting, cuddling, and just generally hanging out together. It is really, really nice, but you have to set aside the time for the pet you dedicated yourself to.
3. Extensive care: A lot goes into making a bunny life buntastic! Bunnies need their nails trimmed, plenty of fresh hay and water, and toys. They’re work, just like literally any other pet.
4. Expenses: It’s important to consider the cost of owning a rabbit – and not just the actual adoption fee. Over time, rabbits can become very expensive. Medical emergencies can come up, you may have to buy a bunch of toys before finding one your bunny actually likes, and food isn’t always cheap. Make sure you know what you’re getting into!
5. Lots of Shedding: Like every pet that is not a naked mole rat, rabbits shed hair. It falls off in varying amounts depending on the season. They need to be pet/ groomed every day (but some breeds may require extensive brushing) to get rid of the loose hair. If you don’t, all that hair can stay in their stomachs. Rabbits can’t throw up hairballs like cats, so it can cause health issues. Basically, lint rollers will become your best friend. 
6. Bunny-proofing everything: Each rabbit is different, but each have a bit of a destroy-your-house instinct. They’re like little kids who know they’re doing something wrong but still do it. Some bunnies will chew your cord and phone chargers. Some will bite at your wood baseboards. Some will rip up your carpet. Some will eat the buttons on your TV remote. The list goes on and on and on and on and on. As a pet parent, you will have to monitor your bunny’s behavior and make necessary changes. This takes time and work. Full warning: no matter what you do, something will be destroyed eventually.
7. Weirdness: You’ll end up being that weird person with a rabbit. Many people will say things like, “Why don’t you just get a dog?” or worse, “Lol rabbit tastes good.” I’ve heard and read the nastiest and most insensitive things. You’re going to have to find a way to deal with that, either by ignoring it or venting to the rabbit community.

Did I miss any pros or cons? Let me know in the comments!

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