why rabbits stomp

They may not be able to bark or meow, but bunnies are anything but quiet!

Here is a guide to understanding the noises your fur baby is making!

Stomping

The situation

A: Your house is on fire. You are being robbed. There is a giant thunderstorm. There is a dangerous human around.

B: You’re not giving your bunny a treat at the preferred time and place. You did not pet your bunny when requested.

The why

A: As you may know, rabbits are prey animals that can’t talk to each other like humans or more vocal animals. Instead of telling their friends (aka you and your family) that there is danger around, they are stomping at your to get to your attention.

Comfort your bunny with treats or investigate the problem. In some instances, bunnies have saved their owners from fire by stomping!

B: Bunnies can be very particular and demanding creatures. Many pet parents joke that they are really just bunny slaves. This is why! That bunny stomp could be them yelling at you, “Hellllloooooo, where is my treat???”

Pamper your bunny or ignore it so you don’t spoil him or her. Your choice!

Bunnies may scratch you if they are upset with something you are doing

Grunting

The situation

You are going about your business. Maybe you’re cleaning your bunny’s cage, or reading a book on the floor to be closer to your furry friend.

Your bunny comes over and grunts at you! This sound may be accompanied by scratches or little bites.

The why

This is your bunny’s way of yelling at you. Whatever you are doing – WRONG!

You’re trying to give a lame (anything but their favorite) treat…

OR your legs are in the way of zoomies and binkies…

OR you’re touching their stuff after they arraigned it just the way they like it…

OR you tried to pick them up (HOW DARE YOU)…

OR you tried to cut their nails (THE AUDACITY)…

OR any other number of horrific offenses to rabbit-kind.

Honking

The situation

Your bunny is running around you while you are sitting on the ground, walking, or just standing in the kitchen. Then, all of a sudden, out come these duck noises or honking sounds. They’re quiet, but still definitely noticeable.

You may have noticed your bunny has been getting a little more aggressive lately or at least more sassy. Your bunny might even have humped you recently.

The why

It may be time to neuter your rabbit. Boy bunnies who haven’t been spayed will oftentimes honk and circle when they want to mate.

Don’t take it personally. Although you may be a hottie, this is your bunny’s natural instincts coming through.

An alternative answer

If your bunny has been neutered recently, it may take some time for these behaviors to go away. It may have become a learned behavior.

It’s likely that you thought the honking and circling was adorable (maybe not so much the humping), which made you give your rabbit so much attention when they did these things. Your rabbit might now associate these noises or actions with getting that extra PG lovin’. Baby still circles me when he wants a treat or pets, but the honking went away pretty quickly.

Bunnies will sometimes grind their teeth if they are enjoying being pet.

Teeth Grinding

The situation

You’re petting your bunny, and…. ewwww why is he making horrific sounds with his teeth???

The why

This a rabbit’s way of purring. Consider it a compliment! You are a great bunny petter! As you get to know your bunny well, you’ll figure out the sweet spots.

Baby particularly likes his head pet. As in only his head. Like just take both hand and cover his head completely.

BUT… if your rabbit is grinding his teeth often while not being pet or eating food, it might be a dental problem. Learn how to identify potential issues and know when to see a vet.

Scream

Note: I have never heard this sound and I hope I never will. You may hear a bunny scream when it is in mortal danger. Come to that bunny’s rescue and go to the vet if necessary.