They are adroit at getting over, under, around, or through barriers intended to restrict them, and some owners seem almost proud of their rabbits’ ability to negotiate household obstacles. “Their intelligence is very different from other species” she says, “but is just as adaptive and just as elegant.” Rabbits can easily learn to respond to their names, as well as to simple words, and they learn to use litterboxes readily.
Dana Krempels, Ph.D., an evolutionary biologist at the University of Miami, sees daily examples of this in her group of 16 rabbits. And long-time rabbit owners claim that domestic rabbits are, in their own way, every bit as smart as cats and dogs.
They can be as playful and silly as puppies or kittens, as independent and fascinating as cats, or as loyal and openly affectionate as dogs. Rabbits have strikingly distinctive personalities. (herself a rabbit owner), a rabbit person is someone who enjoys observing as much as handling, and who does not get overly upset at a rabbit’s natural tendencies, such as chewing and digging. Pet owners frequently characterize themselves in terms of their animals-“I’m a dog person” or “I’m a cat person.” But exactly what is a “rabbit person”?Īccording to Jennifer Saver, D.V.M. Rabbits can indeed make wonderful pets-for the right people. British poet William Cowper kept hares in his home to help combat his severe depression, and he wrote eloquently of his love and appreciation for these creatures as companion animals. Once considered primarily as children’s Easter gifts, rabbits are fast gaining acceptance as charming and warm household companions.Īlthough rabbit’s earliest relationship with humans was as a fur-and-food commodity, people were already keeping rabbits as pets by the 18th century. Search Petfinder to find some bunnies at a shelter or rescue group near you! In fact, after dogs and cats, rabbits are the third most abundant adoptable pet, with more than 4,800 listed for adoption on Petfinder. Perhaps one of the best reasons to adopt a bunny is that there are so many waiting for forever homes. What more could you ask for from a friend? They also make excellent snugglers with their extra-soft fur and loving nature. Rabbits are great listeners (just look at those ears!).The lesson - never underestimate a bunny as a pet!) In 2008, an Australian pet rabbit alerted his people to a house fire in the middle of the night and undoubtedly saved their lives. Who needs a German Shepherd when you can have a fierce guard bunny? (Clearly, I’m joking on this one, but there are many stories of rabbits alerting their people to danger. In the wild, rabbits communicate with each other about perceived dangers by thumping their back legs astute house bunnies will provide you with a similar security system. They can live 10-12 years if provided with a proper diet and care. Rabbits have long lifespans compared to other small animals.They happily stay in large cages or puppy pens during the day when you’re gone and love to come out to romp around in rabbit-proofed rooms when you’re home. Rabbits make great pets for city dwellers.Generally speaking, though, having a pet who encourages you to stock your fridge with fruits and vegetables is good for everybody - vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. As herbivores, rabbits mesh well with vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Our furry friends are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, which corresponds well with the times most of us are starting our day or getting home from work and ready for some couch snuggling or binky watching. Rabbit schedules match up with people's schedules.Binkies (little hop-spins and kicks they do when they’re happy), bunny flops (flopping over and playing dead) and bunny 500s (think the Indy 500 but with bunnies) are just some of the quirky and amusing habits of the house bunny. Rabbits are uniquely talented comedians.Many people who are allergic to dogs and cats are not allergic to rabbits.And, like cats, rabbits can be litter box trained very easily. Having a rabbit as a pet is perfect for those who may not have time for daily walks, but still seek the social quality of a dog-like companion.
0 kommentar(er)
