maherwoman
Well-Known Member
Do any of you have both cat(s) and rabbit(s)? I've heard that it's a frequent thing for people to have both, as they get along quite well.
For those of you that have both, how did you introduce them? I found a website hosted by House Rabbit Society, and they have lots of great information, but nothing about actually INTRODUCING rabbits and cats.
Here's the situation:
We have two almost-two-year-old kitties (brother and sister), and have recently brought home a six-week-old bunny. I've read several articles saying that bunnies and kitties get along famously, but don't have much clue as to how to introduce them. So far, we've had Bunny (she's so young, we're not sure as to gender yet, and is responding to the name, so it might just stay as Bunny...lol) downstairs with the kitties, and just watched to see how each of them respond to one another. So far, things are going spendidly. The kitties have gotten a bit excited on a couple occasions, but we've let them know that Bunny is not a toy under any circumstances.
Yesterday, my husband held each of the cats, in turn, and I held Bunny, and we let them sniff noses. They were each fine, and were curious, but no claws or teeth were bared...just plain curiousity. Bunny is doing absolutely fine, not scared in the least. She just sits there and eats, or hops around investigating the house, but is clearly a bit more relaxed being in our bedroom without kitties around (she's much more playful in her hopping, etc.).
Do any of you have kitties and bunnies living together? I was going to wait until Bunny was a bit bigger before introducing them, but she's not in the least bit afraid (a bit cautious, yes, but isn't scared) of them. She's your average domestic rabbit (not dwarf), and is only about six inches in size so far. As far as our kitties, Hobbes (male) is about 15lbs, and Sunny (female) is about 8lbs, so they are at least twice her size.
As far as their general attitude, the only time they've gotten truly excited about Bunny was in her twitchy, hoppity goofiness moments. Otherwise, they just sit or lay down about a yard away, and watch in curiousity. They're both very well-behaved and sweet, loving kitties, and they greatly respect what I say, so I'm not worried too much. I'm just hoping someone out there will have some advice, and let me know if I'm doing this correctly.
I know this isn't generally a cat site, but I know that there are a lot of people out there that have bunnies have kitties as well, and thought maybe you could shed some light on this. She's the first bunny I've ever had, and things are going well so far, but I'm lacking in the confidence I have with kitties (as I've had kitties for over 15 years). Lol...I've had so many cats, and had gerbils at one time, and this bunny seems to be quite the perfect blending of both.
A thought...would it help things if I gave the kitties treats after Bunny's visit downstairs, to encourage them that they're doing great? We make sure to have plenty of time for lap lovin, and give them lots of attention when Bunny's in our room in her cage (as well as when she's downstairs with them), but I wonder if giving them treats would help them be more confident in their new "place" in the home (which, incidentally, hasn't changed a whole heck of a lot, but there is a new friend, and they seem a bit lacking in the confidence they once had).
Anyway, sorry for the long message. Hopefully I'll get responses soon.
For those of you that have both, how did you introduce them? I found a website hosted by House Rabbit Society, and they have lots of great information, but nothing about actually INTRODUCING rabbits and cats.
Here's the situation:
We have two almost-two-year-old kitties (brother and sister), and have recently brought home a six-week-old bunny. I've read several articles saying that bunnies and kitties get along famously, but don't have much clue as to how to introduce them. So far, we've had Bunny (she's so young, we're not sure as to gender yet, and is responding to the name, so it might just stay as Bunny...lol) downstairs with the kitties, and just watched to see how each of them respond to one another. So far, things are going spendidly. The kitties have gotten a bit excited on a couple occasions, but we've let them know that Bunny is not a toy under any circumstances.
Yesterday, my husband held each of the cats, in turn, and I held Bunny, and we let them sniff noses. They were each fine, and were curious, but no claws or teeth were bared...just plain curiousity. Bunny is doing absolutely fine, not scared in the least. She just sits there and eats, or hops around investigating the house, but is clearly a bit more relaxed being in our bedroom without kitties around (she's much more playful in her hopping, etc.).
Do any of you have kitties and bunnies living together? I was going to wait until Bunny was a bit bigger before introducing them, but she's not in the least bit afraid (a bit cautious, yes, but isn't scared) of them. She's your average domestic rabbit (not dwarf), and is only about six inches in size so far. As far as our kitties, Hobbes (male) is about 15lbs, and Sunny (female) is about 8lbs, so they are at least twice her size.
As far as their general attitude, the only time they've gotten truly excited about Bunny was in her twitchy, hoppity goofiness moments. Otherwise, they just sit or lay down about a yard away, and watch in curiousity. They're both very well-behaved and sweet, loving kitties, and they greatly respect what I say, so I'm not worried too much. I'm just hoping someone out there will have some advice, and let me know if I'm doing this correctly.
I know this isn't generally a cat site, but I know that there are a lot of people out there that have bunnies have kitties as well, and thought maybe you could shed some light on this. She's the first bunny I've ever had, and things are going well so far, but I'm lacking in the confidence I have with kitties (as I've had kitties for over 15 years). Lol...I've had so many cats, and had gerbils at one time, and this bunny seems to be quite the perfect blending of both.
A thought...would it help things if I gave the kitties treats after Bunny's visit downstairs, to encourage them that they're doing great? We make sure to have plenty of time for lap lovin, and give them lots of attention when Bunny's in our room in her cage (as well as when she's downstairs with them), but I wonder if giving them treats would help them be more confident in their new "place" in the home (which, incidentally, hasn't changed a whole heck of a lot, but there is a new friend, and they seem a bit lacking in the confidence they once had).
Anyway, sorry for the long message. Hopefully I'll get responses soon.
ssd
