Completely! If you move away from known prey-predator stereotype you would be surprised how this combination (rabbit & cat) can turn into a wonderful friendship.
Of course, there are certain steps you need to follow in order to achieve that your cat and rabbit live in harmony. Bear in mind that not everything is up to you. There is something to do with your pets’ personalities as well.
Do you already have a rabbit and you need to introduce him to a new cat or vice versa? Do you think you know well your rabbit’s and cat’s personalities? Do you know that getting used to each other can take some time, that will not happen after the first time they see each other?
Although this situation is fairly common and many people have this combination of pets, I still think that it is good to learn about this as much as possible. That is why I did research on this topic to make it easier for you. Keep reading our article and find out things that could be helpful in the process of rabbits & cats’ introduction.
Table of Contents
Cats Vs Rabbits (Differences)
The first big difference between cats and rabbits is that cats are predators and rabbits are prey animals.
Cats usually hunt small mammals and birds but on certain occasions, a cat can catch the rabbit as well. If she goes for a rabbit which is rare, two things can happen- she might kill the rabbit and eat it or she can only kill the rabbit and leave it behind. Whether she will eat a rabbit or not depends on how much she is hungry.
If she is your house cat and she is properly fed, most likely she will not eat a rabbit. But the truth is that rabbits are not standard cat’s prey and not every cat would attack a rabbit. It is important to know your feline’s personality and to train her not to mess with a new member of your family. If you put some extra effort and make your cat familiar with a new pet, the final outcome may be positive.
Unlike cats, rabbits are prey animals and therefore very alert and fairly timid creatures. Too much stress can cause different health problems.
Rabbits are far more curios then cats. It might happen that your rabbit is more interested in meeting the cat then vice versa.
Rabbits are more territorial then cats. Because of this rabbits tend to be protective when it comes to their space. If the rabbit feels jeopardize he could defend himself. Don’t be surprised, he is capable to do that!
Rabbits are also social creatures and usually live in pairs or groups and cats, on the other hand, are solitary animals. This is why rabbits might be more confrontational then cats. This is simply their instinct. If a new creature appears on your rabbit’s territory he will try to show him/her who is in charge there.
Situation No 1: Cat is a new member of your family, you already have a rabbit
You have a rabbit(s) and now you have adopted a cat. It is logical to ask yourself how should you introduce your cat to your furry pets. The magic word is – slowly. Don’t rush. Let your cat get used to a new home, explore it without meeting the rabbits. It is crucial for cat to make herself comfortable in the new space before she meets bunnies. This may take days or even weeks, don’t push it.
After your new cat has settled she is ready for meeting new friends. Since rabbits are pretty territorial, don’t bring cats in their territory. It is advisable to choose some room( if possible ) where rabbits have never been before so you can introduce a cat to them on some neutral territory.
At first, meetings should be done through a cage so both pets ( rabbit and cat) are secured from possible bites and scratches. These meetings shouldn’t last long, maybe 15-20 min, once per day. You should be always supervising their interaction no matter they are in the cages. Repeat those meeting at least one week before you let them explore each other freely without cages.
Of course, you have to be there all the time during their interaction to intervene if necessary. It is very important to provide a safe place/ hideout for every animal. If a rabbit or a cat feels threatened they must have a safe place to hide and to regain a sense of security.
Never ever let them alone. If you have to leave them even for a short period of time, make sure both animals are separated and secured.
Even when they get used to each other, play together, groom each other, don’t let them unsupervised. You never know when things can go wrong. Prevention is better than cure! Also, make sure every pet has its own hideout place (especially rabbits) and also take care of the cat’s claws. They should be trimmed so she couldn’t hurt the bunnies which can happen even during play, unintentionally.
Situation No 2: Bunny is a new member of your family, you already have a cat
This is opposite situation but basically you have to follow the same steps and to be very, very patient.
Rabbit is a prey animal and therefore very timid and easily stressed creature. Moving from one place to another is a very stressful situation for one bunny. And not just moving, you are also new for him/her. So he needs to get used to a new home and a new human. Don’t bring a new cat right away, it will be too much for that fragile furry pal.
Let him settle first, make himself at home before you introduce him to a cat. Also, you should familiarize yourself with your new bunny, get to know him.
Before you make an introductory meeting, think about their personalities but also their physical characteristic. If you have a little bunny and a big cat, maybe you will have to intervene more often. If your bunny is very timid and starts to run from the cat, this behavior can cause a cat to start chasing him.
Cats are playing only one game and that is hunting. That is why, at first, it is better to make interactions with the rabbit safely placed in the cage. Wires of the cage should be small enough to prevent the cat from slipping her foot.
Provide a hideout for the rabbit inside of the cage. I know this is a standard element of a rabbit’s cage even when you don’t have a cat around but just in case you didn’t think about it, do provide a safe place for your bunny to hide if he feels insecure and threatened.
Another thing you should be aware of when it comes to cats and rabbits is the way the rabbit moves. Rabbits are usually bouncing and every bouncing motion attracts a cat’s attention. If you look at toys cats usually like, they have that jumping or bouncing motion. So it might happen that your cat chases a rabbit because of that.
Remember that your bunny doesn’t like to be chased. He is a prey animal and chasing represents a life threat for him.
Be prepared that your cat might become jealous of your bunny. I have seen the situation in which the cat is grooming a bunny just to show you that she likes that creature you like too and to grab some of your attention. Don’t ignore those signs. Give you feline your love and attention, at least the same amount you are giving to your bunny.
How To Protect Your Bunny from a Stray Cat?
Don’t think that if your rabbit is a friend with your house cat, that he will be able to cope with a stray cat. This could be an issue if your bunny lives outdoor. Make sure his habitat/hutch is very well secured and that any cat or any other predator cannot reach your rabbit.
You would be surprised how stray cats can be smart and reach your rabbit even if you think that you provided him a safe home. If a hutch has a lock, even better, do lock it properly every time.
Don’t leave your bunny outdoors to roam freely if you are not around. It might happen that you never see him again. Stray cats are not fed by humans so they need to find food by themselves. Stray cats usually must kill 10-20 times every day in order to provide enough food. Don’t let your rabbit be one of the cat’s meals.
Final Thought
The conclusion is that cats and rabbits can get along. It takes time and patience but it is possible. No matter how great friends they are, you should never leave them alone. You never know when cat’s instincts can appear and she can hurt your bunny. Even if this happens you shouldn’t be angry with your cat, it is not her fault. It is your responsibility to keep your bunny safe.
