Cats who thinks a rabbit is a cat

2 years ago
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Pet cats and pet rabbits can co-exist in the home if properly introduced. However, it is important to always remember that cats are predators and rabbits are prey.
If your cat exhibits predatory behavior, introducing a rabbit will put the rabbit in danger.
Cats need space to run and play and so does a rabbit- but a running/hopping rabbit can trigger a cat’s prey drive.
The best option is to set up visual barriers between the rabbit and cat, so that the cat can feel more relaxed and the rabbit feels a greater sense of safety.

However, it’s important to note that rabbits are far more territorial than cats, are capable of defending themselves, and could possibly cause injury to a cat.
Additionally, being in the presence of one another may also be very stressful, and stress over time will cause health problems.
If your rabbit is free roaming all day and night (though it should have a “home base” for safety, stress reduction and/or rest), there should be someone home all day to supervise their interactions.
The best living situation for cats and rabbits is for the rabbit to be in an indoor hutch or cage most of the day, in between being out of the cagefor exercise sessions throughout the day.
When the rabbit has its exercise time in a round pen or separate room, the cat should not have access to those areas.

Try to set both animals up for success by minimizing the potential for the rabbit to trigger the cat’s prey/chase/stalking behavior.
Perhaps introduction during a period of time during which the cat is sleepy or full from eating is best to introduce a rabbit, as the cat will be less likely to want to chase the rabbit.

By the same token, the introduction space should not be one that the rabbit will feel the need to defend or be territorial.

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