Grooming

Baths

• Rabbits do a great job grooming themselves and rarely (if ever) need an actual bath.

• They are like cats and spend a good portion of their day cleaning themselves (and their bunny friend if they have one).

• Most rabbits hate water, and so baths are not only unnecessary for rabbits, they can also be very traumatic.

• In some cases, you may need to clean your rabbits behind or paws, but if at all possible use baby wipes or a wet facecloth.

Brushing

• Some rabbits will only need brushed when they shed but other rabbits, such as an angora, you will have to spend time each day grooming them.

• Use your hands to take out any loose tufts, then use a brush to get the extra loose fur.

• If your bunny ingests too much fur it is hard for them to digest and can cause belly issues.

Nail Clipping

• In the wild, rabbits dig often which keeps their nails filed down.

• Some domestic rabbits will dig at their cage which will help keep nails at a good length but you should keep an eye on them.

• Some rabbits, especially older rabbits, don't dig as often and so it is important to keep them clipped.

• Lay rabbit on their back between your legs. If your rabbit seems nervous, place a towel over their eyes to help calm them, just be careful of the quick. You may want to ask someone to help you.

Litter Training

• Provide a small cat litter box with low sides and no top. You can also purchase small animal litter boxes at most pet stores like Pet Value.

• For litter, use recycled paper litter such as Yesterday's News. Stay away from clay-based or clumping litter, as it is very bad for rabbit's respiratory.

• Most rabbits will stick to one area of their cage to use the bathroom, if so, place the litter box in that spot. Add a few droppings to the box to help attract them to using it.

• Rabbits like to eat hay and poop at the same time so place some hay next to the litter box as another way to encourage them.