Many seniors wonder whether or not a rabbit will be a good idea, as they have to take into consideration many aspects when purchasing a pet. If you are a senior and are contemplating whether or not you should buy a rabbit, then you have come to the right place!
Rabbits are a good idea for seniors. Rabbits are small enough for senior citizens to care for and are simple to take proper care of. However, rabbits do require daily care, but it is manageable for most seniors. If the daily work is unmanageable for the senior, then a pet rabbit is not a good idea.
Rabbits are often regarded as one of the best pets for seniors, however, do no be fooled by the common misconception that rabbits are low maintenance. Rabbits do require extensive daily care, which is usually attainable for most seniors. Below are the reasons why rabbits are a great idea for seniors.
Rabbits Are A Perfect Size For Seniors
Oftentimes it is difficult for seniors to care for large animals. Thankfully, rabbits are just the right size! Most pet rabbits do not weigh more than ten pounds, making them small enough for seniors to easily care for.
Most domestic rabbits weigh around five pounds, making them not too heavy for seniors. Rabbits are small enough where most seniors are able to pick them up, carry them, and allow them to sit on their laps. While some rabbits can reach up to twenty pounds, a majority of pet rabbits are less than ten pounds.
To see which breeds of rabbits grow to be quite large, and which will stay small, see my guide all about how big pet rabbits get here. In that article, you’ll see a very useful table of all the popular rabbit breeds and how big you can expect them to be as adults.
Rabbits Are Great Companions For Seniors
Most seniors are looking for a companion, and a rabbit is great for that! Most rabbits are loving and affectionate, but plenty of interaction is needed.
Rabbits are very social, making perfect companions. Although spending time with your rabbit is necessary, do not overextend your rabbit. On average, one to three hours outside of its cage and interacting with others is perfectly acceptable. Rabbits prefer their playtime to be during either early morning or early evening, however, they will be grateful no matter the time of day.
Rabbits are also great companions for seniors because they require playtime and exercise, however, they do not need to be taken on a daily walk as dogs do. Rabbits and their owners are able to bond and become companions without having the senior having to overextend themselves.
Rabbits love to socialize with their owners and will be a great companion for their owners. Rabbits will provide the love and companionship that many seniors may be seeking.
Rabbits Love To Be Indoors With Their Owners
Rabbits need social interaction just as humans do. Oftentimes outdoor rabbits are left to live in solitude. Such neglect will result in poor health. In addition, outdoor rabbits face weather conditions that may cause harm. If you do plan to keep your rabbit outdoors, make sure you read my guide all about keeping your pet rabbit outdoors here first so you know what’s involved and how to be successful at it.
That being said, keeping your rabbit indoors is usually the best option. Although rabbits can be happy and healthy while living as an outdoor pet as well, keeping your rabbit indoors can reduce any stress about it accidentally being neglected, being out to face harsh weather, or becoming subject to prey.
Seniors spend most of their day indoors which will result in the senior and the rabbit spending an ample amount of time together. However, if you are a senior and spend a large amount of time outside, bring your rabbit outside with you to play. Rabbits love playtime, and it is essential for their overall health. Rabbits will be much happier if they get time outside of their cage.
If you do decide to keep your rabbit indoors, ensure there is plenty of space for it. Rabbits need plenty of exercise and room to play. Take into consideration the amount of space you have before deciding to purchase a pet rabbit.
Although rabbits do require a large cage, they are able to fit within small houses or apartment complexes. This is usually ideal for seniors as they typically live in a smaller house.
Rabbits Require Daily Care
Although the daily care for a rabbit is not strenuous, it is important to take into account. Many seniors blindly buy a rabbit as they assume the myth that rabbits are low maintenance is true. In reality, rabbits do require a large amount of daily work that is necessary for their health and wellbeing.
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Did you know that some rabbit breeds are much easier to care for than others? For more information, see my article titled The 6 Easiest Rabbit Breeds to Take Care Of here!
The first task is rabbits need their cages cleaned daily. When cleaning a rabbit cage, first remove any food that has not been eaten and can spoil. This includes any fresh foods such as leafy greens or fruit. After removing the fresh foods, clean and sanitize their food dish. Second, refill their water bottle to ensure your rabbit will have plenty of water throughout the day. Third, scoop the litter box and then add more litter to it.
The second task is rabbits need fresh food and clean water every day. When providing food for your rabbit, remember that hay is the most important part of its diet. In addition to hay, fresh foods such as some fruits and vegetables should also be provided. Rabbits enjoy a variety of foods and they should not be fed the same foods every day.
The third task is As mentioned above: rabbits need social interaction. Your pet rabbit should never be neglected, even for one day. Rabbits need to socialize and interact, and this should be a part of your daily routine. Never assume your rabbit would rather spend time inside of its cage rather than spending time outside playing.
Although there is a large amount of work to be done while taking care of a rabbit, the work is not difficult. Read my article all about caring for a pet rabbit here to get a better idea of exactly what the daily care for a rabbit looks like. But, despite this daily work not being difficult, it is necessary. It’s extremely important for any senior to take this into consideration before buying a rabbit.
If you are a senior and these daily tasks look daunting, then a pet rabbit may not be a good idea. However, these tasks can be accomplished by most, making rabbits an overall great pet for seniors!
