My neighbor is a therapist for victims of domestic violence. I'm not sure what the situation is, but one of her clients can no longer care for their pet rabbit. She (the neighbor) has three cats at home and can't take this rabbit in. It was a very quick situation; either the rabbit went with her, or the rabbit went outside with the coyotes.
The Humane Society is closed for the night. There's a rabbit in my bathroom (see pictured; her name is Jackie). I have some yue choy and a bowl of water. What else do I need to keep this rabbit comfortable for the night until we can figure out what comes next? I have never owned a rabbit. I am just trying to be a good neighbor, but I love animals and used to have a cat. Will a rabbit hang out in a hideyhole that has old cat smell in it?
by insanityscribe
3 Comments
The following is more information than you’ll need if you won’t be keeping this rabbit [https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/1j98jqb/help_with_found_rabbits/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/1j98jqb/help_with_found_rabbits/) Most of a rabbit’s diet should consist of hay, along with a measured amount of a good quality pellet. If you’ll be taking care of this rabbit for a few days, perhaps pick up a good quality pellet and some Timothy hay from a local pet store. Oxbow, Science Selective and Sherwood Pet Health are reputable pellet brands. Most common brand that is found in the stores for both hay and pellets is Oxbow. Do not get Kaytee hay, as it’s too dusty. I’m guessing you only have vegetables to feed for now, so for any that you plan on feeding check to see if they’re rabbit safe [https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Vegetables](https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Vegetables) Fruits and carrots are high in sugar, and thus, should only be fed in very small amounts as a treat. Foods that are high in sugar may disrupt the rabbit’s delicate gut flora. Not all fruits are safe for rabbits, so for any that you’re considering, confirm that they’re rabbit safe. Rabbits can be litter trained. Do not use cat litter, as it may cause a blockage.
Re hides, I wouldn’t use one that belonged to a cat, as rabbit may interpret its scent to be that of a predator, which may prompt fear response. Instead, cut 2 holes out of a cardboard box across from each other and flip it upside down. Try not to use any tape, or other adhesives. Rabbits will chew and eat anything, so I would remove the carpet that is in the bathroom, as rabbit may eat it. If you happen to have a fleece blanket to put on the floor, or a cotton towel, they would be preferred to a synthetic carpet.
Here’s an interactive map of both rabbit rescues and vets in the US [https://rabbit.org/rescue/rabbit-rescue-groups/](https://rabbit.org/rescue/rabbit-rescue-groups/) Rescues are preferred, as shelters may euthanize. If not in the US, see [https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Adoption_listings](https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Adoption_listings)
It’s great of you to take this rabbit into your home on such short notice.
Slumber party!
You’re really kind 😊to take in the rabbit at such short notice