Rabbits are some of the cutest creatures you could ever have as a pet . But they’re also one of the most delicate, and many owners fail to anticipate rabbits’ needs before an emergency arises, according to experts.
Nothing looks more precious than a rabbit bunny-hopping toward you across the floor, and petting luxuriously smooth rabbit fur is pure joy. But the animals’ angelic disposition also means they’re way more high-maintenance than dogs or cats , said Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer with the North American Veterinary Community. It can also be hard to learn how to care for your first rabbit, including knowing what to feed them, how to prepare their litter box and what safety precautions to have, she said.
“They’re prey animals, their nature is to be worried and anxious, and when you can overcome that and a rabbit that trusts you, it feels like a huge accomplishment,” Varble told USA TODAY.
Many new rabbit owners may struggle, said Jeanine Valand, executive director of Rabbit Rescue & Rehab in Westchester, New York. Each year, the nonprofit rescues about 100 rabbits across the greater New York City area after the animals are abandoned or brought to traditional shelters ill-equipped to care for them…