Can you potty train a rabbit? Absolutely! In fact, rabbits usually take to litter training quite easily. Follow these tips to learn how to litter train a rabbit.
Rabbits are notoriously clean animals, which makes them easy to litter train. In fact, that they sometimes even learn how to use a rabbit litter box all by themselves. But even if your hopping cutie isn’t a natural, getting them to use a litter box is usually simple.
What You’ll Need to Litter Train a Rabbit
Large litter box with low sides, like this one from KittyGoHere
Small pet bedding or litter
Timothy hay
How to Litter Train a Rabbit: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Find a Place for Your Rabbit Litter Box
Place the bunny litter box in or around the space that they have been using for the bathroom. If your rabbit is free-roaming, this is often a corner of the room, or the place where their hay is.
If your rabbit has been kept in an enclosure up until this point, their preferred spot is probably one corner of that enclosure. To transition them into a free-roaming lifestyle, remove the enclosure and place the litter box as close as possible to the area where the enclosure previously sat.
Pro Tip: Once your rabbit is free to roam, place a few boxes around the areas they can access. More boxes = more opportunities for litter training success!
2. Show Your Rabbit the Litter Box
It’s time to introduce your bunny to their new favorite spot to go. Place your rabbit in the litter box, then give them some healthy treats or pick some fluffy hay pieces to feed them. This will help your rabbit associate the litter box with positive experiences.
3. Bring Poop to the Litter Box
If you see your rabbit go outside of the litter box, clean up the urine and bring the droppings to the litter box. This helps them understand that this is the place they should be doing their business.
If your rabbit doesn’t mind being picked up, you can also lift them and place them in the litter box when you see them raise their tail to urinate. Just be sure to pick up and hold them properly, and do not lift or carry your rabbit if they are not comfortable with it.
4. Clean the Rabbit the Litter Box
The final step in learning how to litter train a rabbit is to make sure the area is cleaned consistently. Change the bedding and hay at least once every other day—and do it daily, if possible. The cleaner your rabbit’s litter box is, the more likely they’ll use it.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your rabbit isn’t using the litter box and is showing any of the following signs, it’s important to seek veterinary advice:
Straining to go
Consistently goes around the litter box but not in it
Lethargy
Not eating or drinking
Weight loss
Blood in urine or stool
Diarrhea
All of the above can be signs of medical issues, so don’t hesitate to call your vet with questions.
Now that you know how to litter train a rabbit—and that it’s surprisingly simple—it’s time to put these steps into action. Gather all your supplies, set your bunny up for success, and practice patience. Good luck!
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