Everyone thinks of dogs and cats when considering a house pet, and why not? Dogs are goofy, loveable BFFs and cats are... mean. Cats are mean. But there's one kind of house pet that most people overlook: rabbits. So in celebration of my personal favorite house pet, I've got ten reasons you should consider a rabbit to be your lovable BFF.
1) They can live in your house just like a dog or cat.
In fact, rabbits do much better when kept inside, and if you bunny-proof your space, they can roam freely. That means you'll have an adorable ball of fluff greeting you when you come home from class. Tell me that's not an amazing thought.
2) They're easy to please.
Bunnies don't need expensive toys from the pet shop. As long as they have something to chew on, they're pretty happy. Wooden hew toys are relatively cheap, and I have yet to see a bunny turn their wiggly little nose up at a toilet paper roll stuffed with hay. It doesn't get cheaper than that!
3) They're very healthy eaters.
Rabbits need lots of hay and fresh leafy greens in their diet. Not only are these things relatively cheap, but having all that kale and romaine around gives you an excuse to eat healthier, right? No, it doesn't. It does impress the cute cashier at the store though.
4) Rabbits get along with other animals.
Of course, this will depend on the individual animal, but many rabbits live happily alongside dogs and cats.
5) You can train them to use a litterbox!
Seriously, this is genius. Take litter box. Insert rabbit-safe litter and hay. Leave rabbit to figure it out. You're welcome.
6)Rabbits are exceptionally clean.
They bathe themselves and have virtually no odor. Unlike dogs, you never have to bathe rabbits unless advised to do so by your veterinarian. They take care of themselves. They do need to be brushed and have their nails trimmed, though, but with the right tools this can be done at home.
7) You haven't lived until you've seen a bunny flop.
Sure, rabbits could lay down like any other animal. But no, they kick up the cute factor by flopping over like fluffy little dorks. It's amazing.
8) They'll be with you a long time.
Rabbits usually live seven to ten years, so you're in for the long run with your floppy-eared friend.
9) Rabbits are usually cheaper to adopt.
Thanks to Easter, shelters usually have lots of bunnies available for adoption, and fees will be much less than those for cats and dogs. It is important to spay and neuter rabbits, but shelters and rescue groups will take care of that before you adopt.
10) They're just precious.
They come in all sorts of colors and sizes, they're amazingly soft, and they have the best personalities. Wait until you scratch your bunny into a happy coma and receive bunny kisses in gratitude. Tell me that's not your happiest moment in life.
If you're thinking about taking in a rabbit, please consider adopting! So many sweet bunnies are sitting in shelters waiting to find a home.