Petting your rabbit is all part of the beautiful bonding experience between you and your rabbit. It is the way that we express love to our bunnies and they usually respond to our displays of affection. Petting your rabbit is therapeutic for both you and your rabbit. However, have you ever wondered exactly where do rabbits like to be petted. By this we mean, do they have particular parts of their bodies they prefer to be touched? Here we will explore petting your pet rabbit in detail, ensuring that you and your pet rabbit continue to enjoy each other’s company!
How should I start petting my rabbit?
This is some guidance for the new bunny owners. As you already know, rabbits are very sensitive creatures that can be skittish. Rabbits are prey animals and are understandably wary of predators. As such, your new bun may take a little time to get used to you in your space.
Here are some tips on petting your pet rabbit:
Make your rabbit comfortable
You should start by making sure your rabbit is relaxed and comfortable. You can place your rabbit in a room that he or she is already familiar with. There can be background noises but those that your rabbit is already accustomed to. For instance, if you have the radio or TV on, be sure that it is not too loud or take it off altogether. This way you are sure that your rabbit will be less nervous.
Make sure your bunny is in a safe location.
You should make sure that your rabbit is sitting in a secure location before you start to pet him. Place him on the floor and sit next to him. We do not recommend laps just yet, since your rabbit may get startled and hop away. Also, it’s a good idea to be in an uncluttered area. If your petting session does not go well and your bunny tries to make a hasty retreat, he will not injure himself.
Approach slowly
Take your time with your bunny, talk to him in soothing tones, to put him at ease. We do not advise any sudden movements since this could scare your bun.
Be patient
If your pet rabbit moves away from your hand and does not appear to be ready to be petted, do not force it. Simply, try another time. Your rabbit will let you know when he or she is ready to be touched.
Be gentle
Petting is a gentle activity and you should maintain a soft touch especially if you have a small breed rabbit. Here is a list of the rabbits that are less than 4 pounds:
- Netherland Dwarf
- Jersey Wooly
- Miniature Lion Lop
- Miniature Lop
- Dwarf Hotot
- Teddyzwerg or Teddy Dwarf
These are just a few of the small rabbit breeds. We recommend using just one finger to pet a very small rabbit since you don’t want to apply too much pressure and cause harm.
Take your cues from your rabbit
Your bunny will certainly signal to you when she has had enough petting. It varies from rabbit to rabbit and we believe that it depends on their personality. Some rabbits like to be petted for a few minutes, while other rabbits will revel in your touch. Take the time to get to know your rabbit, over time you will be able to anticipate her moods and tell when she is in the mood for some tender loving care.
What types of touches are safe for rabbits?
You should always pet your rabbit gently. Gentle soothing strokes are perfectly acceptable. You can gently scratch between his shoulders. Your bunny will lean into touches that he likes, all you need to do is pay attention.
Rabbits are not particularly fond of being patted, since patting can turn into a vigorous movement. Tousling a rabbit’s fur is not advisable since this is too vigorous.
Where do rabbits like to be petted?
You can usually tell where your rabbit likes to be petted by their reaction to your touch. So, you may have already figured out where to pet your rabbit to make her happy. However, if you have just adopted a new rabbit and are new to the bunny world, here are some spots that your pet rabbit will be comfortable with:
- Forehead – This is a favorite spot for rabbits. When you pet your rabbit’s forehead, she will usually close her eyes and enjoy it.
- Cheeks – If you rub her cheeks, she will probably lean into your touch, signaling that she is contented and probably does not want you to stop.
- Shoulders – You can also pet your bunny’s shoulders. They will sit still and let your pet their shoulders.
What are a rabbit’s no-touch zones?
So obviously, it stands to reason that if a rabbit has certain areas that it prefers to be petted, there will be places that make them uncomfortable. As you may already know, there are rules regarding handling a rabbit. If you have to pick up a rabbit, you need to always support its body properly, putting your hand under its chest and hind legs. Never hold your rabbit by the scruff of the neck, this kind of rough handling can lead to injury.
We have noticed that bunnies are not particularly fond of being touched on the following body parts:
- Ears
- Feet
- Stomach
- Tail
- Chin
Touching these parts are either uncomfortable or making your pet rabbit feel vulnerable. They will try to get away from you if you persist in touching those areas.
What are some signs that my rabbit does not want to be petted?
There are some pretty clear indications when a rabbit does not want to be touched and as always you should always respect your rabbit personal space:
- Stomping – Rabbits usually stomp when they are warning other rabbits that there is a predator. As such if your rabbit stomps when you approach, she is perceiving you as a threat and you need to take a step back.
- Running – If your rabbit runs away from you, he is probably scared, so you should try to put him at ease.
- Hiding – This is a rabbit’s defense mechanism to keep it safe from any potential threats.
- Freezing – The rabbit mannerism is a sign of stress and if your rabbit freezes, he is certainly not in the mood to be petted. For some reason, he perceives the situation as dangerous.
How can I encourage my rabbit to be more amenable to petting?
If your pet rabbit does not respond positively to your first petting attempts, do not be discouraged there are a few things that you can do to encourage your rabbit to have a more enjoyable petting experience.
Use a treat
Cut a couple of slices of your rabbits’ favorite treat (maybe some melon, apple, or some other fruit) and place it on the floor near to you. Let your rabbit come to the treat and begin eating. Before your rabbit finishes the treat allow your rabbit to see your approach, so he is not scared and slowly touch his face.
Offer a hand
Sit on the floor and extend a hand, giving your rabbit a chance to come to you. Your pet rabbit may take a few moments and then approach you. He will then most likely smell your hand. After a few moments have passed, you can allow your rabbit to see your hand and attempt to pet him.
Use a favorite toy
You can bring out your rabbit’s toy and allow him to start playing with it. This exercise will put your bunny at ease. Let your bunny enjoy his playtime for a while. Then, observing the no sudden movements rule, allow your rabbit to see your approach and attempt to pet him.
How does my rabbit feel when petted?
Once you and your rabbit have bonded, being petted will make your rabbit feel happy, content, and most importantly safe. As time goes by, your rabbit will look forward to your touch and may hop into your lap when he wants your attention.
Does petting my rabbit have any therapeutic benefits for me?
It has been long been proven that having a pet can do wonders for your mental health. Having a rabbit can help you with mental health issues like:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Social isolation
- Elevated stress levels
- Loneliness
Having a rabbit can increase your serotonin levels. Serotonin is the happy hormone, so it helps to naturally uplift your mood. Your pet rabbit also helps to keep your cortisol levels low. Cortisol is the hormone that your body produces when you are stressed. Rabbits are such peaceful creatures and they bring such joy to their owners. You already know that your rabbit helps to lift your spirits.
So, as you can tell that some thought has to go into petting your rabbit. In order to make it enjoyable for both you and your bunny, you should follow the guidelines. Above all remember to be gentle and to follow your rabbit’s lead when it comes to being petted.
