Is a Rabbit Harmful for Children As a Pet?

Your children may be begging to own a rabbit after seeing the long ears and cute twitchy nose at a pet store or zoo. Rabbits can be litter trained, and can live long lives if they are housed indoors, but because of their nervous nature they are not ideal pets for children.

  1. Rabbit Behaviors

    • In general rabbits are very shy. They like to avoid people, and even pet rabbits may do their best to hide in order to escape you; that can be frustrating for little ones who want to play. Rabbits are also very territorial and may act out aggressively if someone invades their space. Rabbits are prey in the wild, and for that reason they are very nervous. Loud noises and quick movements from small children can frighten them. A scared rabbit's heart can race to the point of a heart attack.

    Kicks and Scratches

    • Many children will want to hold and cuddle their furry friend, but rabbits prefer to keep their feet on the ground. When they are picked up they may kick with their powerful hind feet to get free. Not only is this a risk for the child, it's also very dangerous for the rabbit. Rabbits can break any number of bones, including their spine, in an effort to twist free from an owner's grasp. A rabbit's feet aren't just good for hopping. They are also equipped with claws which they naturally use for digging. Even if a rabbit's claws are well maintained, they can still break the skin and leave nasty scratches.

    Nips and Bites

    • Sometimes pet rabbits use little nibbles as a means of communicating with you. A rabbit may nip at a person giving them too much or not enough attention. Although a rabbit nibble won't cause serious injury, it may scare a child. A rabbit that is defensive, or just generally aggressive, may bite at feet and ankles, latching on tight. Rabbits have large teeth and can easily bite with enough pressure to break little fingers.

    Disease

    • There is a risk for disease from rabbits. Rabbits harbor bacteria that are excreted through their feces or urine. Although less common, rabbits can also carry the monkeypox virus, for which there is no treatment. Monkeypox usually lasts for 2-4 weeks and can be fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control.