How to Potty Train a Rabbit Quietly

Rabbits are increasingly popular as indoor pets. In order to make maintenance easier, and to guarantee less mess outside their pets' cages, many pet owners are learning how to potty train their bunnies. Because of their instinctual desire to maintain cleanliness, rabbits both young and old can be potty trained.

Things You'll Need

  • Rabbit
  • Litter pan
  • Non-scented cat litter
  • Newspapers
  • Pet bedding
  • Hay
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Instructions

    • 1

      When you bring the rabbit home for the first time, confine it to a large cage or a small room that you would like it to use for going to the bathroom. Add all the essentials to the confinement area, including food, water, toys and a floor full of straw or pet bedding. This will give the animal time to adjust to the new surroundings and to choose a location in which to relieve itself.

    • 2

      Fill a litter pan or other plastic tray with non-clumping, non-scented cat or rabbit litter, and place it in the area in which the bunny has soiled the most. According to the Association of Pet Behavior Counselors, placing some of the already soiled bedding in the tray will help speed up the association of the litter tray with the acts of urination and defecation.

    • 3

      Keep the rabbit confined to the cage or small room for at least another day, so it can begin using the tray on a more regular basis. If you are present when the rabbit uses the litter pan, reward it immediately with a favorite treat, like a carrot.

    • 4

      Allow the rabbit to begin roaming outside of its cage in a small, confined area that has another litter box. According to the Precious Pet Rabbits website, if you notice the rabbit raising its tail, you should pick it up and place it gently in the litter box. This is usually an indication that it has to urinate.

    • 5

      Never scold the rabbit if it fails to use the litter box every time. Instead, reward it when it does. If it thinks the litter tray is a place to lounge, provide it with a better and more comfortable bed.