Rabbits may look like the perfect low-maintenance pet with their adorable faces and quiet nature, but the truth is far more complex. Beneath their cute appearance lies a need for extensive care, specific health management, and constant attention. Rabbits are not the “easy starter pets” they are often thought to be. If you’re considering bringing one into your home, here are ten reasons to rethink whether a rabbit is the right pet for you.

1. High Maintenance and Long-Term Commitment

Rabbits are not low-maintenance pets; they require consistent and meticulous care. Their litter boxes need to be cleaned daily, and they need a constant supply of fresh hay and vegetables to maintain their health. Beyond diet, they demand grooming and exercise to prevent boredom and depression. With lifespans reaching up to 12 years or more, owning a rabbit is a significant, long-term responsibility, not a temporary arrangement.

2. Fragile and Prone to Injury

Rabbits have delicate bones and are highly susceptible to injuries, even from minor falls or rough handling. As prey animals, they are easily startled, which can lead to panic-induced injuries like spinal fractures. This makes them unsuitable for young children who may not know how to handle them properly. Additionally, their claws need regular trimming to avoid overgrowth, a task that requires care and skill to prevent accidental harm.

3. Health Issues and Limited Veterinary Options

Rabbits are prone to numerous health problems, including respiratory infections, digestive issues like gastrointestinal stasis, and dental overgrowth. Spotting symptoms early is critical, as rabbits often hide signs of illness until it’s severe. Finding a veterinarian who specializes in rabbit care can be challenging and costly, and ongoing treatments, along with spaying or neutering, can add up quickly, making rabbit ownership more demanding than expected.

4. Destructive Behavior

Rabbits love to chew, a behavior driven by their ever-growing teeth. While this is natural, it often results in significant household damage, such as gnawed furniture, torn carpets, and destroyed wires, which can also pose a serious hazard to their safety. Rabbit-proofing your home is essential and requires constant vigilance to prevent accidents. Providing toys and safe chew items can help, but it won’t eliminate their instinct to nibble on anything within reach.

5. Mess and Shedding

Rabbits shed heavily throughout the year, leaving fur everywhere—from clothes to furniture. Keeping up with this mess requires regular grooming and vacuuming. Rabbits also produce a surprising amount of waste, and their living spaces need frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene. Without proper care, rabbits can develop health issues related to poor sanitation, making cleanliness an essential but time-consuming aspect of their upkeep.

6. Requires Constant Social Interaction

Rabbits are highly social animals and need daily interaction to stay mentally and emotionally healthy. They thrive on companionship, whether from humans or other rabbits, and can become depressed or anxious when left alone for long periods. If you’re not ready to spend time bonding with your rabbit every day, they may develop behavioral problems, such as aggression or withdrawal. For busy households, this level of commitment can be a challenge to maintain.

7. Not Suitable for Outdoor Living

Many people mistakenly think rabbits are fine living outside, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Outdoor rabbits are exposed to extreme temperatures, predators, and parasites like fleas and mites. Even enclosed hutches offer little protection from environmental threats. Without proper indoor living arrangements, rabbits can suffer from stress, neglect, or even fatal conditions such as flystrike, making an indoor environment crucial for their well-being.

8. Boredom Can Lead to Problem Behaviors

Rabbits need plenty of mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent destructive behaviors. Without proper enrichment, they can become bored, leading to issues like excessive chewing, digging, or even self-harm. Providing toys, tunnels, and interactive playtime can help, but it requires time and effort from their owners. Unlike cats or dogs, rabbits cannot entertain themselves for long stretches, so their care goes beyond just physical needs.

9. Susceptible to Loneliness

Rabbits are social creatures who do best when paired with a compatible companion. Keeping just one rabbit can lead to loneliness and depression, especially if they don’t receive enough attention from their owner. However, bonding two rabbits is not as simple as it sounds—it requires patience, neutral territory introductions, and spaying or neutering to prevent territorial disputes. Without this effort, a solitary rabbit can suffer emotionally.

10. Expensive to Care For

While rabbits may seem like an affordable pet initially, their ongoing costs can add up quickly. From a continuous supply of fresh vegetables and hay to regular vet visits, grooming supplies, and bunny-proofing materials, the expenses are significant. Rabbits also require spaying or neutering, which is a considerable upfront cost. Additionally, unexpected health issues can lead to hefty veterinary bills, making rabbits more costly than many anticipate.

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