7 Ways to Keep Your Indoor Rabbit Active and Healthy

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

7 Ways to Keep Your Indoor Rabbit Active and Healthy
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Keeping your indoor rabbit healthy and active is a lot of fun, and it’s easier than you might think. Indoor rabbits are playful, curious creatures that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. So, if you’re wondering how to keep your bunny engaged, look no further! Here are seven simple and enjoyable ways to make sure your indoor rabbit stays fit and content.

1. Provide Plenty of Space

White frog eating food
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Rabbits love to move around, and giving them plenty of space is one of the best things you can do for their health. A cramped cage might be fine for sleeping, but it won’t give your bunny the room they need to hop, run, and stretch out. Ideally, your rabbit should have access to a large enclosure or a rabbit-proofed room where they can explore freely. Even if you don’t have a large space, you can make the most of it by using exercise pens or even baby gates to create a safe area for them. Giving your bunny space encourages them to move around and stay active, which is key for their physical health. The more they can roam and play, the happier they’ll be!

2. Offer a Variety of Toys

rabbits
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Toys aren’t just for fun—they’re crucial for keeping your rabbit active and mentally sharp. Rabbits love to chew, toss, and even dig, so providing a variety of toys is essential for their entertainment. Things like wooden blocks, cardboard boxes, tunnels, and untreated wicker balls are perfect. A simple cardboard roll stuffed with hay can keep your bunny busy for hours. The best part? You can rotate toys every few days to keep things fresh. It’s like giving your rabbit a whole new world of fun each time you switch it up, which is great for their overall well-being.

3. Create an Obstacle Course

Silver Marten rabbit on a beige surface.
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Let’s face it—rabbits are born athletes! They love to jump, climb, and explore. So why not tap into that natural energy and create a mini obstacle course for them? You can use simple household items like pillows, low ramps, cardboard boxes, or tunnels to build a fun and challenging course for your bunny. You can even make it a game by encouraging them with treats as they hop over hurdles or weave through tunnels. This is a great way to get your rabbit’s heart pumping and keep them fit. Plus, it’s super fun to watch them figure out the course, and the sense of accomplishment they get from completing it is great for their mental health.

4. Encourage Social Interaction

A girl petting rabbit
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Rabbits are social creatures, and they thrive when they have regular interaction with their human family or even other rabbits. If you’re the only one around, don’t worry—you can still provide plenty of love and attention to keep your rabbit happy. Spend time each day hanging out with your bunny, whether it’s through gentle petting, talking, or just letting them explore your lap. If you’re able to adopt another rabbit, they can be the perfect playmate for each other. Rabbits love companionship, and having a buddy around can help keep them entertained and emotionally fulfilled, making them feel less isolated and more active.

5. Introduce Foraging Activities

Harlequin rabbit with glittery ornaments.
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Foraging is a natural behavior for rabbits, and you can tap into this instinct to keep them active and mentally stimulated. Rather than just offering food in a bowl, try hiding little treats or bits of hay in different areas of their play space. You can also use puzzle toys or snuffle mats to make mealtime more exciting. These activities mimic the way rabbits forage for food in the wild, so it’s a great way to tap into their natural instincts and give their minds a workout. It’s not only fun but also keeps your bunny’s brain sharp and engaged, helping them stay happy and active.

6. Allow Supervised Free Roam Time

dwarf rabbit
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If you have a safe, bunny-proofed area in your home, letting your rabbit roam freely for a while each day is an excellent way to keep them active. Supervised free roam time allows them to explore new spaces, stretch their legs, and burn off some energy. Just make sure to remove anything that could be harmful to your rabbit, like electrical cords, toxic plants, or small objects they might chew on. You can even use this time to bond with your bunny by sitting with them or just observing them explore their world. Plus, the freedom to hop around and explore will keep them physically and mentally stimulated, which is exactly what they need to stay healthy.

7. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Lop-eared rabbit on grass with carrot.
PublicDomainPictures)/Pixabay

A healthy diet is the foundation of your rabbit’s overall health and energy levels. Make sure they have unlimited access to fresh hay, which should make up the bulk of their diet. You can also offer a variety of leafy greens (think romaine lettuce, kale, or parsley) and a small amount of high-quality pellets. Fresh water should always be available, and it’s important to avoid feeding your rabbit sugary fruits or too many treats, as this can lead to obesity. A balanced diet ensures that your rabbit has the energy to stay active and feel good. It also supports their digestive health, keeping them in top shape for hopping, running, and playing.

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