Do Cats Attack Rabbits?

As predatory animals, cats do attack rabbits. This is most likely to happen if it involves a feral feline and a wild rabbit. For cats, attacking rabbits is a mere expression of their survival instincts. If we talk about cats and rabbits living under one roof as human pets, the attacks can be play-based or just territorial. One thing is for sure, though, that the attack could end up in a disaster, and that should be averted.

If you find your cat actively engaged in attacking your rabbits, you should intervene. First, you need to help them learn to co-exist before they can calm around each other.

This read will answer all the questions regarding cats attacking rabbits. So, stick till the end to find out the details. In the end, you will know how you can prevent your rabbit from cat attacks. Let’s go!

Cats, Rabbits, Questions, And Answers

Cats Attacking Rabbits – Does It Really Happen? If So, What Is There To Know?

Out there in the wild, cats and rabbits are sore enemies. So, it is no surprise when you find a cat scratching a rabbit – it will all be out of the feline hunting instincts. And this may happen at any time, even if the rabbit and the cat are getting along well. Remember that even the most domesticated animals relapse into their wild ways.

So, what should anyone know about cats attacking rabbits? Well, even if a cat means no harm and is just trying to play with the rabbit, it should be stopped. A cat that launches an attack on an innocent, cute bunny should be distracted with many things, among them play.

When a cat starts chasing the rabbit to attack it, you can sound a command or involve a toy. This way, the feline will change its course of action. Since the rabbit may be terrified, you should put it in your laps and soothe it.

Do not allow the two animals to have a faceoff. If the cat chases the rabbit and pounces on it, the clawing could cause serious injuries. If the rabbit is bold enough to deal with the cat, a simple bunny bite may infect the cat with a virus or a bacterium.

This calls for every cat and rabbit owner to be careful when putting the two animals together. Be advised to monitor how they behave around each other.

Can Tables Turn? Can A Rabbit Attack A Cat?

Well, if you understand how bunnies work, you will agree that they can’t go down without a fight. If the rabbit involved is aggressive enough, the story will not end well for the cat.

If the two animals live under your roof, there will be a constant tussle over to whom the territory belongs. If the rabbit is comfy and confident, it won’t give the cat any peace. And the same goes for the cat – they will always want to remind each other who’s boss.

So, yes – a rabbit can attack a cat. It only needs to feel powerful and not back down to the cat’s intimidation. If the cat gets nearer, the rabbit may pounce and bite, throwing the cat in confusion. What happens is that the cat will start feeling intimidated. And funny still, things can also grow into a brawl when the rabbit starts chasing the cat.

But really, it doesn’t matter if the rabbit is attacking the cat or the other way round – things should be put under control. If nothing is done, one of the pets will live in fear and intimidation for the rest of its life.

Rabbits And Cats Getting Along: Is It Possible?

Well, if cats and dogs can get along, all the other pairings can follow suit. Your cat and bunny can be the best of friends, but that can only happen if they are both comfortable around each other.

You have a great hand in influencing how things will go. First, you need to consider that the cat automatically feels more confident as it is a predatory animal. With that info, try and make the rabbit comfortable by taming the feline.

Here are the best practical steps you can take to make cats and rabbits besties:

1. Ensure The Rabbit Is Secure By Keeping It In Another Room

The rabbit is the weaker animal so, it makes absolute sense to make it feel safe, calm, and relaxed. It only takes the cat’s sight to stress the rabbit, and that is what you want to eliminate. If anything stresses the rabbit, it is likely to develop gut stasis, a fatal condition.

If the cat and rabbit haven’t had the first meeting, try and keep them away from each other. The strangeness between them could be explosive and so leave the rabbit in its enclosure.

Since the cat is likely to be all over the place, place the rabbit’s cage in a different room. You should leave some space between the two pets, and the only things that should crisscross are the scents.

2. Let The Pets Exchange Scents

Animals that don’t have an elaborate form of communication use scents to learn about their surroundings. So, while the cat and rabbit are away from each other, the scent swap can be going on. You need to get fabrics, rub them on each pet, and give them to the other pet (if you know what I mean).

Since the rabbit will have the cat’s scented fabric and vice versa, both of them will learn about each other. At the time of the meeting, the ice will have already been broken.

3. Get The Rabbit And Cat Together

After the ‘scented’ period has already lapsed, you can bring the cat and rabbit together. Do not move the rabbit out of its enclosure. What you should do is get the cat to the rabbit’s cage every day for a considerable period.

And do not let the cat go to the cage by itself; it may scare the rabbit, meaning that all the efforts of familiarity will have been wasted. So, hold the cat by hand and take it to the cage. Then, speak warmly to both pets to ensure that the environment is calm.

4. Finally, Get The Rabbit Out Of The Cage

If you feel that both animals are calm enough, take the rabbit out of the cage. For the cat, get a leash to restrain it because it may get a little pushy with the rabbit. Lead the cat into the room where the rabbit is free and monitor how things go.

If the rabbit starts thumping, get the cat away from the room. The thumps mean that the rabbit is angry or agitated. The same thing should be done if the cat starts flashings its sharp canines and scratching the surface.

Final Words – Protecting Rabbits From Cat Attacks

Bunnies that roam around and live outside are always at risk; predators like cats won’t spare them. If your rabbit lives in the backyard, you need to make its cage predator-proof. For example, you can add mesh wiring to the cage to prevent predators from getting to the rabbit.

Also, the cage’s surface should be impervious. So, be advised to use materials like marble or concrete to prevent coyotes, cats, and foxes from trying to dig.

The roof should also be sturdy to prevent owls and birds of prey from coming down. And for added protection, consider getting electric fencing. If a cat tries to attack the rabbit, it will be zapped back to its senses.

Other Rabbit-Related Articles

1. Why Dogs And Cats Not Get Along

2. Can Cats And Rabbits Mate?

3. Do Female Rabbits Hump?

4. Are Rabbits Hard To Take Care Of?

5. Weeping Eyes In Rabbits (What To Do)

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