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When you see furballs as cute as rabbits, you immediately want to pet them. But do the objects of your adoration welcome your enthusiastic touch? 

Consider my experience — not as a bunny, but as a kid. I used to dread greeting family friend “Uncle Jack” because he’d plant these incredibly sloppy kisses on our cheeks. Knowing it would be rude to rebuff his frothy howdys, I’d smile weakly until he turned away, then quickly wipe my face.

So, how can you avoid being the equivalent of “Uncle Jack” to the rabbits in your life?

Every rabbit adopter knows the deal: You fall in love with a graceful, adorable, wide-eyed, bundle of silken fur and bring him home. Then he hops onto your living room rug, and unveils his alter-ego: a 24/7 poop factory! Whether you’re just starting out or old friends, here’s the scoop on managing the poop. Continue reading “Bunny Litter Bin Basics (or, What to Do with a Load of Hare S—)”

DEAR MISS NANNERS: Whenever I pet a rabbit, it hops away in a huff. I even let it sniff my hand first! I only want to make furry friends. Am I being rude? — Frustrated Lagomorph-Lover of Pasadena

DEAR FLLOP: Unfortunately, yes. But take heart! These simple etiquette guidelines should put you in good bunny graces.

<KNOCK> <KNOCK> <KNOCK>! 

“Police! Open up!” (Door cracks open) “Afternoon, sir. We have reason to believe you’re keeping a pet guinea pig.”

“Yes, Herschel. Want to help me brush him? You’ll have to be gentle.”

“Just the one pig, is it?”

“Only the Herschinator!

“In that case, I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us.”

When I got Oscar, my very first rabbit, I expected to be able to hold and cuddle her (yes, her!) on a daily basis. To me, that was her primary purpose. I was horrified to discover that she not only disagreed, she’d kick and scratch her way out of my loving embrace if need be. My arms were striped with the bright red welts that sharp little rabbit toenails leave behind.

The breeder who sold her to me advised me to keep forcing her to be held multiple times a day, which I did, and eventually she relented. But I hated forcing her. Though she never complained after that, I always had in the back of my mind that it wasn’t something she would have chosen — it was a job she had to do.

Your rabbit is peeling the wallpaper off your wall. How do you seek help? Talk to rabbit-lover friends? Call the rescue you adopted from? Google it?

Ever ask your vet?

Bun owners like me often consult a vet about a behavior that we suspect has a medical cause. One example is urination outside the litterbox. It’s sometimes thought to be caused by a bladder infection, so the vet is the obvious person to consult. However, recently I discovered that some veterinarians can also be of help with behavior concerns that aren’t directly linked to an illness or injury.