We all love our pets so much, and as rabbit owners, we would want to do everything to ensure our bunnies get the best care possible. We want to keep them as close to us as possible. So, can rabbits sleep in our beds? Here are some things we learned and wanted to share with you.
Rabbits generally love soft, warm and cozy bedding. They love soft furnishings and will surely take comfort with their owner's scent. They also love cuddling with their owners if they get the chance. If you want to let your rabbit sleep with you, make sure you prepare all safety precautions first. Rabbits also love routine, so if you decide to sleep with your pet, make sure that you do this every night to avoid confusing your rabbit.
Make everything bunny-proof.
Yes. Your rabbit may sleep with you. But you have to make your room "bunny-proof" by making it safe for your rabbit. At night, your rabbit may hop in and out of your bed - but it is not allowed to go out of your room. The risks are high when a tiny animal gets outside, as it may encounter possible accidents or, worse, more giant animals to prey on it. Make sure that all electrical cords are hidden so your bunny won't chew on them. The same goes with all electrical appliances: ensure that their cords are safe from your rabbit's sharp teeth. You can opt to cover wires with hard plastic sleeves.
You won't expect your rabbit to sleep the whole night soundly. They are very energetic creatures, and there is a tendency that they will wander around your house. If you don't want them to chew on different things, ensure that you close all doors and block access to the living room. While you're into it, make a custom pet gate to limit your rabbit's movement. Some indoor plants also contain toxins and chemicals that will cause a massive problem for your rabbit's health when ingested. Please make sure all plants are in high places, so your rabbit cannot reach and nibble on them.
Rabbits are tiny, sensitive furballs.
Your pet rabbit is tiny and vulnerable to almost anything. If you decide to sleep with your rabbit, make sure you don't crush it or suffocate it while you're asleep. Put pet cushions on the floor around your bed so that if your pet falls on the floor, it will have a safe landing. Also, ensure that your room is at the right temperature safe for your rabbit. They love cooler temperatures, and they can quickly get warm and overheated if the temperature is managed well.
Lastly, avoid room fresheners with strong smells as this may be very strong for your rabbit's senses. Smoking is also prohibited.
Make sure to litter-train your rabbit.
Rabbits are, just like other animals, highly territorial. When your rabbit sees your bed, its instinct will tell it to pee on your bed instantly to mark its scent. To prevent this from happening, catch your rabbit while doing it in the "act" and tell him "No." Make sure also to remove all traces of its scent, so it will not small its own urine and not pee on your bed again.
The most obvious reason we would love to share our spaces with our pet rabbits is the connection we can build with them. Sharing a bond with an animal is priceless and makes us feel comfort and joy as well. Rabbits are extremely loyal creatures, and when you start spending time with them, they'll instantly love being with you whether you every single day.
Cuddling with pets is also scientifically proven to reduce anxiety and stress in humans. Pets boost our mental health and well-being.
On the other side, your rabbit can also be a pain when you share your bed with it. They can be remarkably awake and lively during the night and start nibbling your toes and pillows, urging you to play with them. If you're up for late-night playtime, then sleeping with your rabbit is fine.
Rabbits are also vigilant. They get distracted on the slightest noises. Expect your pet to be wide-awake whenever it hears weird squeaks and sounds from elements in your environment. To help your rabbit get more comfortable, make sure that your room is dark when it's bedtime. Rabbits can relax more in dark areas, as they love to burrow and rest in deep dark spots.
Whether you allow your rabbit to sleep with you or not is a matter of preference. Observe where your rabbit feels most comfortable, and go with it. If you want to train it to sleep with you, then you can do it slowly while making your rabbit's safety your utmost priority.
