Cats are predatory and rabbits are prey animals.They can become good friends.If you let them get used to one another, you'll be able to put them together quickly.They should be allowed to check each other out once you think they're comfortable with one another.If the rabbit asserts itself and the cat respects it, you may need to separate them and give it some time.Let them become familiar with each other at their own pace.
Step 1: Make sure your rabbit is calm.
Cats and rabbits are prey animals.Rabbits are very wary of cats and could get stressed if they are around them.Keeping your rabbit relaxed is your number one priority.Gut stasis can be life threatening if rabbits are stressed.You should be realistic in your expectations.It's rare for cats and rabbits to be "best friends." Your best bet is to accustom them to each other so that the cat learns not to chase the rabbit.
Step 2: Start with handshakes.
The first meeting should be preceded by handshakes between the two animals.The scent of the cat and rabbit should be transferred so that they get used to each other.A simple cloth can be used to do a scent handshake.You can stroke one of the animals with a clean facecloth.The other animal should be stroked with the same cloth.You can repeat this as often as you please.
Step 3: The rabbit should be kept in a secure area.
Place the rabbit in its own cage if you're bringing a new cat home.It should be kept in the cage until it can be used in a new home.The cage should be large enough for your rabbit to comfortably hop around in and it should have comforting materials, such as hay or a soft towel.The cat doesn't have access to the room where the cage is located.
Step 4: The cat and rabbit can play in the cage.
For about an hour each day, give your rabbit and cat a chance to see each other.Let the cat into the rabbit's room if you bring the cage into a common space.The cat can watch the rabbit.It is possible that it will go up to the cage to sniff at your rabbit.Stay in the room and watch them interact.The chance to become familiar with each other's movements, smells, and behaviors is given by this secure interaction.If the rabbit feels threatened, make sure it has a place to hide.If your rabbit spends most of its time hiding from the cat, then it's time to go back to scent handshakes.
Step 5: Take your rabbit's personality into account.
The rabbit's personality will determine if it is kept with a cat or not.The rabbit will make it difficult for your cat to chase it if it is fearful, nervous, or startles at sounds.If your rabbit is calm and laid back, it will be able to get along with your cat.
Step 6: The rabbit needs to be out of the cage.
When you think your pets are ready to spend time together, choose a time of day when they're both calm and relaxed.When the cat is sleepy or has just been fed, you can let the rabbit out of the cage.The rabbit can hop out on its own if the cage door is open.The pets will not startle if the room is free from noise or distraction.Your cat should be restrained on a harness or carrier.The rabbit will be able to explore safely.
Step 7: The rabbit and cat are near each other.
If you want to push the rabbit and cat into a close friendship, you need to give them time to get to know each other.They don't associate each other with your disapproval if you try to avoid monitoring their behavior.Don't say, "Move away!" if your cat is sniffing around your rabbit.The bunny should be left alone.The rabbit is associated with punishment by your cat.
Step 8: The rabbit has a chance to be assertive.
If your rabbit goes up to the cat as though it's charging, don't be surprised.The cat will get away from the rabbit if it is comfortable with it.The rabbit needs to assert itself so the cat will see it as a friend.
Step 9: Pets should be separated if one becomes stressed.
If you let the rabbit out of the cage and it doesn't try to assert itself or it seems frightened, you'll need to put it back in.Your cat is likely to chase the rabbit because it sees it as a prey.Put the cat in a different room.Don't punish your pets.They need more time to become comfortable with each other.
Step 10: Follow your pets.
It may seem straightforward to keep your rabbit and cat separate for a few weeks, let them interact, and then give them freedom to move around, but if your pets don't seem confident, do not rush things.Before moving on to the next step, watch your pets to see if they are comfortable, relaxed, and calm around each other.Depending on your animals, this could take weeks or months.Keep them separate in secure environments until they've gained confidence, if you think you rushed a little in encouraging interaction.
Step 11: Pets should bevaccinated.
The cat and rabbit should bevaccinated.If one of your pets has already had the vaccine, ask the vet if it's time for a booster.If you have a rabbit and cat, you should protect them.Your cat's claws need to be trimmed.The diseases could be transferred if your cat scratched the rabbit.
Step 12: They should keep their food, housing, and toilet areas separate.
There are different needs for cats and rabbits.Cats are territorial so it's important to give them their own space.Rabbits can't have litter in their toileting area, so you'll need to give them separate areas.You should keep their food bowl away from the other one since they have different needs.Separating them during feeding time is a way to make sure one doesn't eat the wrong food.Before you bring the other pet back, you need to remove any leftover food.The spread of disease can be prevented with this.
Step 13: They should be supervised their interactions.
Don't leave your rabbit and cat alone until you're certain that your cat will not hurt them.If you know they enjoy being around each other, you should leave them alone.