…because you didn’t think your fluffy friends were just cute creatures, did you? Sure, they’re adorable, but they have a whole range of emotions, and there’s an explanation behind everything they do.
1. Flopping Over on Their Side
Congratulations – you’ve achieved something truly special! A flop, when a rabbit throws itself onto its side, means the rabbit feels safe, relaxed, and content in your presence.
2. Running + Jumping + Sudden Turns (also known as ”zoomies”)
This is the rabbit version of a joyful outburst. If your rabbit zooms around the living room, you have a happy bunny.However, don’t confuse this with a frightened rabbit. Scared rabbits exhibit this behavior when trying to escape. A happy rabbit will appear relaxed after its zoomies, often followed by a flop. A scared rabbit will try to hide, avoid being petted, and show signs of stress.
3. Nose Nudging
A nudge with the nose can mean ”Move over” or ”Pet me!” It can also indicate curiosity about whether or not you have something tasty in your hand. Often, nose nudges are more assertive when you’re in the way than when they’re seeking affection. Nose nudging is truly a universal language.
4. Nibbling Your Shirt and Scratching You
This can also be interpreted as passive-aggressive love. ”I love you, but you’re in my way.” Respect that and move aside, whether you’ve just sat down or are cooking. We all know who really rules the house; it’s just a matter of adapting.
5. Urinating Outside the Litter Box
Deluxe marking. It can be a protest, territorial behavior, or a sign that the rabbit isn’t neutered yet. If your rabbit is ill, it could also be a symptom of that. In that case, it’s time to schedule a vet visit.
6. Lying Stretched Out Like a Baguette with Relaxed Ears
Here, the rabbit is relaxed but may be awake. This is typical behavior when they’re chilling, but still alert. Sometimes, they also sleep in this position. This is known as the Superman position – legs stretched straight back and front paws (you might have guessed) forward. Like Superman.
7. Thumping
A rabbit that thumps isn’t happy; the cause could be irritation or fear. Thumping is about warning their group of potential danger.
8. Chewing and Digging (on ”wrong” things)
One of rabbits’ fundamental needs is to chew. If there’s nothing suitable to chew on, they’ll decide for themselves what’s chewable – like cables, wallpaper, furniture, or other (according to humans) inappropriate items. They’re also digging creatures, and their digging instinct doesn’t disappear just because they live indoors. They’ll find things to dig on, even if you don’t provide a digging box.
Avoid ”inappropriate” chewing and digging by protecting cords and ensuring there’s always ”allowed” items to chew on (hello, apple branches!) and a digging box.
We provide unlimited hay (which all rabbits should have), branches, natural chewable tunnels and bridges. We have a digging box with straw and toilet paper rolls, as well as an activity box with torn paper, toilet paper rolls, and herbs for them to engage with.
9. Licking You
You’re officially accepted as a member of the group. Rabbits only groom the members of their own group. Feel honored.
10. Rubbing Their Chin
When rabbits rub their chin against something, it means that the chosen item now belongs to them. Regardless of how many rabbits (or humans) have rubbed their chin on the item before.
The same applies to chin rubbing on humans – if a rabbit rubs its chin against you, it means you are now their possession (or at least the garment being rubbed).
This is a form of territorial marking and usually happens as soon as new items are introduced into the home. Rabbits have scent glands under their chin, so this isn’t just a cute behavior; it actually leaves a rabbit scent on the items for other rabbits to detect, even if humans can’t smell it.
11. Chewing Air When You Pet Them
The rabbit version of purring. They love it. Keep going. (Not to be confused with painful tooth grinding, which is something else and indicates they’re grinding their teeth because they’re unwell.)
Rabbits are truly fantastic creatures with a multitude of emotional expressions, even if you sometimes need to be a bit observant to notice everything.
Kaninliv 