Ornamental rabbits have become very popular as pets, especially among urban dwellers, due to their friendly nature and compact size, which is ideal for apartments. These animals, which can be not only cute and playful, but also extremely social, have become wonderful companions for various age groups. The variety of breeds, such as mini-rex, Dutch rabbit, or angora, allows everyone to find their ideal friend.
Caring for decorative rabbits is not limited to just providing food and water. Proper care includes regular grooming, which helps prevent skin and coat problems such as mange and parasites. In addition, regular examination of the coat during grooming makes it possible to detect any signs of illness or injury in time. Thanks to this, rabbit owners can provide their pets with the best care, ensuring them a long and healthy life.
Varieties of decorative rabbits
Decorative rabbits came to us in different shapes, sizes and colors, each breed has its own unique characteristics. Here are some popular breeds that are often chosen for keeping in urban apartments:
Mini-rex
This breed is known for its extremely soft, velvety coat, which is quite short. Mini-rexes have a friendly temperament, which makes them good companions. Their compact size, usually up to 2-2.5 kg, makes the breed ideal for living in an apartment.
Dutch rabbit
Known for their distinctive two-tone coloring, Dutch rabbits have short, thick fur. They are very sociable and active, and their size usually does not exceed 2 kg.
Left-headed rabbit
This breed got its name due to the characteristic mane around the head, similar to a lion’s. They have an average length of wool and can weigh from 1.5 to 1.8 kg. Lionhead rabbits are distinguished by their loving and playful nature, which makes them great friends for children and adults.
Angora rabbit
This is one of the oldest types of decorative rabbits, famous for its long, soft fur, which requires careful care. Angora rabbits can have different sizes, but usually weigh between 2 and 5 kg. They are a great choice for those who are willing to spend time on grooming.
Dutch dwarf rabbit
This breed is considered one of the smallest, their weight rarely exceeds 1-1.5 kg. They have a short, smooth coat and are known for their friendly and energetic nature, ideal for city life.
Types of rabbit fur
Short-haired
These rabbits have a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for. An ideal option for those who do not want to spend a lot of time on grooming.
Long-haired
Rabbits with long coats, such as Angoras, require regular brushing and may require professional grooming to avoid tangles and keep them healthy.
Velvet
Some rabbits, such as mini-rexes, have a special type of fur that feels like velvet to the touch. This wool also has a certain density and smoothness.
Basics of rabbit care
Proper care for ornamental rabbits includes providing appropriate housing, a balanced diet, adequate water supply, and adequate socialization and activity.
Living conditions
The cage for the rabbit should be spacious enough to allow him to move freely and stand on his hind legs without restriction. The ideal cage size is at least 4 square feet (0.37 square meters) per rabbit, but the bigger the better. The cage should contain a sleeping area, a place for a feeder and a drinker, as well as enough space for a toilet. Ideally, the rabbit should also have access to a safe fenced-in area for play and exercise, which will help maintain fitness.
Food and water
The basis of a decorative rabbit’s diet is best quality hay, which should be available to the rabbit 24 hours a day. Hay provides essential fiber to support digestive health and helps keep your rabbit’s teeth healthy as they grow throughout their lives. A limited amount of fresh vegetables and special rabbit food can also be added to the diet. As for water, it should be fresh and clean, available in a drinking fountain 24 hours a day.
Socialization and activities
Socialization is vital for rabbits as they are social animals. Interaction with people and other rabbits (given the right conditions) can help prevent depression and aggression. Regular games and exercises contribute to the rabbit’s physical health, and stimulate its mind, helping to avoid boredom. Interactive toys, exploration areas, and time spent outside the cage can greatly improve your rabbit’s quality of life.
Grooming decorative rabbits: how to take care of a rabbit at home and how we take care at V.O.G DOG salons
Daily hair care
Grooming your rabbit at home should include daily brushing, especially for long-haired breeds, to avoid mats and keep the coat clean and healthy. Using a soft brush will help remove dead fur and prevent the rabbit from ingesting it, which can lead to gastrointestinal injuries.
The frequency of grooming varies depending on the type of coat:
Short-haired rabbits may need less frequent grooming, about once a week.
Long-haired rabbits need daily brushing to avoid shedding and to keep their coat clean.
Cutting rabbits
Clipping is usually recommended for breeds with very long coats that cannot be maintained on their own, or when the coat becomes too matted or soiled. Especially in warm weather, to maintain the comfort and hygiene of animals. At V.O.G DOG, we provide gentle and safe grooming using sharp, clean tools to avoid trauma to the rabbit’s skin.
Possible problems during haircuts:
Cuts and Irritations – Only sharp, clean equipment should be used to avoid cuts.
Stress to the animal – Grooming can be stressful for rabbits, so it is important to maintain a calm and comfortable environment during the procedure.
Overheating – Avoid cutting your hair too short as it can lead to overheating or sunburn in the summer.
How to properly cut a rabbit
Grooming a rabbit is a process that requires patience and attention to detail, especially when it comes to different parts of the animal’s body. Below we provide steps and tips for safe and effective grooming while keeping in mind rabbit anatomy.
- Preparation for haircut
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools: sharp rabbit shears or a special clipper, and a brush to remove the fur. The rabbit needs to be calmed down and try to minimize stress by creating a quiet environment without loud noises or sudden movements.
- Belly and legs haircut
Start with the most delicate areas, such as the stomach and legs. A rabbit’s belly is very sensitive, so be extra careful to avoid deep pressure. Keep the scissors parallel to the skin to avoid cuts. The legs can be restless, so you need to fix the rabbit securely, but not too much, so as not to cause discomfort.
- Back and sides haircut
The back and sides are less sensitive areas, so you can speed up a bit here. But it is still important to avoid too short a haircut, because as we wrote earlier, it can lead to overheating in the summer. Support the coat with one hand while you cut with the other hand to have better control and avoid pulling the hair.
- Haircut of the head and ears
These are one of the most sensitive parts of the rabbit’s body. It is important to cut around the ears carefully, without touching the ears themselves, which can be easily injured. Be especially careful around the eyes and nose, using just the tip of the scissors for detail work.
- Final touches
After the main cut is complete, use a brush to remove the clipped fur and check for unevenness. If you find longer sections, carefully trim them for a more even look.
Here are some tips to consider:
- Never clip a rabbit when it is aggressive or scared.
- Avoid using scissors near the genitals and other sensitive areas.
- Constantly talk to the rabbit in a calm tone to make him feel more comfortable.
- After clipping, give your rabbit a warm, safe place to rest as it may feel a bit stressed.
We invite you to visit our V.O.G DOG salons in Kyiv, where your Fidgets will receive the professional care and attention they deserve. Our experienced groomers will gladly choose an individual approach to each rabbit, providing quality grooming in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
