Do you worry about your rabbit getting cold in the winter? Would you love to tuck them into a cozy blanket or wrap them in a fluffy towel? While this seems like a great idea, rabbits have some special considerations when it comes to blankets and towels! Providing blankets requires picking the right fabrics and carefully monitoring your bunny’s behavior. And did you know towels can pose safety risks? Join us as we explore the do’s and don’ts of using blankets and towels for your rabbit. From proper selection to cleaning guidelines, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your furry friend warm and content during chilly weather!
Can I Give My Rabbit a Blanket?
Many rabbit owners wonder if they should provide their pet rabbits with blankets, especially during cold winter months. The answer is yes, rabbits can have blankets, but there are some important considerations.
Rabbits do not necessarily need blankets, as they have thick fur coats to keep them warm. Rabbits in the wild do not have access to blankets. However, domestic rabbits live indoors in hutches and cages, which can get quite cold in winter. Blankets can help provide extra warmth and comfort.
It is best to provide blankets for rabbits living primarily indoors. Outdoor hutches usually do not require blankets, as the rabbits have more room to move around generating body heat. Indoor rabbits in small cages have less space to move to keep warm. Also, indoor areas can get very cold in winter.
When choosing to provide a blanket, select materials that are safe. Avoid loose threads, small fibers or fillers a rabbit could nibble on and ingest. Stick to soft, natural materials like polar fleece. Monitor the rabbit when first introducing a blanket, and remove it if chewing occurs.
In summary, blankets are not a necessity for rabbits, but can provide added warmth and comfort during cold weather. Take care in selecting safe, durable blanket materials, and supervise use to prevent chewing hazards. With some precautions, blankets can be an excellent addition to a rabbit's hutch in winter.
What Kind of Rabbit Blanket is Best?
When selecting a blanket for your rabbit's hutch, choose materials carefully for safety and comfort. Here are some of the best options:
-
Polar Fleece – Soft, plush polar fleece makes an ideal rabbit blanket. It provides warmth without overheating. Select a fleece with minimal loose threads or pulling. Avoid fleece with embellishments that could be hazardous if chewed and ingested.
-
Flannel – 100% cotton flannel is another good choice. Select a tightly woven, durable flannel without pills or fraying edges. Ensure any hemmed edges are securely sewn. Supervise use until you are sure your rabbit does not chew the flannel.
-
Wool Blends – Some wool and acrylic blends make warm, non-toxic blankets. Avoid 100% wool, as rabbits may try to ingest it. Supervise use, as rabbits may be tempted to dig and chew at some materials.
-
Ceramic Fiber Blankets – For outdoor hutches, ceramic fiber "space" blankets help retain warmth. These are tear-resistant and less tempting for rabbits to chew.
-
Avoid towels, loose knits, woven throws with tasseled edges, and blankets treated with fire retardants.
Choose a size that will cover about half your rabbit's hutch floor space. This allows room for movement while providing a warm place to snuggle when desired. Ensure blankets are washed regularly as they can harbor dirt, hair and germs over time.
Do Rabbits Need Blankets in Cold Weather?
Rabbits do not necessarily require blankets, even in cold weather. Here are some factors to help decide if your rabbit would benefit from a blanket when temperatures drop:
-
Indoor vs Outdoor Housing – Outdoor rabbits typically do not need blankets, as they have more room to move around generating body heat. Small indoor hutches can get cold, making a blanket more useful.
-
Rabbit Breed & Fur Coat – Long-haired breeds like Angoras have thick fur to retain warmth. Short-haired breeds may appreciate blankets more when indoors. Older rabbits and very young rabbits may also feel the cold more.
-
Drafty Locations – If your rabbit lives in a drafty area, blankets help conserve body heat being lost to cold air currents. Prevent drafts when possible.
-
Room Temperature – When indoor temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, your rabbit will likely appreciate some extra insulation from a blanket.
-
Individual Personality – Some rabbits enjoy burrowing into blankets, while others ignore them. Try offering one and monitor your rabbit's reaction.
Remember rabbits are sensitive to overheating. Remove blankets if your rabbit seems distressed, pants excessively, or tries to dig and chew the blanket. Making a blanket available allows your rabbit to use it as needed for warmth.
Why Do Rabbits Not Enjoy Being Wrapped in Blankets?
Many owners think to wrap their pet rabbit in a blanket for warmth, only to find the rabbit quickly wriggles free of the blanket. Here are some key reasons rabbits dislike being confined in blankets:
-
Prey Animal Instincts – As prey animals, rabbits have instincts to flee danger. Being wrapped in a blanket triggers sensations of being trapped.
-
Temperature Regulation – Rabbits need to dissipate body heat to avoid overheating. Trapping heat under a blanket makes them too hot.
-
Restricted Movement – Rabbits need freedom of movement to feel comfortable and safe. Blankets can hinder motion.
-
Hiding Spots – Rabbits feel secure having access to hiding places. Blankets may block access to their preferred covered, dark areas.
-
Chewing Access – Rabbits explore surroundings with their mouth. Blankets prevent them from nibbling freely to gain environmental information.
-
Individual Personality – Some rabbits tolerate covering better than others, but most prefer loose blankets they are free to go under or emerge from at will.
Rabbits do not enjoy the enclosed feeling of being wrapped tightly in blankets. They need self-determination of temperature regulation, freedom of motion, and access to hiding spots. It is best to simply provide blankets in their environments for optional use.
How to Offer Rabbits Blankets in Cold Weather
The best way to offer blankets to rabbits in cold weather is to provide them loose within the hutch or cage. Here are some tips:
-
Place the blanket on half the floor of the enclosure. This allows your rabbit to sit on or under the blanket while still having access to bare floor if they get too warm.
-
Utilize a blanket larger than your rabbit. Too small of a blanket will feel restricting.
-
Draping a blanket over the top of an indoor hutch can help retain heat. Avoid fully covering the cage so your rabbit has light and air circulation.
-
Check that your rabbit can easily hop out from under the blanket to prevent feeling trapped.
-
Use a ceramic space heater or heating pad under one end of large outdoor hutches to create a warmer area your rabbit can choose to sit within.
-
Provide hides or tunnels under the blankets, so your rabbit can choose to burrow under cover.
-
Use materials that resist digging and chewing to prevent your rabbit ingesting them.
-
Never fully swaddle or wrap your rabbit in a blanket. Allow freedom of movement.
Adjust blanket placement as needed to provide warming areas while allowing your rabbit to move away if they become too hot. This will encourage use and prevent overheating.
My Rabbit Keeps Digging at Her Blanket
It's common for pet rabbits to dig, pull, and chew at any blankets placed in their enclosure. Here's why your rabbit may be digging at her blanket and what to do:
-
Nesting Instinct – Digging and burrowing are natural behaviors for rabbits. They dig at blankets to create nests. Intact female rabbits may shred blankets while building nests for giving birth.
-
Boredom – Digging provides mental stimulation. Ensure your rabbit has adequate enrichment toys. Rotate new items into the enclosure frequently to maintain interest.
-
Stress Relief – Gentle digging releases pent-up energy and relieves anxiety in rabbits. Ensure she has ample space and hiding spots that make her feel secure.
-
Chewing Urge – Rabbits have a natural urge to chew. Provide plenty of hay and safe chew toys to satisfy this instinct.
-
Material Irritation – The texture of the blanket may feel irritating on sensitive rabbit feet, prompting digging. Try a different textile.
-
Disliking Restriction – Your rabbit may be digging to remove the confining blanket. Choose a larger blanket she can freely move around under.
With persistence, chewing at blankets can become a learned habit. Limit access if it continues excessively, and ensure you provide outlets for natural behaviors through enrichment. Select blanket materials that discourage digging.
How to Stop a Rabbit Digging at Blankets
If your rabbit persists in obsessively digging at or shredding her blankets, try these tactics to break the habit:
-
Remove Blanket – Take the blanket out of her enclosure for a few days to break the cycle. Reintroduce later to see if digging resumes or was a temporary phase.
-
Distraction – When you notice digging, interrupt the behavior with a toy or favorite treat to redirect her actions.
-
Textile Change – Try a different blanket material, like ceramic fiber or rubber-backed. Less inviting textures may discourage digging.
-
Scent Deterrent – Spray areas around the blanket perimeter with citrus or mint aromas rabbits find unpleasant.
-
Restrict Access – Only provide blanket when temperatures drop very low and remove once your rabbit is warm.
-
Puzzle Feeder – When placing the blanket back in, provide a puzzle feeder with hay or pellets to occupy her mind.
-
Positive Reinforcement – Verbally praise and give a treat when your rabbit rests calmly on the blanket without digging.
-
Enrich Environment – Ensure your rabbit has adequate play opportunities and hiding spots in her enclosure. A stimulating environment reduces boredom.
With patience and experimentation, you can find an approach that satisfies your rabbit's needs for warmth and comfort without destructive digging resulting.
My Rabbit Ignores Her Blanket
You diligently provided a warm, snuggly blanket for your rabbit's hutch, only to have her ignore it completely? Here are some possible reasons:
-
Too Hot – Ensure your hutch temperature is cool. Rabbits only use blankets when feeling chilled. Temps above 65°F are often too warm.
-
Dislikes Texture – Try a different fabric. Your rabbit may dislike the feel of that specific material next to her body.
-
Insufficient Room – Make sure the blanket doesn't take up the entire floor space. Rabbits need room to move off it when desired.
-
Prefers Bare Floor – Some rabbits like pressing against the cool wire or plastic flooring to disperse excess body heat.
-
Distraction – Competing items like toys, tunnels or litter boxes may divert attention from the new blanket.
-
Fear – Unfamiliar objects can seem scary to prey animals like rabbits. Introduce new items slowly.
-
No Burrowing Instinct – If your rabbit does not exhibit natural burrowing behaviors, she may not understand the blanket's purpose.
-
Personal Preference – Just as with people, some rabbits simply do not enjoy snuggling under blankets, despite our best intentions!
Keep trying different blankets and placement options to encourage use. But ultimately, accept that ignoring blankets may simply be your individual rabbit's personality quirk! As long as she has adequate housing warmth, lack of blanketing interest is not harmful.
Is Putting a Blanket Over a Rabbit Cage Safe?
Fully covering a wire rabbit cage with a blanket does pose some safety risks to be aware of. However, when done properly, placing blankets over part of an indoor cage or hutch can benefit your rabbit. Here are some key considerations:
-
Ventilation – Leave at least 25% of the wire cage uncovered to allow for air flow. Trapped air under blankets can become overheated and stuffy.
-
Access – Ensure your rabbit can easily hop out from under the blanketed area to prevent feeling confined.
-
Fire Risk – Do not use blankets near any heat lamps or other cage heat sources. Select flame-retardant materials.
-
Chewing – Some rabbits will pull down and shred loose draped blankets. Use tightly secured blankets.
-
Moisture – Wetting and soiling of non-waterproof blankets creates unsafe dampness. Use only over wire cage areas with litter boxes.
-
Weight – Avoid heavy weighted blankets or fabrics that could collapse and restrict movement if dislodged.
Check under blankets frequently for signs of digging, chewing or soiling issues. Follow basic safety guidelines and your rabbit can enjoy the additional warmth and shelter.
Why Would I Put a Blanket Over a Rabbit’s Hutch?
Here are some reasons draping a blanket over part of your indoor rabbit's wire hutch can be beneficial:
-
Adds Warmth – Blankets help insulate and retain heat when indoor temperatures get chilly.
-
Provides Security – The covered space under a blanket creates a more sheltered, den-like area rabbits enjoy resting within.
-
Limits Drafts – Blankets can buffer cold air currents in drafty rooms.
-
Reduces Stress – The enclosed hiding spot under a blanket reduces environmental stimuli and creates a soothing retreat.
-
Offers Darkness – Many rabbits prefer resting in dimly lit areas. Blankets block light.
-
Controls View – Blankets provide privacy from activities in the room that might alarm the rabbit.
-
Discourages Chewing – A wire-only cage can tempt chewing. Blankets protect vulnerable areas.
-
Muffles Noise – For sensitive-eared rabbits, a blanket can help muffle overly loud surroundings.
Just be sure to leave ample open wire areas for ventilation and easy entry and exit. Properly used, cage blankets are a simple way to create a cozy, secure nesting spot rabbits will enjoy. Monitor for chewing or elimination issues.
Are Towels Safe for Rabbits?
Towels can make nice soft flooring or bedding material for rabbits, but their safety depends on a few considerations:
-
Fabric – Terrycloth towels with loops and loose threads pose a tangling and chewing risk. Opt for tightly woven tea towels or flour sack towels instead.
-
Laundry – Only use towels washed in sensitive skin detergent and thoroughly rinsed. Any residual detergent could irritate sensitive rabbit skin.
-
Wetness – Wet towels from urination or water bottles can breed dangerous molds and bacteria. Use towels only in litter trained areas.
-
Supervision – Monitor for any digging, nibbling or pulling that could cause ingestion. Remove towels showing damage or signs of chewing.
-
Durability – Avoid worn towels with holes, tears or unraveling that could catch nails or teeth.
With sturdy, lint-free towels laundered in gentle detergent and frequently checked for damage, towels can create comfy, welcoming floors and beds for rabbits. Just take basic precautions against typical towel hazards that, while mild for humans, could harm a rabbit's delicate system.
What is the Best Towel for Rabbits?
When selecting towels for use in your rabbit's living space, choose options that prioritize safety. The best towels for rabbits are:
-
Flour sack towels – Tightly woven cotton with no surface loops or fraying edges
-
Tea towels or bar mop towels – Usually a linen/cotton blend, durable and absorbent
-
Microfiber cloths – Available in larger sizes, extremely soft with no loose fibers
-
Baby washcloths or hand towels – Plush but tightly constructed, designed for sensitive skin
-
Small bathroom rugs – Look for low-pile rugs with woven backing rather than loose loops
Avoid using old tattered dish towels, scouring cloths, terrycloth bath towels or any other material with loose weave or threads. The best rabbit towels have a smooth flat surface and adequate absorbency. Always launder towels in a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent. With the right towel choice, these materials can offer a comfy flooring addition.
I Don't Like My Rabbit Chewing on Towels
It's quite normal for pet rabbits to investigate and nibble on any new items in their environment, including towels. But excessive chewing can damage towels and poses some safety risks. Here are tips to curtail a rabbit's towel chewing habit:
-
Remove Damaged Towels – Do not leave any towels showing holes, tears, loose strings or unraveling edges that could be ingested.
-
Apply Bitter Spray – Use a pet-safe bitter anti-chew spray on towel edges to deter nibbling.
-
Limit Access – Only place towels in litter box areas or when supervising. Remove when you are away.
-
Alternative Chew Toys – Ensure your rabbit has plenty of "approved" chew toys like wood blocks to distract chewing instincts.
-
Correct Inappropriate Chewing – Say "no" firmly and remove the rabbit from the towel when caught in the act of chewing.
-
Reward Desired Behavior – Verbally praise and give a treat when your rabbit rests appropriately on the towel without chewing.
-
Remove Temptation – If chewing persists, do not use towels in your rabbit's environment. Restrict to litter-trained zones or discontinue use altogether.
With patience and alternatives to satisfy chewing urges, your rabbit can learn towels are not an appropriate chew outlet, preserving their function as cage liners.
Cleaning Towels and Blankets from a Rabbit's Hutch
Towels and blankets used in your rabbit's living environment need regular laundering to eliminate dirt, odors, hay, fur and waste particles that accumulate. Here are some cleaning tips:
-
Launder at least weekly – Towels and fabrics harbor germs. Wash all items once a week minimum even if not visibly soiled.
-
Shake outdoors first – Remove excess fur and debris by shaking items outside before washing.
-
Hot water – Use the hottest water safe for the fabric type to kill more microbes and allergens.
-
Vinegar rinse – After washing, rinse towels and blankets in 1 cup vinegar diluted in 2 gallons water to remove lingering odors.
-
Non-scented detergent – Use a gentle, hypoallergenic laundry soap without added perfumes or dyes. Prevent skin irritation.
-
Avoid fabric softener – Materials exposed to rabbit urine should not have fabric softener added that could hinder absorption.
-
Sanitize pet areas – After removing soiled towels, clean cages, floors and litterboxes with diluted bleach or other pet-safe disinfectants.
-
Air dry thoroughly – Ensure no moisture remains in towels before returning to your rabbit's enclosure to prevent mold.
Proper cleaning is essential for items used in your rabbit's environment. Take care to fully