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Introducing Rabbits to Your Fur Kids Guide

Pet Care Tips 3 min read

Are you wondering whether you can introduce a bunny to your existing family with cats and dogs? While it’s always exciting to add a new fur kid into the mix, rabbits have quite different needs than other fur kiddos. They’re prey animals, which means their natural instinct is to run – while your dog or cat has an instinct to chase. To make sure everyone has a good, safe time, you should first learn some tips to navigate those first introductions!

#1 Create a Neutral Zone

As they say, first impressions are everything. This holds true for our fur kiddos, too! Begin introductions in a neutral space where pets won’t feel territorial. So, instead of near food, toys, or beds, choose an area in the home without any “resources” to guard. For the first meetings, keep your new bun inside a secure enclosure or exercise pen, and keep your dog or cat on a leash. This allows them to sniff and see each other without the risk of a sudden chase.

#2 Decode Their Body Language

Pets are constantly communicating through body language

Pets are constantly communicating through body language, and it’s important to pay attention. Watch your dog for high tension or “hyper-focus” and your cat for crouching. If anyone seems overwhelmed, end the session and try again the next day. Short, positive interactions are much better than one long, stressful one.

#3 Scent Swap

Before they even meet face-to-face, let them get used to each other’s scents. Swap their bedding or use a soft cloth to rub one pet and then place it near the other. This helps them identify the new family member as a friend rather than a stranger, making the actual physical introduction much less shocking for everyone involved.

#4 Understand that Not All Pets Can Live Peacefully

Some pets simply aren’t going to get along well. For instance, certain breeds of dog are quite literally bred to chase small furry animals. This includes breeds like retrievers, terriers, and more. Also, younger dogs still considered puppies aren’t as good at regulating their instincts. You should hold off until they are older and proven to be calmer. Likewise, cats that have strong hunting instincts (bringing you their prey, for example) may not be ideal candidates.

For the same reason, spayed and neutered pets are often better candidates for a bunny because they tend to be a bit more chill.

#5 Supervise, Supervise, Supervise

Even if they seem like best friends after a while, never leave a rabbit alone with a dog or cat. Accidents can happen in a split second if a predatory instinct kicks in or if a bunny gets spooked. Always be present to moderate their playtime and ensure that the bunny has a “safe zone” or a hiding spot where the other pets cannot reach them.

Welcoming a New Bunny into Your Home

Always make sure to have a plan and know your pets well before introducing a new bunny.


This is incredibly important, because rabbits have been known to get long-term health effects from stress. However, with patience and care, it is possible to successfully integrate rabbits into the home. When in doubt, check in with your vet or a pet behaviourist to understand whether it will be too great of a risk for any of your fur kiddos.

If your pet needs a little extra zen when introducing a new big-eared family member, you can add NHV Matricalm. While it is not a replacement for supervision or carefully controlled introductions, it may help ease an excitable dog or cat in the weeks following a bunny meeting. It is a vet-formulated and 100% natural support with herbs like chamomile and passion flower, which have been used for centuries in herbalism to support relaxation.

Need support or have questions about reducing stress in pets? Reach out to our Pet Experts using the chat button below!

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: April 7, 2026

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