Christmas is a time to treat those we love, pets included! But it can be difficult to know what to gift them. If you’re trying to choose the perfect present to get your pet rabbit hopping with joy, but are stuck for inspiration, you need to check out our list of the top 10 rabbit Christmas presents.

1. Christmas Cards

Don’t forget to add your rabbit to the Christmas card list! You can get cards personalised with their name or a photo of them on the front. Get the kids involved with creating a handmade card for their bunny. There are also cards you can buy for pet parents designed to be from their rabbit. Why not get creative and have a go at a festive family photoshoot and get your favourite photo printed on a pack of cards to give to your family and friends.

2. Festive Toys

Rabbits love to play and they can never have too many toys! Popular Christmas-themed toys include tree shaped gnaw toys, chewable Christmas crackers, or a festive activity post. Hanging mobile toys make great presents for rabbits as they’re naturally curious. You can attach the mobile to the top of their enclosure for them to investigate. Hanging toys made from natural materials like wood and wicker are the safest.

Avoid items that have been glued together as your rabbit will chew all parts of the toy. Make sure the gifts you buy are rabbit-safe and suitable for their size and age.

While it may be fun to watch your rabbit unwrap a present, it’s not safe for them to eat all that paper. If they consume wrapping paper, sticky tape or swallow ribbons, it could cause an obstruction that would need immediate veterinary attention. No one wants to make an emergency visit to the vets on Christmas day!

3. Christmas Treats

We all love to indulge in some edible treats over the Christmas holidays, and so will your rabbit. But too many treats are not good for them. So how can you extend their enjoyment in a safe and healthy way? There are many treat dispensing toys that make your rabbit work to get to their prize. Treat balls require your rabbit to roll it around for the treats to fall out, which keeps them active and stimulated.

Similarly, food puzzle toys require them to work out where the treats are hidden, which is mentally stimulating and means they can’t gobble down all their treats at once. Forage boxes that have to be chewed through before your rabbit can reach the treat are another bunny favourite. Slowing down your rabbit’s eating will help to prevent choking and digestive problems and extends their enjoyment.

When choosing treats, make sure they’re suitable for rabbits. You can buy biscuit sticks and chews, or for a healthier option, just cut up some of your rabbit’s favourite fruit and vegetables. Never give your rabbit chocolate or nuts as they are toxic for them. If your introducing new foods, make sure you do it slowly so you don’t cause any tummy upsets.

4. A Christmas Stocking

Bring your rabbit some festive joy with a stocking on Christmas morning. You can buy a pre-filled stocking or have a go at filling one yourself. Include rabbit-friendly toys and treats to keep them busy. You can buy personalised stockings with their name and photo on the front, or if you’ve got the crafting bug, you could design the outside of the stocking yourself with a festive rabbit design.

5. Advent Calendar

Did you know you can get advent calendars designed specifically for rabbits? Each window contains a small rabbit treat. So now the whole family can receive a daily treat in the run up to Christmas! Just make sure you don’t share your chocolate advent calendar with your rabbit because chocolate is toxic for them.

6. Christmas Bedding and Bowls

New bedding or bowls are great practical Christmas presents for a rabbit, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. You can get beds, blankets, bowls and water bottles with a festive print or, for an even more exciting gift, why not buy a festive shaped hideaway like a snowman or brussels sprout? Seeing their little face peering out of a sprout is sure to bring joy and laughter. Make sure the size of the hideaway or bed you buy is appropriate for the size of your bunny.

7. Hutch and Run Upgrades

If you feel like going all out, Christmas is a great time to treat your bunny to a housing upgrade. There are many shapes and sizes to choose from. Introduce another floor or additional sections to give them more places to explore and hide. Add in some more ramps or steps for an extra workout that will help to keep your bunny in great shape.

You could also expand their run, giving them more room to roam around in. Add in play tunnels and fun hideaways for them to explore. A digging pit is sure to bring your rabbit joy as digging is a natural instinct. It’s also much safer than them digging up your garden and possibly escaping.

If you have an indoor rabbit, a small cat tower is a great gift idea. They have varied levels that your rabbit can hop up and down on, and a hideaway section where they can hide in or go for a nap. Some towers also have toys hanging from them, which your rabbit will enjoy playing with. Just make sure it’s not too tall, so if your rabbit accidentally falls off, it’s not from a great height.

8. Festive Outfits

As a rabbit lover, you may be delighted to know that your companion can join in with festive outfits. Christmas jumpers are the most popular choice but there are also hats or bow ties. Not all rabbits will be happy to be put in clothing, so don’t force them to wear it. They may find it too restricting or the fabric irritating. Also be aware that they’ll probably get too hot wearing it indoors. So, it’s best to keep the outfits for a cute little photo shoot and then take them off again.

9. Harness and Leash

If you want to let your bunny explore outside but are worried about them running off, a leash and harness would be the perfect Christmas presents for your rabbit. They provide a way for your rabbit to exercise outside without the risk of danger. Experiencing all the new sights and sounds is great for their mental wellbeing.

It can take a while to get your rabbit used to wearing a harness and lead, so introduce it slowly. Start off indoors so you’re not exposing them to too much at once. When they’re happy and comfortable using it inside, you can start to use it outside. Don’t take your rabbit for walks outside of your garden as they’ll be exposed to dogs, cats, cars and other dangers that may lead to injuries and will cause stress.

Some rabbits may never get used to wearing a harness and lead, and it may stress them out having it on. If you notice signs of stress or discomfort in your rabbit, remove the harness immediately.

10. Other Kinds of Rabbit Gifts

There are many great gift ideas for rabbit lovers like cards, baubles, clothing, mugs, cushions, keyrings, ornaments, pillowcases, and tea towels… the list goes on! These can be personalised with your pet’s name or photo. Custom pet portraits are another popular gift for pet owners. They can be drawn or painted by local artists, or you can have a go at creating one yourself.

Whatever you decide to buy your rabbit this Christmas, make sure it’s rabbit safe and suitable for their age and size. Be aware that all the extra fuss and noise may become too much for your rabbit, so make sure they have a place they can retreat to away from it all.

Stick to their normal routine as much as possible, and don’t let them overindulge on Christmas goodies. Anything new, like a harness or clothing, should be introduced slowly and don’t continue if they become stressed. The most important gift to your rabbit at Christmas is time spent with you.

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your young rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

Get a quote

 

Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Lapis – www.vetlexicon.com/treat/lapis

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.