The Best Bunny Proofing Tips: Keeping Your Rabbit and Home Safe

So, you’ve welcomed an adorable bunny into your home—congrats! Now comes the fun part: bunny-proofing. Bunnies are curious and mischievous little creatures that love to explore, chew, and dig. While their antics are cute, they can also lead to some not-so-cute damage around your home. Not to mention, some household items can be dangerous for your fluffy friend.

To help you keep both your bunny and your home safe, here are some of the best bunny-proofing tips.

1. Protect Cables and Wires

Bunnies love to chew, and unfortunately, electrical cords are often at the top of their list. Not only can this be expensive to fix, but it can also be extremely dangerous for your bunny.

Tips:

• Use cord protectors: Cover all exposed wires with split loom tubing or plastic spiral wrap. These are inexpensive and widely available at most hardware stores.
• Hide cords: Whenever possible, tuck cords behind furniture or run them along the top of baseboards where your bunny can’t reach them.
• Elevate power strips: Mount power strips out of your bunny’s reach to prevent them from being chewed on.

2. Block Off Dangerous Areas

Bunnies are natural explorers, and they’ll happily squeeze into any space they can fit their fluffy bodies into. These areas can be dangerous if they’re not bunny-proofed.

Tips:

• Use baby gates: Block off rooms or areas where you don’t want your bunny to roam. Look for gates with small enough gaps that your bunny can’t slip through.
• Cover gaps and nooks: Check behind furniture, under cabinets, and in tight corners for any gaps your bunny could sneak into. Seal them with wood, plastic, or metal mesh.
• Securely store chemicals: Make sure all cleaning supplies, insecticides, and other chemicals are stored in cabinets or areas your bunny can’t access.

3. Protect Furniture and Baseboards

Chewing is a natural behavior for rabbits, but that doesn’t mean your furniture and baseboards have to suffer.

Tips:

• Apply bitter sprays: Use pet-safe bitter sprays on baseboards and furniture legs to deter chewing. Test a small area first to make sure it doesn’t stain.
• Provide alternatives: Make sure your bunny has plenty of chew toys to keep them busy. Wooden toys, cardboard, and hay cubes are great options.
• Use corner protectors: Attach plastic corner protectors to furniture legs and the edges of baseboards to prevent them from becoming chew toys.

4. Cover Carpets and Floors

Rabbits love to dig, and your carpet may become their favorite digging spot. Plus, accidents can happen, so protecting your floors is key.

Tips:

• Use rugs and mats: Lay down rugs, mats, or carpet tiles in areas where your bunny spends most of their time. These are easier to clean and can be replaced if they get too worn.
• Provide a digging box: Give your bunny a dedicated spot to dig by creating a digging box filled with shredded paper or hay. This can help redirect their energy away from your carpet.
• Choose bunny-friendly flooring: If you’re renovating or setting up a dedicated bunny space, consider flooring like tile, vinyl, or linoleum, which are easier to clean and less tempting to dig into.

5. Secure Your Houseplants

Many houseplants are toxic to rabbits, so it’s essential to keep them out of reach. Some of the most common toxic plants to avoid include lilies, azaleas, tulips, and ivy.

Tips:

• Elevate plants: Place plants on high shelves or hang them from the ceiling to keep them out of your bunny’s reach.
• Use plant barriers: If you have floor plants, surround them with decorative fencing or place them in a room your bunny doesn’t have access to.
• Choose bunny-safe plants: Opt for rabbit-safe plants like spider plants, Boston ferns, or Christmas cacti if you want some greenery within your bunny’s reach.

6. Create a Safe Bunny Space

Designating a safe, bunny-friendly area in your home can help keep both your rabbit and your belongings protected.

Tips:

• Set up an enclosure: Use a playpen or large exercise pen to create a safe zone for your bunny. Line it with bunny-safe flooring and fill it with toys, food, water, and a litter box.
• Bunny-proof the space: Even within their designated area, ensure that all wires, furniture, and other potential hazards are properly bunny-proofed.
• Supervise free-roaming time: When your bunny is out and about, keep a close eye on them to prevent any mischief.

Final Thoughts

Bunny-proofing your home might seem like a big task, but it’s well worth it for the safety of your furry friend. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your bunny stays safe while still enjoying the freedom to explore.

Remember, every bunny is different, so take some time to observe your rabbit’s behavior and adjust your bunny-proofing efforts as needed. With a little patience and creativity, you and your bunny can enjoy a happy, safe home together!