Rabbit

Rabbits are small, furry animals known for their long ears, strong back legs, and soft fur. They are friendly creatures often kept as pets or found hopping in fields and forests.

 Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Class: Mammalia

• Order: Lagomorpha

• Family: Leporidae

• Common Species: European rabbit, Cottontail, Angora rabbit

 Common Names

• Rabbit

• Bunny

• Hare (a close relative, but different)

Geographic Distribution

Rabbits live on every continent except Antarctica.
They are found in grasslands, forests, deserts, and even snowy areas.
Wild rabbits dig burrows underground, while pet rabbits live in hutches or homes.

Physical Characteristics

Rabbits are small to medium in size.
They have long ears, large eyes, and powerful back legs for jumping.
Their soft fur can be white, brown, black, or spotted.

 Popular species of Rabbits

 1. European Rabbit

This is the most common wild and domestic rabbit.
It is gray-brown with a fluffy white tail.

• Size: Medium

• Temperament: Shy, fast, social

• Diet: Grasses, vegetables

•  Needs: Deworming, clean shelter

Image showing an European rabbit standing alert in a meadow (Source:  iStock)

2. Angora Rabbit

Known for its long, woolly fur used in making clothes.
It needs regular grooming.

• Size: Medium

• Temperament: Gentle and calm

• Needs: Frequent brushing

Image showing angora rabbit with fluffy white wool (Source: Shutterstock)

 Fun facts

• Rabbits’ teeth never stop growing. They wear them down by chewing.

• A female rabbit is called a doe, a male is a buck, and babies are kittens.

• They can turn their ears to hear sounds from different directions.

• A rabbit can hop up to 3 meters in one jump.

• They sleep with their eyes open to stay alert.

Importance to Humans

• Companionship: Rabbits make sweet and quiet pets.

• Farming: Some people raise rabbits for meat or wool.

• Education: Used in school farms and petting zoos to teach kids about animals.

• Culture: Rabbits are symbols of peace, speed, and Easter.

 Health & common issues

Rabbits need fresh food, clean water, and space to hop.
They are very clean animals but can get sick without care.

Common health issues including:

• Overgrown teeth

• Ear mites

• Worms

• Respiratory infections

• Heatstroke in hot weather

Vet tips:

• Keep their cage dry and clean.

• Give them safe chew toys.

• Bring them for regular vet checkups.

 Conservation status

Most rabbits are not endangered, but some wild species like the Riverine rabbit in South Africa are critically endangered due to habitat loss.

Rabbit vs Hare

• Rabbits are smaller and live in burrows.

• Hares are larger, faster, and live above ground.

• Hares are born with fur and open eyes. Rabbits are born blind and hairless.

We care for all kinds of pets, including rabbits. You can reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital, or simply call 08143397614.