Cats and bunnies

[Jakalope]

We had two bonded bunnies for years before introducing a cat. The male bun was quite territorial and would grunt and chase the cat away when it was passing through “his territory.” Because of his aggression, and there being two bunnies against one cat, our cat has always left them alone. I could trust the cat as long as I was home, but always kept bunnies in their enclosure when I was at work. I’ve seen the cat lick the docile female bun before. She’s also laid down with them on the very edge of their blanket.

After the passing of the our male bun last week, the ecosystem dynamics in my apartment are changing. I’m less trusting of the cat now that there is one bunny out playing on her own. Now that the cat isn’t being chased off by the male bun she’s creeping closer and closer to where the bunny plays and stretches out. The rabbit seems oblivious and actually ran into the cat twice. I’m not sure if the cat wants a friend or if this is predatory behaviour, or if she’s expanding her territory to include the living room carpet.

I’ve been sitting on the floor moderating interactions but find I get nervous and frighten the cat away or stop the bunny from accidentally walking right up to the cat. When I’m around the cat will sometimes skirt around the whole area because she thinks she’s in trouble. Other times she’ll sit very close and watch the bunny playing in her tunnel. I saw her move gradually on her elbows yesterday, like she didn’t think I would notice. She seems a bit jealous about the extra attention we’re giving our bun.

I don’t want to prevent a friendship since my bun may be lonely without her mate, but I really don’t want to see her hurt as all it takes is one swat. Any experience with friending cats and rabbits? Cat has seemed like she was left out before and wanted to be in the group but now I’m not too sure.

[Wick & Fable]

It seems there’s already a history of your cat having bad experiences, relationship-wise. Since rabbits are so sensitive physically and psychologically, I’d err on the side of caution.

No experience which bonding, but I have read many stories of both success and failure to drastic degrees.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Jakalope]

Update on my zoo and how they’re getting along.

The cat has been coming close to the bunny and sleeping on the edge of the carpet near her. At first I couldn’t tell if the cat was being friendly or was hunting her. Last night the cat was literally on her elbows inching closer (she thinks she’s so sneaky). Jaime, my bun, is trusting of the cat since they’be shared space together without incident for 2 years. I’ve even left them out together at night!

Today, Jaime ran right past the cat. The cat did nothing and started to walk away, or so she wanted me to think, and then quickly changed course and darted at the bunny. Nothing happened. I scared the cat away and made sure the bun wasn’t too shaken up.

It’s surprising what a difference there is in my once trustworthy cats demeanour since our male bunny passed away. The cat probably viewed him as a threat so she was nice. Or, the cat is actually just really jealous of how much attention the Jaime is now getting.

I don’t want to have to lock the cat in our bedroom for three hours a night so the bunny can get her exercise. I’m really hoping this is the cats odd way of dealing with the loss of our male bunny and the new dynamics in the house and will adjust soon.

[sarahthegemini]

I really wouldn’t feel safe allowing the cat to be with your bunny tbh. It’s behaving is unpredictable.

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