How to get bunny to snuggle more?

[Noah]

My rabbit likes petting, and will come on my lap for treats, but she doesn’t like snuggling and will hop off my lap immediately after getting the treats. How can I get her to enjoy snuggling more? Is there a way?

[Katie]

Oh, I wish! Bunnies just don’t like to snuggle. The lot of them, that is. There are rare exceptions. But most want all 4 of their feet on the ground; as a prey animal, it helps them feel safe. To be snuggled or unable to escape? Goes against every last instinct they have, and most likely makes them feel unsafe. I long for a snuggle bunny! But we just have to understand bunnies weren’t really designed that way. Most of them, anyways.

[Deleted User]

There’s nothing you can really do about snuggling. Some bunnies love it and others don’t. Not only is it dependent on the bun and their personality, but on their level of trust with you and how long you’ve had them. How long have you had her?

I’ve had my boys for 8 months. Bombur loved to snuggle since day 1. He is the definition of a ham. He hops on the bed every night and demands his kiss and cuddle time. Asriel is very different. He doesn’t mind an occasional nose rub, but as a rule cuddles and affection are out of the question. We’ve had him since he was 7.5 weeks old. and we still don’t have that level of trust yet. I also think it’s his personality to be more independent. It really does take so much time for some buns to develop having their owner touch them. I’ve gotten Asriel to the point of being able to come over and ask for nose rubs, but it has taken months of carving an hour out of each day to be on the floor with him and just sitting there letting him do his thing.

patience.

[sarahthegemini]

Quite simply, you can’t. You cannot force your bunny to be something it isn’t.

[Noah]

I’d never want to force my bunny to be something she isn’t!!

Cinnamon likes being petted, and she likes me putting my hands on her sides in a sort of “hug”. She just doesn’t like being on my lap.

[Deleted User]

Hi Noah,

What a cute bunny! As the others have said, it is all about the personality of the bunny. Most rabbits do not like to snuggle with humans. We are so huge in comparison and that is scary for them! With time, your rabbit may come to enjoy some degree of affection toward you. She may give you some licks or sit near you. But this is something that will take time and patience to build that level of trust so that she is comfortable.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By Noah on 1/09/2018 3:07 PM

I’d never want to force my bunny to be something she isn’t!!

Cinnamon likes being petted, and she likes me putting my hands on her sides in a sort of “hug”. She just doesn’t like being on my lap.

I don’t understand the issue then. She already lets you pet and ‘hug’ her. Isn’t that enough?

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’ve had 6 different buns over the years and never had a lap bunny. They are pretty rare. However, all of my buns have enjoyed snuggling on their own terms. When I want to snuggle my buns, I lay on the floor with them. They love getting cheek and ear rubs. Sometimes I’ll even rub their little heads with my chin. They really enjoy this type of attention and will often tooth purr to show me they do.

[binkieBun]

Pet head, ears, nose areas slowly to relax the rabbit.

[Noah]

Cinnamon really likes petting. Sometimes she flops on her side while I’m petting her, which is adorable. So far she doesn’t lick me at all, but she does nudge me quite a bit. Is that a good sign?

[Author]

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