Expert: Robin Flynn - 6/16/2007

Question
Hi. My name is Sherry and I live in South Jersey (just outside AC). We have a baby bunny that we saved from our two indoor/outdoor cats. They have probably killed most of the litter so far. It has its eyes open and seems healthy. It is pretty small so I am estimating it is at least two to three weeks old. I am sure the mother is still around, however, since the cats have been bringing one to two dead babies every other day..sometimes more, we are afraid to put this one back(don't know where the nest is anyway) as we are positive it will be killed. We want to care for it as we are animal lovers and already have a host of many different pets. We did raise a possum baby from very tiny to "teenage" age as it started to get a little nasty. We had a wildlife specialist pick it up and she was amazed at how fat and healthy it was as she was expecting it to be unhealthy since most people don't understand their diets. I know they are susceptible to bone deficiencies if not cared for properly. Anyway, is it possible to care for this little guy long enough to get him a little bigger and able to care for himself if coming in contact with a predator? My kids refuse to let it get killed and we try so hard to keep the cats in as long as possible. If we care for it, what would be best to feed it? Will it be ok in a glass aquarium w/lid? We have it cuddled in a sheet right now in a cooler...(no ice) :)

Answer
HI Sherry,

It’s great to know there are other animal lovers out there who take the time to care for an animal in need. I am glad you cared enough to save this poor bunny. Personally, if I were in this situation, I would call the wildlife specialist and ask her if she can take the baby rabbit because rehab specialists really are the best people to care for a wild animal. Keeping them alive is only half the battle; you also need to be concerned about the future of the animal. We shouldn’t keep wildlife as pets unless there is no other alternative.  However, considering your past efforts she may work with you to raise the baby to a teen and instruct you on the best methods to give this rabbit the most natural life possible. I have also included a link that may answer some additional questions. It included how to move a nest in case there are other bunnies that may need your help.
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/orphan.html

The other part of this problem is the cats. I don’t recommend that people let their cats wander outside unattended or in an inclosed area but if they must I would suggest using a cat bib. Please read the information in the following link. It cuts down on the number of birds and small animal deaths and may be helpful to you. You can also try a bell on the collar to warn anaimls.

http://www.catgoods.com/product.html

For the animals,

Robin