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Cats/cat and rabbit

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Expert: - 11/30/2008


Question
I own a male cat which I rescue from the street when he was 5 months old (he hasn't been neutered yet) he's been the loveliest and most affectionated cat from the first day he entered the house (he's an indoors cat now). He is around 1 year old now. Yesterday I was given a little bunny as a present and the cat has been acting weird since then. He has even scratched my face when he had never done anything of the sort. In the morning I let him play with the bunny and smell it, I have the bunny in my room and the cat in the rest of the flat, however I'd like to let the bunny run free. In the afternoon I let them play again and the cat started playing quite rough and scaring the rabbit, tried to play like if it was a ball and throwing himself all over it. Is there any possibility of them coexisting in the same flat? I am expecting too much from my cat? The bunny is only 3 months old.

Answer
Laetitia,

Rabbits are prey, cats are predators, the behavior you are seeing is normal. It takes time, supervision and patience to have a predator and prey animal exist peacefully under one roof. Behavioral approaches like rewarding with food for gentle behavior from the cat towards the rabbit will help. This isn't an overnight fix, it will take time, patience, dedication and possibly even help from a behaviorist so start off slow and work towards what you want. Don't punish the cat for acting instinctively, cats are smart, you can train him if you work at it.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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