Humans and animals can experience and feel love in a multitude of ways. However, regardless of how humans do it, whether we give gifts to our loved ones or hug them, animals are entirely different when experiencing love. In this case, we may ask, “If rabbits can feel love, how?”

There are many ways rabbits can indeed feel love. Some actions a rabbit might do is groom their owners, want to be pet, circle your feet, or even purr when you pet them! Regardless of what a rabbit does, as long as you love them properly, they will show you their affection however they deem fit.

Remember, all rabbits have different personalities, so if one rabbit is more affectionate than the other, it does not mean they love you less. Because of this, it is vital to notice what cues they use and to utilize that time they wish to display their love back to you.

This article explains how rabbits feel love and how you can show that you love them back. We encourage you to continue reading for further information.

How Are Some Ways Rabbits Feel Love?

 

Suppose you have a cat or dog that shows you affection differently. For example, your dog might show affection by wagging its tail for several minutes after you get home from school or work. However, rabbits can show their love for you differently than other animals. Let us review them in depth to understand your bunny’s behavior better.

For those short on time, we have provided you with a short 8-minute video explaining the topics we will discuss below.

 

1. Rabbits Circle Around Your Feet

 

Rabbits are typically excited to see their owners, especially if they have not seen them all day! Because of this, your rabbit may start to circle its feet as a sign that it is happy to see you. This is a way for them to interact with you! On top of them circling you as their owner, they will also do this as a sign of courtship with their other companions or owners. It can also mean they are being territorial, but this occurrence is less common than what we mentioned above.

 

2. They Want to Be Pet

 

All pets who love their owners will essentially want to be pet! If you find them coming up to you and nudging your hand with their noses or if their head is lower to help you pet them better, these are clear indicators that your rabbit wants to be pet and that you show affection to them.

Sometimes, your rabbit may sit or stand next to you, showing they are comfortable enough to be nearby and would love some affection. You might notice them closing their eyes as a sign of being content or relaxed. It helps you know your rabbit feels safe and loved, reassuring you that you are excelling at raising your furry baby!

 

3. Your Rabbit Binky When They See You

 

If you are a parent, the first thing that comes to mind is a pacifier. However, when a rabbit does a binky, they are essentially leaping into the air with a big burst of energy! Your rabbit jumps in the air while twisting their bodies and kicking their hind legs. This would be the equivalent of your cat purring because they are happy or your dog wagging its tail and smiling at you.

 

4. They Groom You

 

When your animals lick or groom you, it means they feel love. On top of this, they consider you part of their social pack, meaning they will be happy to groom you and make you “clean” in their eyes.

In addition, rabbits can sometimes do this to mark their scent, allowing them to know you are “theirs.” Sometimes, licking is a trait your rabbit may use to assert dominance, but mostly, when they do it to their owners, it is purely for affectionate reasons.

 

5. Rabbits Will Purr When You Pet Them

 

When you think of an animal purring, you automatically assume it is like a cat purr. However, rabbits purr with their teeth instead of using their laryngeal muscles. Rabbits will lightly click their teeth together, continuously showing their happiness. Sometimes, they will do it while also dreaming of good things. Here is an excellent video showing a rabbit purring, beginning at 3:24.

 

6. Rabbits Will Lay Next to You

 

When a rabbit lies next to you, they trust you enough to know that no random surprises will occur. For example, rabbits may be more afraid of children because they do certain things that scare small animals, mainly because these instances arise out of nowhere. Because of this, rabbits will most likely not lay next to your child unless they know nothing bad will befall them.

So, consider it an honor if your rabbit comes up and sits beside you! They trust and love you enough to know you will gently pet or hang out with them. Rabbits are social animals, to begin with, so this will naturally happen when they begin to form a better relationship with you.

 

7. They Sit On Your Lap

 

Not all rabbits will sit on your lap, but if you let them, they will gladly come over and lay on you like cats do. Some rabbits enjoy cuddling with you while you sleep even, so make sure you remain still enough for them to do that. If you want your rabbit to lay on you, spend enough time with them and create that bond to ensure you get the best out of your rabbit.

Different Ways You Can Help Your Rabbit Know You Love Them

 

Aside from all of the different ways rabbits feel love and show affection to their owner, you must learn how to be affectionate towards them as well. Rabbits are very sensitive creatures, so if you are going to be jumpy and loud, then there is a high possibility that they will not like you as much as if you were quiet and moved slowly towards them.

It is also a good idea to allow your rabbit to sniff your finger to get ahold of your scent and help them become more comfortable with their new surroundings, especially if you are a new bunny owner.

 

1. Handle Your Rabbit Gently

 

Gently handling your rabbit is a given. Still, as mentioned before, if you are jumpy or make sudden movements while handling your rabbit, they will most likely become afraid and even scratch you if you are not careful.

Another thing to consider is never holding your rabbit by its ears, as this will hurt it. Although you may have seen this in the past with cartoons or somewhere else, if someone were to come up to you and grab your ear and then proceed to attempt to hold you up, it would hurt tremendously! You can say the same when it comes to rabbits.

The best way to handle your rabbit correctly and safely is always to support them on their bottom and back. Make sure one hand is under their chest while the other hand is under their buttocks. In addition, hold them close to your chest to prevent any falls from occurring. This will also help your rabbit trust you more and create a sturdier relationship between you.

 

2. Watch Out for Happy Bunny Signs

 

When your rabbit shows you signs of happiness, you know you are doing things right! Here are things you need to look at:

 

• Ears perked up (or neutural)
• Body language is relaxed
• Their nose twitches
• They do binkies (as mentioned above)
• Chinning (where they rub their chins on you – also known to be them marking their territory on someone or something.)
• Curiosity takes over
• Purring (as mentioned above)
• Your rabbit lays on its side
• They have a healthy appetite

 

3. Ensure Cuddles Are a Positive Experience

 

As mentioned above, make sure you are holding your rabbit properly. A positive experience is approaching your rabbit slowly and quietly so it can get used to your presence, especially if you recently got it.

When you want to cuddle with your rabbit, it is also important to gently pet them on the head or neck first. Also, make sure to offer them treats with your hand. However, if your rabbit does not take the treat from your hand, then lay it beside you and gradually work your way up to that.

Lastly, observe your bunny’s body language. If it seems to distance itself from you, take a break and try again later.

 

4. Let Your Rabbit Come to You

 

You never want to force your rabbit to have a relationship with you. However, you can get them used to being around you by being in the same room as them. For example, if you are a gamer and wish to have a rabbit, then make sure they stay in the same room as you.

That way, they can get used to your voice, and you can casually talk to them like you are talking to a friend. However, in this specific instance, make sure you are not super loud if the game is getting intense. Otherwise, you might scare it, making them feel more scared and not come near you due to seeing you as a threat.

Other simple things to do are offer your rabbit treats, hand feed, and observe their body language. Some specific techniques people use are crinkling or shaking the bag of treats to get their attention and a positive response. Also, associate yourself with good things, like each time you approach them, they will get a head scratch or treat.

 

5. Provide Safe Toys for Your Rabbit to Play With

 

Toys are an excellent way to make your rabbit happy and show love for them! After all, if your rabbit is happy, you will not have much to worry about! You can provide them with many toys from the store or even make your own with specific types of cardboard. In doing so, you are giving them plenty of enrichment to ensure they are not bored or unhappy. Make sure to offer different things, like hiding spots, tunnels, chew toys, and more.

 

6. Give Your Bun Plenty of Space to Roam Around

 

Suppose you have a small cage for your rabbit. In that case, it will not get the exercise it needs. That is why giving them plenty of space to roam around is essential. Whether you buy a playpen for outdoors or allow them to wander around the house, this is essential for their overall well-being.

 

7. Provide Your Rabbit With a Companion

 

As mentioned earlier, rabbits are very social animals. If you have to work long hours or do not have as much time as you thought, it is wise to provide them with another companion. Those looking into getting a rabbit can do this while you are at the store.

However, make sure to get the same gender. Otherwise, you will have 100 baby rabbits before you know it, which would not be good! You can also spay or neuter them when they reach maturity. Doing this also helps your rabbit live longer as well.

 

Signs of an Unhappy Rabbit

 

Now that we have discussed how you can tell if your rabbit feels love, there are some signs to be aware of that show that they are unhappy. If you feel this way, the best thing to do is give them space, provide hiding spots and enrichments, and ensure their clean environment. In addition, make sure to give them plenty of attention and reassure them that things will be okay.

Given that information, here are some signs to watch out for when your rabbit is not happy:

 

• Your rabbit might circle or pace around their enclosure
• Their ears are constantly flattened
• Your bunny will always run or move away when you attempt to pet them
• Body language is tense
• Posture is hunched over
• Excessive licking
• May bite you or others as a sign of feeling threatened or in distress

Conclusion

 

While rabbits do not express being able to feel love like humans do, there are so many ways you can tell they do. On top of this, it is important to ensure you are doing the same things that will help form that bond in return. If you have any more questions regarding rabbits, we highly encourage you to view our other rabbit articles here.