Rabbits are unique creatures that love doing all sorts of stimulating things. Some examples are climbing ladders, playing with toilet paper (or toilet paper rolls), finding things in mazes, and scratching on scratching posts! Yes, you heard that right.
Rabbits do indeed like using scratching posts, but it might not be in the context that you think. Scratching posts are designed to stimulate your bun’s curiosity and their desire to play and explore.
On top of this, many rabbits need to scratch, so having a scratching post is perfect to help meet those needs. However, unlike a cat that scratches to sharpen its claws, a rabbit does not need it for this reason. Because of this, you must ensure you are still trimming their nails.
In this article, we will learn all about rabbits and why they like using scratching posts. We also have a few of the best ones we found for you to check out, so we highly encourage you to continue reading for all there is to know!
Will Rabbits Use a Scratching Post?
Yes, rabbits will use a scratching post. If you have a cat tower or something similar and your rabbit is allowed to roam freely around the house, you might find they enjoy using it too!
Are There Any Benefits of Your Rabbit Using a Scratching Post?
There are many benefits for your rabbit using a scratching post!
1. Helps Their Nails
For example, a scratching post might help your rabbit’s nails become worn down so they do not get overgrown and painful. It is still important to make sure your rabbit’s nails are trimmed, but having a scratching post is an excellent way to keep your rabbit’s nails healthy.
2. Natural Behavior
On top of this, rabbit’s having a scratching post helps them with their natural desire to burrow and dig. Although it is not technically something they dig up, it still allows your rabbit to feel that sense of accomplishment.
3. Good Dental Hygiene
There are many videos on the Internet showing that the owner’s rabbit loves to chew on scratching posts as well, especially tall cat climbers. Your rabbit can benefit from doing this. First, it will be less likely to chew (and scratch) on your furniture, and second, its dental hygiene will improve due to its continuously growing teeth.
4. Entertainment
Lastly, scratching posts provide your rabbit with loads of entertainment! Your rabbit will become more playful and get more exercise in the process, especially if they jump to a higher area!
What Other Items Are Good for Rabbits to Scratch On?
Rabbits can scratch, chew, and play on a multitude of things! However, no matter what you choose to allow them to scratch on, it is imperative to make sure it is safe for them to do, as some materials or items are considered dangerous.
1. Reed Mats
Reed mats are an excellent choice for your rabbits to scratch on because they provide a lot of different forms of stimulation for your rabbit. These things include but are not limited to scratching, chewing, laying, etc. Plus, reed mats are made of 100% natural reed material, making them non-toxic and safe for any small pet to use.
2. Sisal Mats or Balls
Sisal material is made out of the fiber extracted from sisal plants. It is extremely soft and makes for an excellent bed. On top of this, it is durable and will not break easily. This is good because you can use it much longer than other safe materials for rabbits.
Lastly, sisal mats and balls are natural and made from biodegradable fiber, so when it becomes time, make sure to put them in your compost, garden, or somewhere in your backyard that would be a good fit!
3. Specific Types of Lava Rock
There are very specific rabbit lava rock scratching pads or toys that you can purchase. Most of these pads are made from natural lava rock, which is so safe to chew and scratch and great for grinding their teeth. On top of this, many lava rocks will last your bunny a fairly long time.
4. Untreated Wood Blocks
Wood blocks would be another material for your rabbit to scratch on. Make sure that everything you purchase is untreated, unsprayed, and not painted to ensure you get the best scratch and chew toy(s) possible!
5. Cardboard Boxes
Most people nowadays have a cardboard box or two (or five!) lying around their house somewhere due to all of the online store ordering we can do! Because of this, giving your rabbit a cardboard box should be utilized for their entertainment. Otherwise, you might want to invest in a cat cardboard scratcher to ensure it has all of the holes available!
6. Timothy Hay Mat
Rabbits need Timothy hay to survive, but have you ever considered buying them a Timothy hay mat? Yeah, me neither, until I realized I could simply get them a perfect mat for their environment!
Timothy hay is safe for your rabbit, makes a very comfortable bed, and provides an excellent source of fiber to help support a healthy digestive system. Plus, your bun gets a lot of entertainment and mental stimulation!
Do Rabbits Like Cardboard Scratchers?
As we know, cardboard scratchers are an excellent choice for your rabbit to have. Because of this, they rather enjoy being able to use cardboard scratchers for many of their needs.
They will even use the scratchers for hiding and sleeping, so if you want to get creative and make them a cave-like area, we highly encourage you to do that! Do not limit yourself to what is available in stores; use your imagination!
What Can I Use for My Rabbit to Dig?
Aside from scratching, rabbits love to dig, which helps them feel safe and secure by creating burrows, protecting themselves from predators (potentially loud noises, other animals in your home, etc.), and even helping regulate their body temperature. Because of this, it is essential to know what you can use to help your rabbit dig. We will create a quick list and then head straight into the best scratching posts for your rabbit.
- Hemp chips
- Shredded paper
- Hay
- Packaging paper
- Soil (if it is not compacted and used outdoors)
- Play sand (make sure it is child-safe and free of contaminants. Also, stay away from kinetic sand.)
- Cut up pieces of cardboard
What Are the Best Scratching Posts for Your Rabbits?
Now, we will discuss some of the best scratching posts your rabbit can use! Although this is not limited to what they have, it is essential to note that we have researched what we believe are the best options for your rabbit, so without further ado, let us review some fantastic products!
1. BNOSDM Rabbit Scratch Post
This particular rabbit scratching post is highly durable, and it mentioned that the material is hard to pull off, unlike other scratching posts. Even still, it will provide your rabbit with endless amounts of entertainment! It is made from high-quality sisal and is dye-free, ensuring this company is always thinking of your rabbit’s safety!
2. Niwaes Rabbit Sctatch Post
Although this is not your typical stand-up post, it still does the job of helping entertain your bunny while also saving some space in their enclosure by having the ability to go on the metal portions of it.
This post would be a perfect tool for your bun if they like roaming around the house but must go inside the cage during the evenings. It will help them not get bored and provide plenty of stimulation. The material used is natural sisal, just like the abovementioned scratching post.
3. SmartyKat Sisal Angle Ramp Cat Scratcher
Although this scratcher is technically not a “post” and is labeled for cats, it is perfect for rabbits because they can lift their hind legs up (if small enough), which gives them a bit of exercise while they scratch up on the ramp. The ramp does have some embedded catnip, but it should not negatively affect rabbits, as they can still have a bit without it harming their bodies.
4. Fhiny Rabbit Scratch Toy
This particular toy is also not a specific scratching post, but it has a half of a circle shape with a ball in it! This toy is good for rabbits as it helps them to sharpen their teeth and paws. It is also a great way to stimulate their brains and create less boredom or even depression. The scratch toy’s material is made from natural sisal and cardboard, making it safe and durable for your rabbit to enjoy for a long time!
What Are the Best Scratching Pads for Your Rabbits?
Scratching posts are very good for your rabbits, but some people who want to save space or even find something to lay on might want to consider a scratching pad or mat. In this case, it is good for many things, including their teeth, resting, and scratching paws.
1. Oncpcare 2PCS Rabbit Scratch Mat
This scratch mat is made of 100% natural sisal fiber and comes in a pack of two! If you have multiple rabbits, placing them in different areas of their cage would be perfect to ensure multiple rabbits can use it. It can also easily be vacuumed and brushed, making sure it remains hygienic for you and your fluffy friend!
2. Hamiledyi 2PCS Rabbit Scratching Pads
As mentioned previously, rabbits can have natural lava scratching pads and posts, so this is one that they can easily use that will be durable and remain clean for your rabbit to use! It is the perfect tool to grind your rabbit’s nails down and it will provide them with plenty of stimulation.
3. PODOO Bunny Scratch Pads
Being another high-quality sisal rabbit scratch pad, Podoo comes in two packs, creating a long-lasting experience for any of your rabbit’s needs. It does it all, whether they need to lay, scratch, or chew!
4. Cynailli 4 Pcs Rabbit Scratcher Mat
For those who have more than one rabbit, this four-pack mat is just what your bunnies need! It is made out of 100% natural hay, and the woven design provides a lot of ventilation while still being a high-quality material. Plus, you can easily clean the mat, ensuring your rabbit has a clean environment.
Final Thoughts
To summarize everything, rabbits can use scratching posts, even if you have cats and a tall cat tower! Because of this, the options of what they can and cannot have are endless!
It is important to ensure that your rabbit cannot fall or jump off a high place, however. Even if you were to go down the cat tower route, it might be a safer bet to make sure they are on the smaller side.
We hope this article has helped you! If you have more questions about rabbits or anyone else who might want or need help, we highly encourage you to check out and share our other rabbit articles for more information.
