Rabbits are well-known for their adorable floppy ears, soft, cuddly bodies, and twitching noses. On top of this, they are known to be quiet. However, if you are a rabbit owner or have been near rabbits recently, you might wonder what type of noises they make. Believe it or not, rabbits can communicate in various ways, displaying that they are content, happy, angry, or sad. So, what does each of these noises mean?

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of rabbit communication and explore what your rabbit might be trying to tell you. Overall, finding out how a rabbit communicates will help you become the best rabbit parent you can be! It will also strengthen your bond and improve your relationship with your long-eared friend.

What Are the Different Types of Rabbit Noises and What Do They Mean?

 

As mentioned above, there are happy noises and upset noises. We will divide them into these categories to help you better understand them. For those pressed on time or needing a visual, we have provided an excellent video to demonstrate the sounds better.

 

Happy Rabbit Noises

 

As a rabbit owner, your ultimate goal is ensuring your fluffy friend is cared for and content. Although that may not always be the case, they should, most of the time, feel loved and secure. Let us review the noises your bun will make when they are happy.

 

1. Purring or Humming

 

If you have a cat, you know what purring looks like and how it is done (with their laryngeal muscles). However, a rabbit technically purrs (or hums) as well, but instead of using their throat muscles, they use their teeth. They gently grind or rub their teeth together, sounding like a slight popping noise, but it will be hardly noticeable.

Rabbits will do this when they want to self-soothe or feel relaxed and happy. For example, if your rabbit is stressed or anxious over something, like a loud noise or someone handled it wrong, it may purr or hum to self-soothe. Aside from that, they will do it while you pet or cuddle. Recognizing and understanding rabbit purrs will further your bond and provide them a nurturing and comfortable experience!

 

2. Clucking

 

Not all rabbits will cluck, but some do this as a sign of contentment and relaxation. They will also do this as a sign to communicate with you or their other companions for attention and curiosity. It typically sounds like a gentle hiccup or slight squeak noise and does not resemble a cluck like chickens make.

 

3. Gulping 

 

Your rabbit may gulp because it enjoys feeling well-hydrated, but it will also gulp if it gets a drink and is thirsty. It is the same way that we gulp when doing yard work outside and rehydrate ourselves with a hefty amount of water.

 

4. Squeaking or Oinking

 

Rabbits often squeak or oink as a sign of happiness, excitement, or contentment. For example, if they notice you are about to give them a treat, your bun will often make an oinking noise, indicating that they are excited to receive it. Another example might be because you are also about to play with them. Lastly, some people call this “buzzing” or “barking” as well.

Unhappy Rabbit Noises

 

All happiness and joy aside, rabbits will let you know when they are unhappy. Because they are quiet animals, you must notice these signs to ensure you make changes so they can become happy again (or happy overall.)

 

1. Hissing

 

A rabbit hissing is uncommon, but they will do it like a cat. For example, if a small dog bothers your rabbit, it will hiss as a sign of disapproval of whatever the dog is doing to them. Other reasons might be because your bun is territorial, uncomfortable, fearful, or aggressive. Of course, these reasons are most likely due to specific circumstances they have been in.  

 

2. Snoring

 

Sometimes, rabbits snore because they are in a deep sleep, but more often than not, it suggests that something is wrong with their nasal passages or that they might even have difficulty breathing.

If you suspect your rabbit is snoring (labored breathing, loud breathing, or acting restless in its sleep), consult your veterinarian. You can also provide your bun with a comfortable, well-ventilated, and allergen-free living space and invest in an air purifier to ensure the air is cleaner than usual.

Aside from that, here are a few reasons why your rabbit might experience snoring:

 

Dental Problems

 

Dental issues occur if your rabbit’s teeth are overgrown or misaligned. In this case, it is imperative to ensure they have plenty of chewing toys and snacks to prevent their teeth from growing.

 

Congestion

 

Another reason is that your rabbit might be congested in the nasal cavity. This may be due to a cold, allergies, or other respiratory issues.

 

Obesity

 

Some rabbits may have breathing issues because they are overweight. Their snoring might be because they have more throat tissue than needed in the nasal and throat passageways.

If this is the case, getting them on a stricter diet and only allowing their preferred weight is essential. For example, if you have a French Lop with an ideal weight of 10 to 15 pounds, they should not eat the same as a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit, whose weight should be between 1.1 and 2.5 pounds.

 

Sleep Position

 

Sometimes, your rabbit might position themselves in a way that can cause their airways to be blocked off, hence why they snore. If you notice it for the first time, watch and see if they do it again.

 

3. Screaming

 

Suppose your rabbit is in distress or someone is handling it wrong. In that case, it will be screaming, but not in the same way humans do. Their screams are essentially loud squeaks, and they will do it repeatedly. Other times, your rabbit will scream because it is in immediate danger, pain, or even being chased or attacked by a predator. Sometimes, that predator might even be one of your dogs!

A screaming rabbit is a rare occurrence and should be taken extremely seriously. Make sure to take prompt action before it is too late! If the screaming persists after the danger is out of the way, it is imperative to seek veterinary care immediately, as there might be an underlying issue.

 

4. Growling or Grunting

 

Rabbits will growl at you or even in general if they are in pain, feel threatened, or are annoyed at something you or something else has done. Their growling is a low, short, and low vibrated pitch. Some rabbits might do a little squeak, so if you are uncertain, make sure you check their body language.

In addition, some rabbits grunt if they are in continued distress. This is also less common, but it will sound like a higher-pitched squeak rather than a growl if rabbits do it.

Rabbits may make this sound towards their owners if they want to be left alone or do not wish to be picked up. If you are handling a rabbit while they are like this, they may attempt to bite or scratch you.

Here is a quick list of a stressed or unhappy bun’s body language:

 

• Ears flattened
• Might be hiding
• Dilated pupils
• Tense or crouches posture
• Thumping their back feet

 

5. Whimpering or Whining

 

Rabbits whimper or whine when feeling anxious, scared, or helpless. They often go into a corner or in their hut and hide somewhere. When they do this, they tell you they need space to calm down and feel safe again. Once they have calmed down and stopped making the noise from whatever has spooked them, you can try comforting your bun again and letting them know things will be okay.

 

6. Foot Stomping or Thumping

 

Lastly, we will discuss your rabbit’s foot stomping or thumping, which is typically an indicator that they sense danger or feel threatened. Another reason your rabbit may do this is because they want or need attention or something, like food or water. Make sure to tend to your rabbit’s needs during this time and help them calm down by bringing them somewhere safe and calm.

 

What Sounds Do Rabbits Make When in Pain?

 

When a rabbit is in pain, it may grind its teeth in a loud, crunchy, or harsh way. They will let you know they are in discomfort. As mentioned above, your rabbit may scream, grunt, whimper, growl, etc. However, more often than not, these noises are typically a sign of fear or aggression.

 

Will Rabbits Let You Know They Are Hungry?

 

Yes, your rabbit will, more often than not, let you know they are hungry. Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:

 

• Baby rabbits who are hungry or thirsty may have sunken in bellies.
• Baby rabbits will crawl around and become restless.
• Your rabbit might stand near the food storage area.
• Some rabbits will roll their bowl around, indicating they want some food.
• Your bun may run around or do other activities to get your attention and give them food.
• Rabbits might lick their lips to indicate they may be hungry or even thirsty.

 

Will Rabbits Make Less Noise When They Are Sick

 

More often than not, rabbits will only make less noise if they are incredibly sick. Sometimes, it is hard to tell whether a rabbit is sick in the beginning as they will more often than not act normal until they start showing symptoms. If you suspect your furry baby is ill, watch out for these signs:

 

• Their poop looks different.
• Your rabbit’s appetite changes, or they have difficulty eating.
• You notice your rabbit is drooling or their face swells up.
• Any respiratory issue signs.
• Their ears start to droop.
• Patches of fur is missing or it looks dull.
• The rabbits posture changes.
• Abnormal behavior.

Final Words

 

As you can see, a wide variety of rabbit noises all mean multiple things. Whether your rabbit is stomping their feet for your attention or purring while you pet them, it is essential to notice these signs to know what you should do to keep them healthy and happy. If you have any questions regarding rabbits, we’ve got you covered with various topics we have discussed in the past and future! We wish you the best in your rabbit journey and hope this article has helped you.