I breed rabbits, and I’m often surprised by how often I hear would-be bunny-owners reject the pets for fear of unpleasant odors. It is true that rabbits, like all other animals, can and will produce a noticeable smell, especially if their owners are lax about hygiene. However, rabbits are not inherently stinky pets– and, when cared for properly, they have far less of an odor than most other pets.
If you a prospective pet owner concerned about rabbits’ smells, here are some points to consider.
1. Unnneutered males are the smelliest rabbits. If you absolutely can’t tolerate the idea of a smelly bunny, get either a female rabbit or a neutered male. In-tact male bunnies aren’t overwhelmingly malodorous, but they do produce a skunky, musky smell, particularly when aroused. Female rabbits have very little natural odor, so the only smell they cause is directly related to urine and feces.
2. Keep the cage clean. This should be overwhelmingly obvious, but many rabbit owners miss this very simple point in rabbit care. I’ve known many people who will complain about the smell of their rabbits’ cages, even when changing the litter only every few weeks. If you can’t make a commitment to change your rabbit’s bedding material on at least a weekly basis, don’t get a rabbit. Any animal will smell when forced to live in its own waste.
3. Use enzymatic sprays and deodorizers. Nontoxic, enzyme-based cleaning products, such as those made by Febreze, can be ideal for eliminating pet odors from carpet, floors, curtains, and cages. You may also be able to find enzymatic powders that you can mix into your rabbit’s bedding material. However, many deodorizers are toxic to rabbits, so check with the manufacturer to make sure you have a bunny-friendly product.
4. Feed and water your bunny properly. Sometimes, strong rabbit-related odors arise when a bunny’s plumbing isn’t working properly. If your rabbit’s diet contains inadequate fiber, it can make his pellets softer and more malodorous. Too little water, leading to chronic dehydration, can make urine more concentrated and can give it a high ammonia content. Make sure your rabbit gets a sufficiently fibrous diet and unlimited water, and you’ll likely notice a reduction in waste odors.
5. Maintain a generally clean-smelling house. Smells that you might blame on your bunny are often just the smells of a lived-in home. If you keep air circulating in your home– opening your windows on sunny days and keeping your ceiling fans running– you’ll notice that those “house smells” can dissipate quickly. Dust, vacuum, and sweep frequently to eliminate those stale odors. Also try enzymatic room sprays, such as Febreze air fresheners, or aromatic candles and potpourris to both eliminate and mask unpleasant pet smells.
Rabbits are ultimately not very smelly pets, and most rabbit-loving homes smell no worse than homes with cats or dogs. However, neglected cages and poor home hygiene can create bad smells from almost any animal. If your rabbit’s droppings or urine seem particularly rank, schedule a visit with a vet to eliminate underlying medical problems.