Company for pet rabbits
Rabbits depend on company for comfort and safety. Having at least one other rabbit to bond with is crucial for their overall health and happiness.
On this page you’ll discover why rabbits need companions, how to choose a suitable friend and bond them safely, how to help them with grief, as well as about rabbits’ relationships with other animals and people.
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Why rabbits need a companion
Rabbits are a highly social species, yet 42% of pet rabbits in the UK lived alone in 2024. They need companionship just as much as they need a healthy diet and suitable environment.
As naturally social creatures, rabbits can suffer when kept alone, even developing abnormal behaviours without a companion. When they’re kept with a suitable companion, they tend to feel happier, safer, calmer and are less prone to stress. Bunnies need buddies. Two rabbits together can become best friends, if bonded appropriately.
Though rabbits can live alone in certain circumstances (such as when advised by a vet or qualified behaviourist) we always encourage keeping rabbits with a suitable companion wherever possible, as rabbit companionship is essential to their physical and mental wellbeing.
Choosing a suitable companion
One rabbit needs another rabbit (at least), unless you're advised otherwise by a vet or qualified animal behaviourist. A good combination is a neutered male and a neutered female, as neutering reduces the likelihood of fighting in both sexes.
When adopting rabbits from a rescue centre, the bonding process (as well as sexing and neutering) will already be done.
If you’re an experienced rabbit owner, it may be possible to bond same-sex pairs, or even larger groups of rabbits. However, success of bonding depends on more than owner experience alone – each rabbit’s personality, temperament, and compatibility with others will influence how well a bond develops. Although same-sex pairings are not uncommon, there’s a higher risk of these bonds failing, which may result in rabbits having to be returned to the shelter or rehomed (this doesn’t apply to same-sex pairs who are already happily living together – these rabbits shouldn’t be separated).
When choosing a suitable companion for your rabbit, consider the following:
- Temperament: A rabbit’s personality plays a key role in successful bonding. While some rabbits with different temperaments may form strong bonds, it’s important to choose rabbits whose personalities are compatible.
- Age: Some younger, more energetic rabbits prefer the company of other young and playful rabbits. Likewise, some older rabbits are better suited to other older rabbits.
- Size: Try to choose rabbits of similar size, so the larger one doesn’t accidentally injure the smaller one.
- Sex: Make sure you know the sex of each rabbit. Learn how to identify rabbit sex here.
- Neutering: Ensure they’re both neutered – especially if you have a rabbit of each sex – to prevent unwanted litters and reduce aggressive behaviours. Read more about the health benefits of rabbit neutering here.
Did you know?
Sometimes rabbits mount one another.
Even after they’ve been neutered, as this isn’t just a sexual behaviour, but a way of establishing dominance.
How to safely bond rabbits
When introducing new rabbits to each other, do so gradually and with supervision, preferably in a neutral space that's new to both rabbits. Make sure to speak to a vet for more detailed advice before attempting to bond rabbits.
Rabbits brought up together may form strong bonds, but this doesn’t guarantee they’ll always get along. When introducing rabbits for the first time, they may display territorial or aggressive behaviours. Rabbits often form a hierarchy with some individuals becoming more dominant than others. Learn the signs of successful and unsuccessful rabbit bonding below. Ask your vet for advice, or talk to a qualified animal behaviourist if you're unsure or have problems.
If you’re adopting a single rabbit to bond with your existing rabbit, carry out the bonding process in your home instead of at the RSPCA branch or centre you’re adopting from. This will allow your newly adopted rabbit to adjust to their new home while being introduced to their potential companion. It also protects the welfare of your existing rabbit, who’d otherwise have to go through the stress of travel and moving into new housing at the centre.
A few things to remember when bonding rabbits:
- Give them a safe place: Somewhere they can escape to. Rabbits should always have the ability to move away from another rabbit and avoid unwanted interactions.
- Provide plenty of resources: Such as shelter, food, water, toys and hiding places – enough for every rabbit at all times.
- Supervise them at all times: They need constant supervision for any signs of fighting or stress.
- Handle them carefully: Learn how to safely and securely handle your rabbits.
Sadly, rabbits can suffer from injuries and severe stress if they aren’t introduced to each other correctly or they’re incompatible. Poor introductions can also cause rabbits to have negative associations with other rabbits, which may mean they’ll struggle to bond with other rabbits in the future.
How to introduce rabbits
To give your introduction the best chance of success, follow our step-by-step guide below.
1. Ensure the rabbits are healthy
Take your rabbits to the vets to ensure they’re healthy and ready to be paired. This includes getting them vaccinated and checked for parasites
2. Ensure both rabbits are neutered
As the ideal coupling is a male and female rabbit together (learn how to correctly sex rabbits here), before they meet, ensure both rabbits are neutered. Neutering can reduce the likelihood of fighting in both male and female rabbits, prevent reproductive cancers and will prevent accidental litters. Read more about the benefits of rabbit neutering here.
Give male and female rabbits time after their neutering surgery to heal before bonding them with another rabbit (and note that male rabbits can take up to six weeks to become sterile after neutering).
3. Start with side-by-side enclosures
Separate side-by-side enclosures help the rabbits to get familiar with each other from a safe distance. Provide a barrier (such as secure mesh or wire) between their enclosures that lets them see and smell each other and lie side-by-side, but avoids them nipping each other. Each rabbit must be able to hide or move away from the other whenever they want, so ensure they have constant access to hiding places.
This will be their permanent enclosure until they’re able to be mixed, so ensure they both have enough space, shelter, hay, enrichment and resources. Placing litter trays, food and water near the divider can help your rabbits build positive associations with each other.
Experiencing some difficulties in the beginning is normal. Once they seem comfortable in each other's presence, try swapping some of the rabbits' nesting materials over, or gently rubbing a cloth over one rabbit and then the other to transfer scent.
4. Prepare a neutral area
Create a safe space separate from their enclosures, smaller than their required living space size of 3m x 2m x 1m, to help supervise interactions. Size can be increased over time once the rabbits become more comfortable with each other. This area needs to be neutral; either somewhere neither rabbit has been housed before, so there’s no smell of either rabbit, or thoroughly cleaned if one rabbit was living in it before. Rabbit-proof the area, removing potential hazards and dangerous items, ensuring there are no spaces one rabbit can get backed into and become stuck or trapped.
Once the rabbits are comfortable with the sight and smell of each other in separate enclosures, introduce them for short periods in the neutral area. Make sure to:
- Keep the area empty: During the first few introductions, provide distractions by scattering nuggets and tasty forage or greens around the floor – these can also help to encourage calm, positive interactions. If the introductions are going well, introduce toys, hiding places, tunnels, and so on. Make sure there are enough for both rabbits, to reduce competition and prevent territorial behaviour.
- Supervise the rabbits: Keep an eye on them the entire time.
- Keep an eye on their behaviour: While some behaviours, such as brief mounting or chasing, are normal during introductions, don’t let them go too far. If they're repeatedly mounting each other's heads or showing severe or persistent aggression towards each other, separate them immediately to stop injury. Be careful when doing so, so you don’t injure yourself.
If the bonding is going well, gradually increase the time the rabbits are together during daily supervised sessions. When they’re consistently relaxed and comfortable in the neutral space with no conflict or tension, move them into their joint home, under supervision at first (ensure it has been thoroughly cleaned to make it neutral if another rabbit lived in it previously). Only when they’re showing positive behaviours towards each other in that space can they be safely left alone.
If the rabbits you’re trying to bond aren’t getting along, try not to worry – they might simply need more time. You may even need to go back a step, keeping them in separate side-by-side enclosures so they have longer to get used to each other. However, it could also mean they're not a compatible pairing. Find out the signs of positive and negative behaviour during the bonding process below. If you're concerned about your rabbit's behaviour, ask your vet.
Signs your rabbits are getting along
Rabbits need time to get used to one another. Their bond may be instant, or grow gradually.
Look out for these signs and positive behaviours to see whether or not your rabbits are getting along well:
- Sitting or lying side by side (even when the barrier is between them)
- Grooming each other (especially around the face)
- Eating next to each other
- Seeking out each other for positive interactions
- Behaving normally together (eating, drinking, exploring, grooming themselves, etc)
- Spending time together, relaxed and comfortable, even if they are not directly next to each other
Signs of conflict and incompatibility
Not all rabbits will get along. It may be immediately obvious that they’re incompatible companions, or signs may take time to show. Even bonded rabbits can experience a breakdown of their bond at any point in their relationship.
Look out for these signs or negative behaviours to see whether or not your rabbits are getting along well:
- Persistently chasing each other or continuous, fast circling
- Excessive mounting
- Fighting (standing up and boxing each other)
- Growling or grunting
- Excessive fur-pulling
- Biting
- Charging or lunging at each other with ears flat against their body
- Kicking each other
If your rabbits aren’t bonding
That’s okay, it happens. It doesn’t mean they should live alone; instead, try an alternative pairing. Stay in touch with the RSPCA branch or centre your rabbit(s) were adopted from. They can give you further advice, explore alternative pairing options, or discuss next steps if the bonding process isn’t working out. You may also like to consider using a rabbit bonding service. If you do, make sure you research it thoroughly to ensure they use welfare-focused bonding methods.
What to do once they’re bonded
If your rabbits have successfully bonded – congratulations! Now you’ll want to keep it that way. Here are our tips for maintaining the peace:
- Ensure they still have space and resources: Even though they’re friends now, they still need space to move away from each other when they choose, and enough toys and other enrichment items for the both of them.
- Stick to a routine: Keep to a routine and don’t change the layout of their environment unless it’s essential. This will help your rabbits feel in control of their space and help prevent them getting stressed. (This doesn’t mean you can’t give them new toys and activities to enjoy – they need lots of mental stimulation).
- Keep them together: Bonded pairs or groups shouldn’t be separated unless absolutely necessary (such as one of them needs to be hospitalised or receive treatment that can’t be provided with their companion present), as this can potentially cause their bond to break down. If they seem unsure of each other after being reunited, you may need to go back to following steps for the bonding process. Forcing them together if they’re showing signs of conflict can damage their relationship.
- Let bonded companions travel together: For example, to the vet or their new home, transported in a suitably-sized carrier.
Rabbits and people
Pet rabbits, particularly those that live indoors, can see humans as important companions too. Many enjoy interacting with their owners – on their own terms.
Make time to play with them, or train them, to strengthen a bond and provide them with emotional security.
If your rabbit has to be kept alone (which should only be the case if advised by your vet or qualified behaviourist), interact with them daily to provide mental stimulation and emotional security, preventing loneliness and depression.
Rabbits and other animals
A rabbit's best companion is another friendly rabbit. Rabbits and other animals, such as guinea pigs or rats, shouldn’t be kept together as they have different needs and often prefer the company of their own species.
Other reasons include:
- They communicate in different ways
- They have different dietary needs
- Rabbits may accidentally injure smaller pets
- Rabbits may bully smaller pets
- Rabbits can carry bacteria that’s dangerous to guinea pig
What if your rabbit already lives with another animal?
If they get on well, it's best not to separate them, as this could upset them. Follow these tips to help make sure both animals get what they need:
- Make sure they both have constant access to safe hiding places to escape to, with an entrance large enough for the smaller pet, but too small for the rabbit to intrude.
- Provide each animal with the correct diet for their species. Feed them separately or monitor feeding times to ensure both get the correct nutrients and eat the appropriate food, keeping your eye on them while they eat so one doesn’t steal the other’s food.
- Get your rabbit neutered to try and reduce hormone-driven behaviours, otherwise they may stress or injure a smaller pet with mounting, territorial behaviours or bullying.
- Seek advice from your vet if you have any concerns.
Rabbits and larger pets
Rabbits are prey animals and may naturally feel frightened or threatened around cats and dogs, which are potential predators. Some rabbits and larger pets can learn to live together safely with careful introductions and ongoing supervision, but they should always be able to move away and access secure hiding places. Your rabbits should be able to relax and rest in their enclosure, without the presence or disturbance of cats or dogs.
A cat or dog should not be allowed to chase, frighten or injure a rabbit. Even friendly interactions should always be monitored, as your rabbit’s wellbeing and sense of security should come first.
Every rabbit needs a friend. The right companion can support their emotional wellbeing, natural behaviours and quality of life. Finding the right match matters, as personality and temperament play an important role in a successful bond.
Supporting a bereaved rabbit
Bonded rabbits are a joy to behold. Their close companionship keeps them happy and healthy. Sadly, however, the day will arrive when one of them will pass away, leaving their companion behind.
With little research into the effects of rabbit loss on other rabbits, it’s difficult to predict exactly how your rabbit may respond. However, changes in their behaviour are likely – whether from grief or adjusting to life on their own. They may struggle to live independently, or seek more attention from you.
Signs your rabbit is affected by the loss of their companion may include them appearing:
- More reserved or withdrawn
- Easily spooked
- Nervous
- Not as confident
- Less active
- Explore less
- Eating or drinking less
- More interactive with you
If your rabbit’s behaviour changes after losing their companion, it’s important to monitor them closely and contact your vet if you have any concerns. Seek advice from your vet if your rabbit stops eating, eats less than usual, or produces fewer droppings to help identify if there is an underlying medical reason for the behaviour changes.
The best way to support a grieving rabbit is to introduce them carefully to a new companion. Human interactions can provide comfort, but it does not replace the companionship of another rabbit. When you’re ready, consider adopting another rabbit. Our rescue centres and branches can help give advice on your individual situation and help to find a suitable match. Honour the memory of their previous companion by allowing them to build another deep and meaningful bond.
In the meantime, spend lots of time interacting with your rabbit in a calm, positive way, gently stroking and grooming them (if they like that). You can also try to make your rabbit's home more interesting and engaging, by providing additional suitable toys and enrichment.
It won’t just be your rabbit grieving their friend – pets are family. It’s normal to struggle with their loss. For more support if you’re grieving, our pet bereavement toolkit answers many sensitive questions, provides expert advice and shares stories of pets loved and lost.
Worried a pet rabbit is at risk?
Are you concerned that a rabbit is experiencing cruelty and neglect; showing signs of pain, fear and mistreatment? If you’re worried that a rabbit is suffering, let us know as soon as you can.
Keeping rabbits together
Keep your rabbit with at least one other friendly rabbit, unless you're advised otherwise by a vet or qualified animal behaviourist. A good combination is a neutered male and a neutered female, as neutering reduces the likelihood of fighting in both sexes.
Introduce new rabbits to each other gradually and under supervision, preferably in a space that's new to both rabbits. Rabbits brought up together will usually get along, but if you're introducing them for the first time as adults, they may fight. Talk to a qualified animal behaviourist if you're unsure or have problems.
Rabbits and humans
Rabbits that are well handled by people from a young age can learn that humans are friends and companions, so handle them gently everyday from when they're young. If they're not handled in early life, or are roughly handled at any age, they may find being handled stressful and scary, which can lead to fear, escaping and aggression.
Rabbits living indoors can see humans as important companions. If your rabbit has to be kept alone, you must provide them with companionship by interacting with them daily. Read our advice on how to handle your rabbit.
Rabbits and other animals
Rabbits will usually be scared of cats and dogs, as they're natural predators. However, if you introduce your pets with care in early life, they can forge friendships.
A few things to remember about socialising your rabbit
- Give your rabbit somewhere to escape - they'll need places to go to get away from companions if they want to. Rabbits can be bullied if they can't get away from other rabbits they don't like.
- Provide enough resources - such as shelter, food, water and hiding places - for every rabbit at all times.
- They need constant supervision when they're with another animal, or with a person who may deliberately or accidentally harm or frighten them, or with a cat or dog - even if you know they're good friends.
- If you go away - make sure you ask a responsible person to care for your rabbits.
