Rabbit Litterbox Training

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Litterbox Logic

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Litter box Training your Rabbit

Many rabbits almost litter train themselves if we support their natural instincts.

Why bother?

When rabbits use a litter box, caring and cleaning for them is much easier and you can give your rabbit more room to roam.

Rabbits have a higher quality of life if they are allowed to roam a rabbit-proof room. Most people are willing to "rabbit proof" a room. Some people enjoy removing any possible dangers from their home and allowing the rabbit to be a "house bunny." Few people will accept a rabbit urinating in the home.

What to do? rabbit photo - Specky

Litter boxes: Begin by putting a corner litter box that is designed to be used in a rabbit pen in the pen. They typically attach to the side so this is a great long term box, but it might not be your rabbits first choice during the initial stages of training.

Some cat litter boxes work well for rabbits. Just make sure your rabbit can get in and out of the box easily. Place this box in the area of the pen that your rabbit uses to potty. When your rabbit starts using it, begin moving it closer to the corner litter box.

Keep your rabbit's litter box smelling fresh by dumping used litter daily, washing the pan out at least monthly, and replacing the box annually. Rabbit urine seeps into the plastic and the odor can cause your rabbit to begin avoiding their box!

An ounce of prevention is worth not having a pound of urine and feces outside of the litter box in your home.

Rabbit Litter: Do NOT use cat clumping, clay litter, cedar chips, or pine litter as none of these types are safe for your rabbit who may munch on the litter. Cat litter is dangerous for rabbits. Instead, use a paper litter which can be lightly covered with hay. Organic or paper-based pellets and litters are a good choice. Rabbit urine has a strong odor, so use a litter that absorbs odor. Do NOT use rabbit pellets (that they eat as their food source) as litter. Although pellets are economical and safe, your rabbit will be inclined to overeat these extra pellets from the litter box and he or she may become overweight, even obese.

Steps to Litter Training

1. Start by confining your rabbit to a pen until your rabbit uses the litter box reliably. If your rabbit is allowed to roam and urinate and defecate anywhere in your home, it will be harder to go back to litter box training.

2. Litter box location. Your rabbit may start using the box right away. If he or she picks another corner, move the litter box to the area that your rabbit seems to prefer. Be prepared to move the litter box to where your rabbit prefers to go potty several times.

3. After one week or more. Once your rabbit is using the litter box in the pen, allow the rabbit out with direct supervision in a limited area.

4. Gentle interruptions. Watch your rabbit for signs of backing up and lifting the tail slightly. If you see this behavior, gently interrupt your rabbit and with slow moving, gentle hands try to direct your rabbit to the litter box area. If your rabbit enjoys being picked up, then place your Pet in the box. If your rabbit uses the box, give your rabbit a food treat or anything else they value such as a toy, stroking, or praise.

5. No scolding or physical punishment. Accidents happen. Never scold or physically punish your rabbit. You will only cause your rabbit to avoid you and fear other people.

6. Cleaning up accidents. You can clean urine with any Pet enzymatic cleaner or use 1/2 water and 1/2 white vinegar to help neutralize the odor.

7. Close supervision. During litter box training, watch your rabbit carefully and try to get him/her to the box before he/she goes. In the beginning, you may need to take your rabbit to the litter box every 10 minutes during free roam to help your rabbit get the idea and prevent accidents.

8. Adding more room to roam. When your rabbit goes back to the litter box reliably, you may decide to allow your rabbit to roam your home. Be sure to give your rabbit 100% supervision.

9. Adding more litter boxes. Be open to adding additional litter boxs for your rabbit's convenience if you have a large home. Learn what your rabbit naturally wants to do and accommodate your rabbit as much as possible.

10. Back tracking. If your previously trained rabbit gets a little careless, go back to less room to roam and try setting up more of a routine. Add back rewards to make using the litter box worthwhile to your rabbit.

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