Help! My Bunny Smells - What To Do With A Stinky Rabbit

Here at Bunniez, we're always on about how you should keep your rabbit indoors. "Oh, they're so smart and so friendly," you read in practically every article, including the ones detailing how not to get shredded by your angry bunny's teeth and claws. But there is a practical problem to keeping your rabbit indoors, and that is that rabbits, or more correctly their pee and soft fecal matter, well, it stinks.

The good news about the soft fecal matter is that the rabbit should take care of that particular problem by consuming it itself. This is a normal part of the rabbit's digestive process, and though it may be a little odd to observe, and perhaps a little off putting, it is essential to your rabbit's health that you allow him or her to consume it. This wet matter contains partially digested nutrients that the rabbit needs.

As to the rest of it, well you're on your own there, the bunny has helped as much as possible, and most people don't enjoy having their home smell like a poorly run pet store, so here are a few tips to keeping your bunny smelling nice.

The Obvious

Clean the cage. Clean it twice daily if need be. Cleaning the cage can be a meditative experience, and it will ensure that droppings and odor do not build up in your home.

Use a Deodorizing Litter

This is generally only recommended if you have a wire rack keeping your rabbit away from the litter. Most litters, and especially the deodorizing ones, are poisonous to Rabbits, so be careful. Find out all about litters HERE

Use A Litter Tray

If you train your rabbit to go in a litter tray, rather than its entire cage, you can change the tray several times daily. This can be an absolute godsend if you are in a hurry or like to keep things super clean, so it is highly recommended. Find out about litter training your bunny HERE

Sprays and Deodorizers

These can help, and there are a multitude on the market. These are especially recommended if your fuzzy little darling has had an accident on the carpet or upholstery. This shouldn't be too much of a problem if they have been litter trained, but sudden changes in bunny's routine or lifestyle can cause accidents, so be prepared.

Proper housing, litter, training, and cleaning habits should be all you need to keep your bunny in good stead with your olfactory organs. It can be hard work, but the rewards of having a happy house bunny are well worth it.

NOTE: You may also have odor problems if your bunny is not passing its 'night droppings', (the soft fecal matter), properly. If your bunny does not have enough fiber in its diet, these droppings can cake and matt onto the rabbit's fur, creating a stinky, disgusting mess. This is just one of the reasons that feeding your rabbit as much hay as it wants is of paramount importance. Learn the other reasons HERE