Why Do Rabbits Scratch The Floor? + 5 Reasons

If you are a rabbit owner you may have noticed very unseemly behaviors with your fur baby. But, have you wondered why do rabbits scratch the floor?

Are there any specific reasons why they could be doing this? Are there ways you can help them avoid this behavior?

In this article, we dive deeper into why your rabbit could be scratching the floor and so much more.

Continue reading to:

• Understand what it means when rabbits scratch the floor
• Know how to stop rabbits from scratching
• And so much more…

Why Do Rabbits Scratch The Floor

Rabbits can be traced back to living in the wild where they had to dig to find shelter to protect themselves from predators and harsh weather conditions. This behavior has been passed on to domesticated rabbits and so it is normal for your pet rabbit to scratch the floor from time to time.

Rabbits are sensitive animals and they will express their feelings in different ways. It is your duty as the owner to be on the lookout for any unusual behaviors and provide the necessary support to our fur baby.

If the behavior continues for a while then there is something wrong with your bunny. You will need to observe it carefully to rule out any major issues and if you are unable to then consult your veterinarian.

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What Does It Mean When Rabbits Scratch The Floor

This is a normal behavior in wild rabbits as they need to do this to find shelter. Although the behavior can be inherited by domestic rabbits, there could be other several reasons why your pet rabbit is scratching the floor.

Here are some of the reasons why your pet rabbit could be scratching the floor:

• Boredom – If your rabbit does not have toys to play with or is already used to the toys you have provided, it will get bored and start scratching as a way of keeping itself entertained.
• Curiosity – If you move your rabbit to a new environment, a new hutch or cage, or change the thing ,like blankets, that it had been used to, your rabbit will scratch as away to try and understand the new surrounding.
• Attention seeking – Because rabbits get bored easily and as a owner you may or may not notice that your rabbit is bored, it may scratch th floor to try and get your attention.
• To keep something from you – If you keep introducing new things to your rabbit without letting it choose or get used to one thing and keep a favorite, it may scratch the floor to hide , could be a toy or a favourite blanket, from you.
• Discomfort – A rabbit may be uncomfortable in the new hutch or cage or the environment generally. It could br the space is too small, too hot or too cold and the rabbit will scratch until you do something about its living space or environment.

Can I Stop My Rabbit From Scratching

Scratching is normal rabbit behavior. It is rather impossible to stop your rabbit from scratching but this behavior can be controlled.

Understand your rabbit and try to make adjustments on your own to control the scratching.

Alternatively, you could also seek help from your veterinarian or a rabbit specialist.

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How To Stop Rabbit From Scratching The Floor

Although scratching the floor is normal in rabbits, it could be quite alarming especially if it is your first time noticing it.

Even there are no definite ways or methods to stop your rabbit from scratching the floor, there are ways that can help you control it.

Here are some ways to help control your rabbits’ scratching on the floor:

• Provide lots of toys – to keep your rabbit from being as much as possible, provide a lot of toys especially those that the rabbit like most to ensure that they are entertained most of the time.
• Slowly introduce your rabbit to new things – If you are moving your rabbit to a new environment, could be a new hutch or cage, do it gradually so as to givr the rabbit enought time to get used to the new surrounding.
• Play with your rabbit – If you stay for long hours without talking or playing with your rabbit, you may want to change that. Create a routine and always play with your rabbit to keep it from doing things like scratching the floor so as to get your attention.
• Don’t take things from your rabbit too fast – If you give your rabbit a new toy or blanket, give it time to get play and familiarize with the new toy or blanket. Let it decide whether it likes the new toy or not this way it won’t have to hide its favorites from you.
• Provide a comfortable environment – Ensure thay your rabbits’ environment, hutch or cage , is always large enough for it to move around freely. Also ensure tha its surroundings are always clean and well taken care of so that your rabbit does not have to scratch to notify you that it is uncomfortable.

Doing the above things will not only help control the scratching, but it will also help build trust with your rabbit and even create a wonderful bond.

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Conclusion

Rabbits scratch the floor and this is normal rabbit behavior in both domestic and wild rabbits.

Domestic rabbits may scratch the floor due to boredom, curiosity, attention-seeking, discomfort or even they could be doing it to hide things from you.

Although it is not possible to keep them from scratching the floor, it is possible to control and even reduce this behavior. Keep your rabbit entertained and always ensure to play with them.

If this behavior persists and you are unable to control or provide the necessary support to your rabbit, seek help from your veterinarian or a rabbit specialist.