Cute and cuddly are two of the words that first come to mind when people think of bunnies, however, there’s so much more to them. Stereotypically bunnies are easy-going, low maintenance, and short lived cage pets. This could not be farther from the truth.

One major misconception is that cages are a humane living environment for bunnies. This misbelief originates from animal testing. For over 70 years, bunnies have been abused and killed in the animal testing industry. Cages are not only inhumane, but it has been proven that living in cages can increase depression, anxiety, anger issues, and lead to a shorter life span. According to The Dodo, “ Rabbits are smart, social and highly curious, and they need to be able to explore their surroundings. They’re also incredibly active, and love to run and jump.”

Easter is a popular time of the year for parents to buy bunnies for their kids. You may think this is good for them; however, within a year of buying a bunny for Easter statistics show that four out of five will die or be abandoned. These parents buy their bunnies thinking that they are a low maintenance, low commitment pet with a short life span. Yet with the right care, a bunny should live up to 10 to 12 years.

Most bunnies are kept in a small cage their whole life; but, bunnies should have at least 24 feet of living space. In this space they should have a litter box with unlimited hay, food bowls and a water bowl. Water bottles are not ideal because bunnies have to tilt their head in an unnatural position to drink the water. Bunnies also need mixed greens, at least twice a day with pellets. If you really want to pamper your bunny, you can give them small amounts of fruit or vegetables as a treat. They should also have sufficient toys and get enough stimulation. Toys can get expensive, so it helps to get creative and make a toy out of cardboard, or give them a cardboard box to play in and chew. Bunnies’ teeth never stop growing so they always need to have hay, cardboard, or something hard to chew on to file their teeth down. Living outside is never ideal for bunnies seeing as they are prey animals, and being outside can make them extremely anxious and on edge.

If you want to spoil your bunny even more you can free roam them. Free roaming is allowing your bunny to have complete access to a room or house. Free roaming my bunny is the best decision I have ever made. I can speak from experience saying that my bunny is living a happy cage free life. Living free roamed has increased overall happiness in my bunny and created a stronger bond between us.

Though it may not seem like it, every bunny has their own unique personality which never gets boring which makes for the best companion you could ever ask for. Bunnies can help with overall mental health by decreasing anxiety and depression and increasing happiness. Easily trainable and fun to be around, bunnies are so much more than cute and cuddly and can offer you a lifetime of happiness.