Best Rabbits for First Time Owners

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: April 1st, 2022

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According to The American Pet Products Association (APPA), rabbits are continually topping the charts as the most popular small animal pet, placing them right behind cats and dogs. And sure, it’s easy to see why – bunnies are sweet, infinitely cute, and fun to be around.

Unfortunately, too many people decide to get a rabbit on a whim, thinking that they’re low-maintenance pets and as they are completely unprepared for caring for a rabbit, they end up abandoning them.

The truth is that rabbits, same as any other pet, have their needs and care requirements you’ll have to provide for to make sure they thrive in your care. To boot, not all rabbit breeds are alike – some are more energetic than others, some more docile, and some are much more open to handling and cuddling than others, which is why you should factor in the type of personality a breed has as much as you do looks.

If you are looking to welcome a rabbit to your family and you don’t have any experience with bunnies, these breeds will be a perfect match. Docile, friendly, and not overly demanding, these rabbits are perfect for any first-time owner!

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#1 Mini Rex Rabbit

Best known for their plush and luxurious coat that makes them a delight to cuddle with, the Mini Rex rabbit has a sweet, friendly personality that makes them great for newbie owners. They are not moody or challenging to socialize (and even train), and will enjoy interacting with you, whether it’s quality playtime or a snuggle session. The Mini Rex rabbit weighs 3.5 to 4.5 pounds on average and has a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. They don’t need much space to be happy and don’t have a high-maintenance coat like some other breeds with stunning fur, such as the Angora rabbit.

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#2 New Zealand Rabbit

Calm, docile, and adaptable, the New Zealand rabbit is beloved for their easy-going personality which makes them ideal pets for first-timers. Slightly on the bigger side, they weigh 10 to 12 pounds on average, but it goes to their advantage as they are not as fragile as some dwarf bunnies that need to be delicately handled. Easy to care for and generally robust, the New Zealand rabbit has a lifespan of 7 to 10 years. While the white coat color is the most common, these bunnies also come in blue, black, red, or broken.

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#3 Mini Lop Rabbit

It’s hard not to fall in love with these soulful eyes and floppy ears – if you’re a newbie to the world of bunnies and have set your sights on a Mini Lop rabbit, you’ll be glad to know that they are ideally suited to first time owners. Affectionate, friendly, and adorably fluffy, these rabbits are a joy to be around and don’t need much to stay happy and healthy. They weigh 4.5 to 6 pounds on average, which is the preferred size of many beginner owners (not too small and not too big), and have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years.

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#4 Polish Rabbit

This pocket-sized dwarf rabbit breed is a tiny bundle of joy that makes a perfect first-time pet rabbit for families of all shapes and sizes. Polish rabbits are quite small (weighing 2.5 to 3.5 pounds) and can be fragile, though, so if you have kids in the family, make sure that they know not to handle them unsupervised. Calm, docile, and very affectionate, the Polish rabbit is also considered low-maintenance, all of which make these bunnies a great choice for any beginner. Their lifespan is 5 to 6 years and they come in 6 officially recognized colors.

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#5 Dutch Rabbit

Widely considered to be one of the most popular rabbits for first-time owners, the Dutch rabbit has everything a newbie could want in their first pet bunny: they are cute, easy to handle, and quite friendly and affectionate with their owners. Weighing 4.5 to 5.5 pounds, they are somewhere in between small and medium-sized, which means they won’t need much space and aren’t as delicate as dwarf bunnies. They come in various colors but are best recognized for their distinct markings. Their lifespan is 5 to 8 years.

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#6 Flemish Giant Rabbit

In case you’ve always wanted a big bunny as a pet, but you’re worried they’d be too big of a challenge for a beginner, consider the Flemish Giant rabbit. With an average weight of 15 to 22 pounds, they are considered one of the largest rabbits in the world, but also one of the best choices for first-time owners. Sweet and friendly, these rabbits will quickly become your best friend without asking much in return. It’s important, though, to consider the fact that they’ll need a big enclosure and a lot of space for free play. Their lifespan is 6 to 10 years

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#7 Harlequin Rabbit

For those first-time owners that would like an outgoing, sociable bunny that loves to cuddle and play, a Harlequin rabbit will be one of the best choices. Distinct for their unusual coloring and markings, these bunnies are somewhat of a social butterfly: they are docile, don’t need much to warm up to you, and are quite clever and playful to boot. As they weigh 6.5 to 9.5 pounds on average, they do need a bit more space to hop around than a compact bunny breed. They come in two color combinations – Magpie, which is black and white, and Japanese, which mixes orange with either black, chocolate lilac, or blue. They have a life expectancy of 5 to 8 years.

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#8 Himalayan Rabbit

Easily recognized for their distinct markings that are similar to those of Siamese or Himalayan cats, this rabbit breed is not just a looker – they have a very calm temperament, which makes them perfect for first-time owners. The Himalayan rabbit is sweet, laid-back, and loves attention, so they won’t mind cuddles and will enjoy playing with you or kids in the family. These rabbits weigh 2.5 to 5 pounds, so they are just the right size for most people, and have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years.

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#9 Lionhead Rabbit

Petite and unique, the Lionhead rabbit consistently tops the popular rabbit breeds lists thanks to their unusual looks and wonderful personalities. Boasting a wooly mane around their head which earned them their name, these bunnies are hard not to fall in love with – even more so when you get to spend time with them. Sweet, friendly, and fun-loving, these rabbits weigh 2.5 to 3.5 pounds and have a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years. Be warned, though – that stunning mane will need a bit of extra grooming!

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#10 Chinchilla Rabbit

While bred for to resemble chinchillas, the only thing these rabbits share with their rodent friends is their looks – Chinchilla rabbits are easy-going, friendly, and generally considered minimal hassle pets. They weigh 5 to 7 pounds on average, and although not particularly energetic, they will need a bit more space for exploration and hopping around. Even though they boast luxurious silver fur, it’s not high-maintenance as it is short – only occasional brushing will be needed. As for their lifespan, you can expect your Chinchilla rabbit to be around for 5 to 8 years.

Things You Need To Consider Before Getting a Pet Rabbit

Even though people generally believe rabbits are undemanding pets, the truth is somewhere in between – while they are not as challenging as some pets, they do have basic needs you’ll need to meet. And before you adopt a rabbit, you’d do well to see if you are able to provide them with everything they need to be happy and healthy – and if not, it’s best not to get one.

Rabbits need to live indoors

Pet rabbits are not suited to outdoor life – they are prey animals and if you leave them outside, they can easily be killed or hurt by a predator, ranging from owls and hawks to the neighbor’s dog. Not to mention that some rabbit breeds are more vulnerable to the elements than others, so too much heat or cold could seriously endanger them. Only adopt a rabbit if you are willing to keep them inside. They’ll need a spacious enclosure and space to spend time outside of it – which means either rabbit-proofing your apartment or getting a big dog pen so they can roam around safely.

They need a fiber-rich diet

A rabbit’s diet consists primarily of timothy or other grass hay. This provides them with all the essential nutrients, adds much-needed fiber to their diet, and helps them grind down their teeth as they chew. The last is particularly important as a rabbit’s teeth grow throughout their life, and if they are not filed down through chewing food and special chew toys and treats, they can become overgrown and cause serious issues for your bunny. In addition to hay, rabbits will need a healthy portion of leafy greens on a daily basis, as well as smaller quantities of rabbit pellets.

You will have to provide veterinary care

Even though rabbits are generally hardy pets, that doesn’t mean that they won’t need regular checkups to stay in top form. There are various common issues that can affect rabbits of all ages and breeds, from eye and ear infections to internal and external parasites, and preventative exams, as well as rigorous monitoring for any symptoms, can make a world of difference when it comes to treatment success and efficiency. Furthermore, you should have in mind that you will need to spay or neuter your rabbit when they get to around 6 months of age. In females, spaying can be a lifesaving procedure, as over 70% of unspayed females develop uterine cancer after the age of 3, and it also has a beneficial effect on their temperament. For males, in addition to reducing the risks of testicular cancer by far, neutering helps eliminate potential behavior issues such as aggression and territorial urine marking, both of which are common in unfixed rabbits.

Grooming will become a part of your routine

Rabbits are avid self-groomers, but that doesn’t mean they won’t need your help. If a rabbit ingests too much of their fur (which often happens if they are shedding), it can result in an intestinal blockage, which is a potentially fatal condition. To prevent hairballs from getting stuck in your pet’s digestive tract, you’ll have to brush them regularly, especially come molting season. Luckily, this is nothing too daunting – in fact, brushing can be the perfect opportunity to bond and spend some quality time with your pet. In addition to regular brushing, you’ll also need to trim your pet’s nails, and keep them clean – they don’t need baths, but you’ll have to clean any dirt or debris from their fur.

Rabbits have to be handled with care

Bunnies are delicate and should be held and handled with care, no matter their size. You should never, ever pick up your rabbit by their ears (as you might have seen done in movies) as it is not only incredibly stressful and traumatizing to the rabbit, but it could also result in an injury. You should make sure that you are fully supporting your pet’s whole body when picking them up, so they are not able to kick out of your hands if startled – which can happen often, as rabbits are timid since they are prey animals. Hold them firmly, with one hand always on their hind legs and the other supporting their front – not only does this give you a stronger hold on them, but it will make them feel more safe and relaxed when being picked up.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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It’s a heartwarming tale of second chances that will tug at the heartstrings of cat lovers everywhere. From sharing the story of a senior cat finding the love he deserves to revealing his “inner kitten” in an adorable video – The story of “Loaf” will surely bring a smile to your face. As a golden oldie, Loaf appears to have had a rough start to life. The 12-year-old cat was discovered recently by Maria Torres, from Miami, during a mother/daughter beach trip. The two spotted the black cat peaking out from the mangroves, and it was clear that he needed help. A rescue owner herself (Torres runs Love N Light Furever Rescue in South Florida), she knew she couldn’t leave the sweet senior behind to fend for himself. The two took Loaf home to better assess his condition and help him live out the rest of his senior years with the love and care every cat should receive. After addressing his immediate needs, they decided to give the senior cat a little something special to call his own – a catnip-filled rainbow toy, recording his first reaction. But they never could have imagined how it was going to go. “To give him his first toy was pretty extraordinary and kind of scary because I didn’t know how he was going to feel about it,” Torres explained. “The truth is, a cat who lived on the streets for 12 years sometimes doesn’t even recognize toys, so I was actually pretty shocked that he took a liking to it right away.” Torres shared the video on TikTok, and it wasn’t long before the heartwarming comments started to roll in.

Expert Shares Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog on Hot Summer Days

Summer is here, but hot weather shouldn’t be an excuse not to exercise your pooch. Walking and exercising your dog daily is great for their mental and physical health and helps create an everlasting bond between you and your canine companion.But, as temperatures rise, dog owners need to understand the risks of walking their dogs in hot weather and look for alternative ways to exercise their pets safely in the heat. A clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Lori Teller, shared some tips on recognizing signs that it may be too hot to take your pooch for a walk and alternative ways to exercise them more safely during summer.When it comes to dogs and summer, the most important thing is to pay attention to your dog and recognize when it’s too hot to take them out for a walk.“When it’s hot outside, many dogs can be adversely impacted and suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” said Teller. “Dogs cannot sweat, and panting is not an effective mechanism for cooling off, so dogs don’t have efficient ways of handling excessive heat.”Although there isn’t a specific temperature that is too hot for all dogs, a good rule of thumb is to avoid walking and exercising dogs during the hottest times of the day. Walk and exercise your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature has dropped. Consider buying doggy booties to protect your pup’s paws from the scorching pavement.Teller advises, that in addition to being mindful of the time of the day they walk their dogs, owners should also be very careful with young puppies, senior dogs, as well as those with chronic medical conditions. Obese dogs, those suffering from heart and respiratory conditions, as well as flat-faced breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, are more likely to suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion.Another thing to keep in mind is how adapted your dog is to the climate. For example, if your pooch is used to cooler climates and has recently moved to a warmer area, they are less likely to adjust and tolerate warmer temperatures. While hot summer months may prove difficult to keep a dog active, it’s important to stick with a regular exercise routine all year round to keep your dog healthy.Exercise is a great way for more active and working breeds, which can easily become restless, bored, and destructive, to burn off excess energy. It can also ease stress in anxious dogs. Regular exercise also promotes joint and heart health and helps with weight management.According to Teller, there are many alternatives to walking your dog during hot summer days. These activities can get you outside of the house without jeopardizing your dog’s health.“Dog owners can explore indoor areas such as places to participate in flyball, agility, or even doggy social events,” said Teller. “Swimming and dock diving is also a great activity for dogs that enjoy water.” If it seems too hot to take your dog outside, there are many ways you can exercise your pup at home. Use a long hallway to play a game of fetch with your pooch or create a dog-safe obstacle course. Some dogs will also like chasing a laser point, like those used to play with cats. Finding safe ways to keep your pup exercised during summer may seem challenging, but it’s worth it. Regular exercise will keep your furry friend physically and mentally stimulated without putting them at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If at any point your dog shows signs of overheating, such as anxiety, restlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive panting, drooling, unsteadiness while walking, and collapse, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Keeping your cat hydrated is an important part of maintaining their overall health, but your kitty might not be drinking enough water, and that could lead to dehydration. The good news is that you can encourage your feline to drink more, and there are ways to sneak more moisture into their daily diet. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

New Rules Bring Rescues In While Keeping Rabies Out

Centers for Disease Control has some big news for anyone wanting to bring that cute little rescue home to the US.

Why Is My Dog Shaking?

Shaking and shivering in dogs is something that most owners notice at least once in their dog’s lifetime. It can seem like a random thing, and in most cases, people dismiss it as a simple “side effect” of colder temperatures. However, chilly weather isn’t always the culprit for dog trembling – sometimes there are other reasons for this, ranging from expressing emotions to signaling health issues. So how are you to know what exactly is causing your dog to shake – is there a way to discern between harmless causes and those that could mean it’s time to visit a vet? Here’s everything you need to know about possible reasons for shaking in dogs and how to react when your dog starts shivering and trembling out of nowhere.Why Is My Dog Shaking?Dog behavior is a vast topic – so is their body language. If you were hoping that when a dog shakes, it means one particular thing, you’ll be disappointed. Dog shaking can communicate a range of different things and there are various possible explanations for this behavior – here are just a few of the most common ones.#1 Your Dog is ColdAs we said, cold and low temperatures can cause shivering and shaking. Just like humans, dogs may shiver when cold. If they're exposed to chilly temperatures, they might shiver to generate heat. This is a natural response. Of course, if you live in an area with a colder climate and your pet doesn’t have a thick double coat, you should get them a warm winter coat that will keep them insulated and prevent loss of body heat.

The U.S. Postal Service Just Released Its National Dog Bite Rankings

Not all dogs are friendly and calm, and U.S. Postal employees know this all too well. Just in the last year, incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees have risen to more than 5,800 cases. In an effort to raise awareness of these issues, the organization started the USPS 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign and is now offering key guidelines on how dog owners can help foster a better environment for safe mail delivery. Starting on June 2nd and running through June 9th, the campaign is running under the slogan “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you.” Supporters can also spread awareness on social media, with the hashtag # dogbiteawareness.“Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent than a canine encounter. All it takes is one interaction for a letter carrier to possibly suffer an injury,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS Manager, Employee Safety and Health Awareness. “The U.S. Postal Service consistently encourages responsible pet ownership. The national dog bite campaign is an effort to promote dog bite awareness to keep our customers, their dogs, and letter carriers safe while delivering the mail.”Letter carriers are aware that dogs can be unpredictable, and even those who seem docile can bite unexpectedly. This is because doggos are usually protective of their home and are suspicious of strangers, even if they are just postal employees. They are now trying to emphasize the importance of dog owners ensuring safer mail delivery. As most people know the usual time a postman comes each day, it should be easier to secure their pets and minimize the risk of dangerous situations. When a postal employee comes to your home, try to keep your dogs inside the house or behind a secured fence, away from the door, or on a leash. Besides this, owners can now use Informed Delivery, a new and free USPS service, which allows customers to digitally preview any incoming mail and packages from their computer, tablet, or smartphone. Since the service launched in 2017, it garnered more than 52 million customers. Sign-up is possible at informeddelivery.usps.com. All dog owners can now anticipate the arrival of the postman and prepare accordingly. Dog bites can be harmful and costly too. Information from the Insurance Information Institute reveals that the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555. When a postal employee gets bitten, the owner can end up responsible for lost wages, medical bills, uniform replacement costs, and the pain and suffering that the employee endured.Of course, all postal employees are trained to observe an area where they know dogs are present. They have to remain alert and expect dangerous conditions. But also they have to respect a dog’s territory and their natural instinct. Overall, they are trained to never startle a dog, never attempt to pet or feed them, keep their eyes on the dog, and lastly to never assume a dog will not bite. They are also instructed to use a dog repellant if necessary and try to protect their vital areas.“Even though a customer’s dog is friendly to most people, it can always have a bad day,” said letter carrier Tara Snyder. “I know, from experience, even when a dog is in the house, customers need to make sure their door is secure so their dog can’t push it open and bite the letter carrier.”As a stark glimpse into the rate of dog bites on postal employees, a ranking was released as a part of this campaign. This lists the top 20 cities where dog bites occurred in 2023. Leading the list at number one is Los Angeles, with 65 attacks reported, followed by Houston and Chicago, with 56 and 58 attacks respectively. As for the states, the most reported attacks occurred in California, 727 in total. 

How Do I Introduce Cats and Dogs Safely?

There has long been a stereotype of dogs and cats as mortal enemies, constantly at one another’s throats. While becoming a two-pet household can sometimes be overwhelming, there is something so magical about watching your pets form their special bond.Introducing dogs and cats can be a nerve-racking process, but it doesn’t have to be.This post will guide you through a step-by-step approach to introducing your pets safely and carefully, laying the foundation for a positive relationship. Plus, you’ll find tips to ensure a smooth transition for both pets.How to Introduce a Cat and Dog Together: 5 Easy StepsIf you already have one pet in your home, introducing a second involves planning, preparation, and a lot of patience. While there are ways to overcome a rough first meeting, the best possible scenario is to ensure your pets start off on the right foot (or should I say paw).Here is a step-by-step walk-through of how to approach an introduction with the best chance of success.However, it’s important to note that there are some situations where this simply won’t work. For example, if you have a pet with previous negative interactions with other animals, they may be more nervous or anxious, requiring a slightly different approach. Use this as a starting point, but be prepared to be flexible and offer more care and consideration where needed.Step One: Consider PersonalitiesYou may be surprised to learn that the first step starts as early as selecting the right pets. Just as some people mesh better than others, the same can be said for our animals. When adopting a second pet, take the time to try to match personalities.A few important things to consider include:Energy Levels: If you have a laid-back or senior pet, adding a high-energy pet to the mix could be stressful and frustrating. Alternatively, a calm, quiet pet may struggle to settle into your home if your current pet is rambunctious.Outgoing vs. Shy: Some pets show more interest in playing and connecting with other pets, like an extroverted person who jumps right into wanting an interaction. On the other end of the spectrum, a shy pet (or introverted person) will want their space.Play Style: Some pets will play rougher than others. If you have a dog, for example, who plays rougher, a delicate kitten isn’t a good match as they could be injured. Instead, a playful adult cat who shares that play style would be a better match.Previous Interactions: Sometimes, a pet’s previous experiences can offer a glimpse of whether they will mesh well together. A dog that has shown they will chase cats who run wouldn’t mesh well with a cat who tends to run the moment they see a dog.Step Two: Start At a DistanceBefore bringing the two pets together, you must start introducing them at a distance. This means introducing them to one another’s scents while keeping them confined in their own safe spaces. The best way to do this is by keeping your pets in separate rooms and rotating them into a common living area where they can investigate one another’s scent.For example, if you have two bedrooms, you can place a pet in each bedroom. If not, consider blocking off a dining room, laundry room, or bathroom to keep one of your pets safely contained. Alternatively, a crate can be used to keep one of the pets in a hallway or space the other doesn’t have access to.Note: Allowing the pet moving freely in the home to tease or bother the crated pet can create frustration and anxiety. This could destroy any chance that your pets can coexist happily.We have always used the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door Dog Crate when crate training our dogs. Its dual front and side doors ensure that the crate can easily fit into any space. For containing our cats, we prefer to use enclosures with multiple levels, like the MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Playpen, which allows them to climb and explore.Another great approach to introducing pets to one another’s scent is scent-swapping with blankets. Allow your pets to each sleep with a blanket, then place them in the other pet’s room or space.

Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

Are you considering adding a scaly friend to your family? Bearded dragons have captured the hearts of reptile experts and casual pet lovers alike with their unique appearance, interesting personalities, and low-maintenance care requirements.However, owning a reptile is a significant commitment, regardless of what type of reptile you choose!Before bringing a new pet into your home, you must weigh the pros and cons. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a bearded dragon is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.Bearded Dragon Behavior and Temperament One reason bearded dragons have gained so much popularity as pets is their calm and docile temperament. While many reptiles are resistant to being tamed, bearded dragons are generally highly responsive to their owners. They are attentive pets that enjoy spending time with their person. They tolerate being touched and handled well, rarely biting or scratching in response. In fact, many learn to ride around on their owners’ shoulders, perched happily. While they enjoy spending time with their person, they also need their alone time. Many owners see this as a positive as it allows them to go to work, run errands, or even participate in social events without worrying about their pet’s separation anxiety (a concern many dog owners know well). Of course, there are always exceptions – but generally speaking, these gentle and highly social pets are an excellent option for reptile lovers interested in forming a special bond with their new companion. Choosing Your Bearded Dragon If reading that description of the bearded dragon makes you excited that you’ve found your perfect reptile companion, it’s time to discuss how to find your new friend. This includes not only finding a pet whose personality is a good match for your own but also ensuring that your new lizard is healthy. There are two different approaches to finding a new reptile. First, you can connect with a reputable bearded dragon breeder. Purchasing your reptile from a breeder generally involves a contract that is designed to protect both you and the breeder, guaranteeing the health of your new pet on the day it is adopted. Alternatively, you can contact your local shelter or reptile-specific rescue organizations. Here are a few important considerations when searching for your new pet: Check all over for any sign of visible injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scars, or burns. While you could take on an injured reptile without any long-term issues, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary complications like infections. Run your fingers along the tail. A healthy tail will feel round and plump at the base, near the body. If it feels sunken into the body or overly bony, that’s a red flag. Look into the reptile’s eyes. You want to choose a bearded dragon who is alert and aware of your presence. It should hold its head upright, with its eyes following your movements. Sunken eyes are also a concern.Check their face for any signs of inflammation or pus. Ensure they don’t have runny eyes. Assess the quality of the bearded dragon’s skin. Loose or discolored skin is a sign of underlying illness.Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or rescue worker who is showing you the young bearded dragon. Ask about whether they have noticed any sign of illness or injury. You can also ask about the state of their “droppings.” Sure, it’s not the most exciting conversation – but it is a good indicator of a reptile’s well-being. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into bringing a new pet home. If you are being pushed to make a snap decision, that is a warning sign that they may be trying to hide something.

How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

RSPCA Blames Film and Social Media for Overcrowding in Shelters

UK rescues dealing with influx of super-trendy, uber-fashionable pedigree felines.

Cat Travels Hundreds of Miles to Find His Way Home

In yet another amazing story of a cat being reunited with their owners, a kitty from California made it home by traveling hundreds of miles after getting lost in Wyoming.

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