What Should I Do if My Rabbit Stops Eating?

by Britt

Published: July 19th, 2024

Photo credit: Kaewmanee jiangsihui / Shutterstock.com

Rabbits are adorable creatures but can also be hard to care for. Why? They are delicate and sensitive creatures that are also masters of hiding when something’s wrong. Often, by the time rabbit lovers recognize there’s a problem, it has already progressed into something much more severe.

If you have recently noticed your beloved bunny isn’t munching on their usual hay or rabbit pellets or turning their nose up to their favorite treats, that’s a red flag!

In this guide, I will explore some of the most common reasons a rabbit may stop eating, including potential health risks, causes of stress, and more. Plus, I’ll share steps to help your furry friend feel better quickly.

What is a Healthy Rabbit Diet?

Rabbits are strict herbivores, meaning their diet only consists of plant-based foods. But this doesn’t mean that all vegetables and plants are a healthy option. To provide your rabbit with the best possible quality of life, you should provide them with a balanced diet, including hay or grass, leafy greens, and a small amount of commercial rabbit pellets.

Plenty of fresh hay is one of the most essential elements of a healthy rabbit diet. Like water, Timothy grass hay or oat grass hay should be available to your rabbit at all times. Remove and replace your rabbit’s hay if it has been sitting long enough that it no longer looks and smells fresh.

But what about vegetables? After all, everyone knows that rabbits love carrots. Right?

Many fruits and vegetables can be offered as a tasty treat for your rabbit, but they shouldn’t be a staple of their diet. Some safe snacks that can occasionally be offered to your rabbit include carrots, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, apples (without seeds), strawberries, bananas, and melons.

How Will I Know If My Rabbit Isn’t Eating?

Feeding a rabbit isn’t quite the same as feeding a dog. You aren’t going to fill a dish full of kibble or pellet, place it in front of them, and watch them empty the bowl. Instead, most rabbits enjoy nibbling at their hay slowly throughout the day.

With this routine, how will you know if your rabbit isn’t eating? Will it be noticeable?

Keep Track of the Food You’re Offering

Pay attention to how much food you are giving your rabbit each day. How much of the food (hay and pellets) being placed in their cage or enclosure is being eaten? How much are you removing and replacing due to it sitting untouched?

If you suspect trouble, you may want to limit the food offered, giving smaller amounts and checking or topping it up frequently throughout the day. This can make it easier to spot if anything is being consumed, allowing you to better understand the situation.

Pay Attention When Cleaning

When cleaning your rabbit’s cage, take a moment to assess how much waste you are removing. The amount of fecal matter being produced and the size/quality of this waste can provide insight into your rabbit's health.

Your rabbit’s poop should be small, brown balls that are somewhat dry due to the large amount of hay. Any change in that texture is a sign of trouble, including sticky, rock-hard, watery, soft, or smaller waste. If your rabbit has stopped eating, it will eventually stop going to the bathroom entirely.

Other Warning Signs

The loss of nutrition that occurs when a rabbit stops eating can lead to other changes. These warning signs include weight loss, teeth grinding, or decreased activity.

How Long Can Rabbits Go Without Eating?

Rabbits have very elaborate and complex digestive systems that need consistent and regular food to avoid uncomfortable, painful, or even life-threatening illnesses. While some rabbits can, in extreme situations, go without food for a couple of days, the risk of illness increases drastically after just 12 hours.

Considering this timeframe, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your rabbit hasn’t eaten anything in more than eight hours.

Why Do Rabbits Stop Eating?

The first step to addressing the problem is identifying why your rabbit isn’t eating. This is important as if it is due to an underlying illness or problem, the root cause will need to be resolved before the rabbit's appetite will return.

Here are some of the more common explanations:

Stomach Ulcers

Rabbits are prone to developing stomach ulcers, often triggered by stress and anxiety. While an ulcer isn’t life-threatening, they are incredibly painful. This pain, combined with the nausea that it triggers, can lead to a reduced appetite.

Gut Stasis

Gut stasis (also known as ileus) is a common ailment in rabbits. It is a condition in which the digestive system slows down or stops altogether. While this may not sound like an emergency, it can quickly spiral, turning fatal, if it isn’t addressed.

The worst part about gut stasis is that the symptoms are not always obvious. In addition to a loss of appetite, the common warning signs include:

Bloating
Diarrhea
Teeth grinding
Abdominal pain
Reluctance to be touched in the abdominal area
Low body temperature
Hunched body position
Lethargy or abnormally low activity levels

Urinary Infections

Infections in the urinary tract or bladder can be incredibly painful in any mammal, rabbits included. This pain often leads to a reduced appetite or turning their nose up at food entirely. In addition to a loss of appetite, watch for difficulty urinating (straining), dribbling urine, excessive licking of the genital area, or irritation/urine scalding on the skin around the genital region.

Respiratory Infections

Another condition rabbits are prone to suffering is respiratory infections. You may not think to connect a respiratory infection to appetite changes. After all, they are two different systems in the body, right?

Respiratory infections can be incredibly uncomfortable like the other medical issues on this list. When rabbits aren’t feeling well, they often stop or reduce their eating considerably.

Dental Problems

Overgrown teeth, broken teeth, spurs, or dental abscesses are all painful conditions that rabbits are highly susceptible to. While rabbits, as prey animals, will go out of their way to hide their pain, it often impacts their appetites.

Some dental conditions will be visible if you take the time to examine your rabbit’s mouth. For example, overgrown or broken teeth are often easy to spot. Other dental problems, like abscesses, can occur in the gums, where they can’t be seen without the help of your veterinarian.

Like in humans, dental problems in rabbits left unaddressed can escalate into severe medical problems.

Non-Illness Reasons for a Rabbit Not Eating

Stress is one of the most common explanations unrelated to a physical illness. Rabbits are very sensitive pets and can experience extreme stress over the most minor changes in their routine.

Take a moment to reassess your rabbit’s living conditions and any potential triggers. Ask yourself the following questions:

Have there been any changes to the family unit? Has a new family member (human or pet) joined the family? Has there been a loss in the family? Has someone moved away?
Have there been any changes to your rabbit's environment? Did you move? Did you change their enclosure or introduce any new elements to it?
Are there any loud noises? Did you recently host a party (even a children’s birthday party)? Are there loud renovations happening in the home?
Have there recently been any significant changes to your schedule/routine?

Another common non-medical explanation for a loss of appetite in rabbits is a change to their diet. If you have recently switched your rabbit to a new food, it may upset their system. Dietary changes should be transitioned gradually to avoid this type of sudden upset.

Photo credit: PIMPIKA_070432 / Shutterstock.com

What Do I Do if My Rabbit Stops Eating?

If your rabbit has stopped eating, or you suspect any of the health conditions mentioned above, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Rabbits are true masters of hiding when they are sick or in pain. Any condition that has progressed to the point that they aren’t eating, or you spot any other noticeable signs, is serious and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

How Do I Get My Rabbit to Eat Again?

After your veterinarian has run tests and determined the cause of your weight loss, it will be time to help nurse your furry friend back to health. Your vet may prescribe medication or recommend they stay for careful monitoring and treatment until their condition improves.

Carefully follow all recommendations from your veterinarian, especially those related to any medication they send home with you.

Some home remedies are available to encourage your rabbit to eat. However, you should always discuss these options with your veterinarian. You want to ensure that any steps you take support the medical treatment they have prescribed and do not hinder its effectiveness.

If your rabbit is only eating small amounts, consider offering leafy greens with higher water content to ensure they stay hydrated. It may be recommended to skip feeding rabbit pellets for a while, offering only hay and leafy greens.

You may be able to encourage them to eat by offering vegetable baby food in a syringe. Some experts also recommend belly massages to encourage the movement of the muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.

How to Prevent Appetite Loss in Rabbits

The best approach to prevent loss of appetite in your rabbit is to focus on providing them with everything necessary for a happy, healthy life. This includes:

Feeding a diet of fresh hay and leafy greens. You can include rabbit pellets, fruits, and vegetables, but they shouldn’t be the primary focus.
Keep your rabbit’s cage clean to prevent infections, eliminate bacteria, and reduce the risk of disease. This is also the perfect time to take note of their bathroom habits and whether there is any cause for concern.
Make dental care a routine. This includes checking their teeth at home and providing safe opportunities to chew. I highly recommend the Kaytee Premium Timothy Treat Hideout, which serves as a hideaway and a healthy chewing solution.
Reduce stress. Keep your rabbit in a quieter location of the home, away from heavy traffic areas or loud noises. If you know there is a situation approaching that could trigger stress, like noisy renovations in the home, take steps to keep their environment as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Final Thoughts: What to Do if Your Rabbit Stops Eating

If you suspect your rabbit has stopped eating, consider it an emergency. Don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian with your concerns. Early intervention is key to your rabbit’s health and well-being.

Rabbits are masters of hiding illness, pain, and discomfort. If your rabbit is suffering from loss of appetite, the underlying problem has likely been an issue for quite a while already. This often signals a serious underlying condition that requires medical help.

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent appetite loss, you can take steps to reduce the risk. Feed your rabbit a balanced diet focused primarily on hay and leafy greens. Pay attention to how much food you replace daily and the waste during clean-ups.

If you suspect trouble, act promptly. Even if your vet determines there is no emergency, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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The age-old question: who is more popular, cats or dogs? Some owners will staunchly defend their doggos as the best pets around, while others won’t budge a from claiming their cherished felines should be #1. But what do the statistics say? An interesting survey unveiled a special map of the U.S. : one that shows us exactly the differences in cat and dog popularity.State by state, percentage by percentage, the cat and dog battle is revealed in accurate numbers, thanks to the website Zippia. A truly stunning graphic map has been published by this website otherwise known as a popular career and job portal. And it reveals each U.S. state’s choice of pets. First, however, we need to understand that roughly 86.9 million homes in America (around 66%) owns a pet in 2023-2024, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). And from these numbers, it is revealed that around 65.1 million homes own a dog, making them by far most popular choice of pet animal. In comparison, around 46.5 million homes own a cat. But still, many of these owners own both a cat and a dog.But the Zippia map shows exactly which states are majority doggo lovers, and which ones are strictly feline fans. Their results were compiled with detailed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Kennel Club.The numbers tell us that Arkansas is the state that has the most dog lovers in the entire country - around 48% of its residents own a dog according to Zippia. A stark contrast is Massachusetts, with just 24% of its residents owning a pooch. And then there are the cat fans. According to Zippia, the most feline-friendly states are Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. This reveals that America’s northeast has a special tendency towards cats in general. Some readers suggested that the climate and the general ambience of New England is more favorable for cats rather than doggos. But northernmost and southernmost states, Alaska and Texas, are strict doggo fans, which may be connected with their rugged nature and the protective and work role of certain dog breeds. But what about the breeds? Zippia also reveals that most states, 45 in total, are absolutely mad about Labrador Retrievers. This should not come as a surprise - Labradors are gentle and caring animals that make great pets. What about you? Are you a dog lover or a feline friend? Or do you adore both? 

Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?

Springtime is such a joyful time of the year. The harsh and gloomy winter days are finally over, and nature is awakening – the sun is shining, trees are blooming, and life erupts all over again. But that doesn’t mean that there are no downsides to this season. From spring allergies to spring shedding, there are also quite a few things that don’t spark joy when spring comes. One of those unexpected things that become a downside of spring when you’re a dog is flowers. Yup. Those gorgeous, lush-smelling blooms that appear in the spring can pose a threat to your dog, as many spring flowers are toxic to our canine friends.So without further ado, let’s see which of these pretty, colorful flowers are potentially dangerous for dogs – so you’ll know exactly which of them to avoid planting in your garden or putting in a vase.Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?As we all know, dogs are inquisitive and love to nibble and sniff all sorts of odd things, flowers included. This is why you should be vigilant in the spring when many potentially toxic plant varieties are in season. Keep an eye out for the following flowers when walking your pet out and about or when picking out seeds for your flower beds!Daffodils

Is Dog Poop Compostable?

Dog owners often wonder if their furry friend’s waste can be “put to good use” and composted. After all, composting is an environmentally friendly way to reduce waste, be more efficient, and return valuable nutrients to the soil. But still, when it comes to dog poop, a question often comes up – is it safe and beneficial for composting? To find that out, we need to consider several key aspects.Is Dog Poop Compostable?In general, yes, dog poop can be composted. However, it is not so simple, as with general yard waste or food scraps. The main concern with composting dog poop and waste is the potential presence of harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and parasites. These microorganisms, such as Escherichia Coli or roundworms, can pose a risk to human health if the compost is not handled and processed properly. But when dog poop is composed the right way, it can break down safely and become a useful fertilizer for non-edible plants.To safely compost dog waste it is important to ensure that the composting process reaches high enough temperatures, which will kill all the harmful pathogens. This usually requires a special system known as hot composting, where temperatures in the compost pile must consistently reach around 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit). And it is these temperatures that help kill bacteria, parasites, and other nasty things found in dog poop. This then makes the compost safe for use. So here are a few basic steps to always keep in mind:#1 Always use a separate composting bin for dog waste, as this will help avoid contaminating regular compost. This is important for keeping dog poop out of compost that will later be used in gardens for growing fruits or vegetables. Also, make sure to use fully compostable dog poop bags that will disintegrate in the compost pile – plastic won’t do as it won’t break down as fast or fully.

Six Toes, Nine Lives, and a Famous Author

Key West's Hemingway Home and Museum houses 60 polydactyl cats descended from the author's beloved first six-toed feline.

What Happens if a Dog Eats a Cicada?

As naturally inquisitive animals, dogs will often explore the world around them with their noses and mouths. However, this curiosity will sometimes lead them to all sorts of trouble, as they can eat things that might not be a typical part of their diet. In fact, they can munch on things that are not even edible! For example, those noisy, flying insects that emerge periodically, called cicadas, can become a tasty target for curious dogs. But what would happen if a dog would eat one of these insects? Here is all you should know.What Happens if a Dog Eats a Cicada?Cicadas are large, winged insects that appear in large numbers, and are known for their distinct sounds. Of course, they are not inherently harmful to pooches, but there are still some things to keep in mind if your pet happens to snack on one. Well, the most important thing to know is that cicadas are not toxic to dogs. Unlike some insects that carry venom or other harmful substances, cicadas are generally seen as harmless. But even so, the ingestion of these insects can still lead to some minor health issues, mostly related to their physical characteristics and the digestive system of a dog. Here’s what could go amiss if your pooch swallows one of these weird little bugs:Upset TummyAfter this unusual “snack”, your pet could end up with a mild case of digestive upset, especially if they already have a sensitive stomach to begin with. The insect’s exoskeleton, being hard and crunchy, is not so easy to digest. As a result, your pooch could experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Still, they are short-lived and should disappear on their own. If your dog experiences gastrointestinal upset, consider giving them a canine probiotic that could restore their gut flora and help them feel like their old selves in no time.

A 40 Pound Cat, Patches, Down 15 Pounds One Year After Adoption

Patches first grabbed media attention a year ago, when he arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control weighing an astounding 40.3 pounds. The shelter’s largest feline resident was quickly adopted and has been on a weight loss journey ever since. Once a chubby feline, Patches has lost 15 pounds since his adoption and is enjoying the perks of having more mobility each and every day.Once the Richmond Animal Care and Control posted a photo of Patches on their Facebook page, the news of a fat cat spread like wildfire, reaching Kay Ford, who was thinking about adopting an overweight pet. When her daughter sent her a photo of Patches, Ford immediately contacted the shelter to submit an adoption application. “I let them know that a special diet was nothing new to me. I had a Yorkie that was on chemo for three years and had a good quality of life,” Ford told PEOPLE. The shelter determined Ford would be able to meet the cat's needs and chose her as the adopter. Since his adoption, Patches has been living with Ford, her other cat Wellesley, and her senior Yorkie, Bella. Ford has even started a Facebook page for Patches shortly after his adoption, to keep others updated about his health. Little did she know that the page Patches’ Journey would have over 10,000 followers in a few days. Today, the page has nearly 50,000 followers who are eagerly expecting “Weigh-in Wednesdays.” Weigh-in Wednesdays are the day Ford weighs Patches on a scale and shares the results. On April 17, two days before his first adoption anniversary Patches weighed 25.4 pounds. That’s over 15 pounds less than he weighed when he arrived at Richmond Animal Care and Control. Ford celebrates her cat’s success daily, encouraging him as he accomplishes his weight loss goals. “He’s doing great. He really is. He is just a normal pet,” said Ford. Although Patches still can’t jump on the bed or fully groom himself, he has cleared almost all other obstacles thanks to the increased mobility he has gained after losing weight. “I couldn’t control my emotions the first time he jumped up on the radiator cover. It was a couple of days before Christmas, and I remember saying, ‘It’s a Christmas miracle,’” said Ford. Patches now jumps on the radiator cover regularly and uses the window perch to enjoy the views. Once the weight started to come off, Patches became more energetic and started to play with toys and his feline friend, Wellesley. “It just happened the way it was supposed to happen. He was able to achieve almost every milestone that he needed to achieve to become a real cat, not Macy’s Day Parade balloon,” Ford said. Patches made great progress thanks to his owner’s commitment to his diet. To owners who want to help their pets lose weight, Ford advises “patience, commitment, and diligence.”“This would never have happened if I had given in to whining,” she added. “The hardest thing is not giving into the begging. What I say to people is ‘Get it in your head that instead of asking you for food, they’re asking you for attention and to help them become a healthier cat or dog.”This duo is looking forward to another year of sharing Patches’ weight loss journey with his fans. The Facebook page took off more than Ford hoped for and the online community has been extremely supportive of Patches’ efforts to lose weight.“We have been 100% positive from day one,” said Ford   Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.ear

What Do I Do if My Cat Ingests Marijuana?

We’ve all seen the funny social media videos of pets “greening out” after ingesting some weed, but can marijuana be dangerous for your cat? While it’s typically not fatal, marijuana toxicity can create a stressful situation for both you and your feline friend. In some cases, it can also have severe consequences. This guide will share the essential information you need to know about cats and marijuana, including the common symptoms of marijuana toxicity in cats, understanding the potential risks, and, most importantly, knowing what steps to take if your cat has ingested something they shouldn’t. Plus, we’ll discuss cat-friendly CBD products and share tips for calming your cat safely and effectively. Let’s get started… Is Marijuana Bad for Cats? With the growing number of states legalizing marijuana, this is a question that we have been hearing more frequently. Is marijuana toxic for cats? Should you be concerned if you accidentally leave something out and your cat now appears to be high? The short answer is yes! Cats are particularly sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in marijuana that is responsible for the psychoactive effects (the relaxed, euphoric feeling that you experience). Plus, their small size means it takes significantly less to affect them. In most cases, if caught and addressed quickly, your cat will fully recover from marijuana toxicity. However, it can lead to long-term and even life-threatening complications. How Are Cats Exposed to Marijuana? In nearly all cases of marijuana toxicity, the affected cat wasn’t given marijuana to ingest. Instead, they get into something they shouldn’t, leading to trouble. There are several ways your cat may be exposed. If you or your friends/family smoke, ensure your cat is safely contained in another room. Even inhaling the second-hand smoke can have serious consequences. You can reduce the risk even further by placing a rolled towel along the bottom of the door to your cat’s safe room to block any smoke from entering. If you smoke outdoors, check first to ensure all windows are closed. Keep all marijuana and edibles up and out of your cat’s reach. Cats are curious creatures prone to nibbling on things they discover around the house. This includes live plants, dried weed products, marijuana-infused products, and even discarded joints. Signs of Marijuana Ingestion in Cats Most cases of marijuana toxicity aren’t identified because you see your cat nibbling on the offending product. Instead, it often starts with noticing that your cat is acting “off” and discovering the cause of trouble after a careful investigation. As cat parents, we should familiarize ourselves with the most common signs and symptoms. Knowing what to look for will allow us to identify and address the problem sooner. This includes: Drooling VomitingDilated pupils Extreme sleepiness or excitement Agitation, anxiety, or depressionExcessive vocalizationLoss of coordination or balanceLow blood pressure Slow heart rateLow body temperature TwitchingSeizures or comaSome cats will simply act "off." You know your cat better than anyone. Trust your gut, even if you can't pinpoint the exact signs or symptoms.

Gene Mutation Raises Risk of Side Effects from Parasite Preventatives

According to findings from a recent study, over half a million cats in the U.S. should not be given certain parasite preventatives because they are at risk of serious adverse reactions. Pet parents who plan to use or currently use these products on their cats should inform themselves so they can make the right decisions for their pets’ health.

Missing Bird Reunited with Family with Nextdoor App

Losing a pet bird is especially devastating because it can be extremely difficult to find them and rescue them. But a good-hearted woman was able to use the Nextdoor app to reconnect a lost cockatiel with his family.

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