Understanding Rabbit Aging: When Does Your Bunny Become a Senior?

Life expectancy for a house rabbit is between 8-14 years. But when do rabbits become seniors? There is not an exact age when it happens. However, sometime between the ages of 5-8 a rabbit becomes a senior. When the signs of aging start to manifest is partly based on the size of the rabbit, genetics, the quality of care he’s received throughout his life, and even if he has a loving bond mate.

What are the signs of aging?

  • Slowing down, decrease in activity level, sleeping more
  • Changes in fur coat (coarser, sparser, more gray hair)
  • Changes in nails (thicker, turn outwards)
  • Changes in mobility
  • Changes in eyesight and/or hearing
  • Calluses on hocks
  • Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Weight loss or weight gain
  • Muscle wasting/loss of muscle tone
  • Difficulty maintaining hygiene
  • Increased health issues (dental, bladder, or kidney are common ones)

Preventative care to keep your aging rabbit healthy

  • Proper diet is #1
  • Spaying female rabbits virtually eliminates uterine infections and reproductive cancers
  • Regular physical exercise and activity
  • Mental enrichment with toys, games, and interaction with you
  • Companionship of a bonded rabbit friend
  • Regular veterinary check ups and blood work

Aging is a natural process. A well cared-for house rabbit can age gracefully and enjoy many golden years. Your rabbit may need some level of nursing care at some point in her life. Expect this and know for a fact that she will be forever grateful for your loyalty and love. Caring for our elderly companion animals is part of the commitment we make to them that honors the years of love and friendship we have shared.

Resources:

  • Amy Ramnaraine

    Since 2001 my life has been filled with my own beloved, free-roaming house rabbits. They fueled my desire to help other people and their rabbits live happily and healthfully together. I began as a local educator for the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society (2008 — 2015). I then became a licensed educator for the national House Rabbit Society (2016 — 2023). I have expanded my own rabbit knowledge through many conferences and seminars on rabbit care, behavior, and health. As a rabbit advocate I’ve organized transports, campaigned, fostered, and provided hospice care. As an educator I’ve done my best to create easily accessible information to improve the lives of rabbits and the humans who care for them. My beloved bunnies were: Mouse & Duchess, Captain BlackOak & Pixel, Fluffston, Guinevere, Joy & Magnus.

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