Rabbits

As most animal lovers know, a rabbit is a small mammal with long ears and a short tail that lives in the wild as well as in houses and apartments, as a pet.

For centuries rabbits have been one of people’s favorite types of pets not only because of the physical pleasure one gets from petting or holding them, but also because of some personal qualities these animals possess, such as their intelligence and a complete lack of desire to harm anyone.

Domestic rabbits live for an average of 5 to 15 years; they are completely herbivorous and may be kept inside as well as outside. Their long ears help them keep the right body temperature as they radiate their body heat through them. Rabbits are unable to sweat or vomit. A rabbit’s average gestation period is 31 days, but can vary from 27 to 36 days. One litter can contain up to 14 babies (usually 4-6). Spaying and neutering rabbits changes their behavior slightly as well as lowers the possibility of ovarian cancer in females. Rabbits are prey animals and therefore tend to be easily frightened by loud noises and sudden movements.

Wild rabbits are not the same species as the domestic ones and are only remotely related to the pet rabbits. They rarely live past 2 years, mostly due to the amount of predators that are after them. The fur of most wild rabbits is naturally designed to blend with their surroundings to make them less noticeable. Wild rabbits should never be kept as pets, not only because they need a lot more space and a different environment than what a human companion is able to provide, but also because it is simply illegal to keep a wild animal if you do not have a special license.      

Rabbits’ personal qualities have made them not only popular pets but also a basis of many popular-culture symbols, such as the Easter Rabbit or the Playboy Bunny. They also found a place in our language as their tendency for fast reproduction made them a symbol of sexuality and the base of the popular comparison “to screw like rabbits”.

Ever since the first contact between the rabbits and the humans, bunnies have been clawing their way into our culture, lives and hearts. And now it’s hard to find a person who wouldn’t recognize a rabbit when they see one.