Bonded Bunny Loses Mate: New Pet?

[Saroja]

Hi Fellow Bunny Lovers…

 

Until recently, I was the proud owner of 2 incredibly loving, bonded bunnies. Then, suddenly, one of them became acutely ill and died within 48 hrs. It has been very difficult for our little family and now it’s just me and my lonely bunny, Hoyle. I’m a surgical resident (think Grey’s Anatomy) and work long hours (often 30 hrs consecutively) so having 2 bunnies at home was great since they were able to entertain each other while I was at work (I always hired a pet-sitter to come in while I’m on-call at the hospital to feed and play with them). Now that Jazz is gone, I’m very worried about Hoyle. He has been coping well but I’m worried that he’ll grow lonely during the day with no one else at home to keep him company.

I know that bonding bunnies is no easy task and Hoyle has already struggled through the process once, so I’m not sure how easily he’ll take to another attempt with a new bunny. Conseuqently, I’m considering branching out and maybe getting a cat… but I’d like to hear your opinions on the matter: would it be worth another try at bunny-speed-dating-and-bonding? Is Hoyle going to be ok without his mate in the long term? Could a bunny learn to love a cat and vice versa? How long should I wait before trying to introduce a new pet?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences and insights. Thanks so much.

Saroja (+ Hoyle)

[Mandyyy]

Getting a cat is kind of stretching it I think… but if you adopt a very young kitty it may work? My cat grew up with my buns and he loves them and they love him. Domino never liked other animals much, but she likes cats and dogs. Nava will get along with most animals, but cats and dogs are her favorite. It could work… but it depends I think on the cat too… Some cats just want to bully bunnies.

[peppypoo]

I’m sorry about the loss of Jazz…I’ve lost one before too, and I know it can be incredibly difficult. I’m not sure how long you should wait, but if you’re definitely looking for another pet, I’d still stick with a bunny. Whatever animal you do choose (especially if you choose a young one), keep in mind that bonding and training will take time and energy from your busy schedule, as you probably know.

[tobyluv]

I also think that it would be better to get another bunny companion for Hoyle, instead of some other animal. Bonding is not always difficult or a struggle, although it certainly can be. I have seen some bunnies bond instantly, with no fighting or even scuffling, but I know that it can also take weeks or even months to bond bunnies. You said that bonding was a struggle with Hoyle the first time, but it’s very possible that the process would be easier when bonding him with a different rabbit.

I’m very sorry about the loss of Jazz.

[Dee]

I’m so sorry about your bunny Jazz- it’s difficult enough to lose a pet without having to worry about how the remaining pet is coping as well. I think it’s something many people here have experienced and for those of us that have a pair of bunnies and haven’t yet gone through it, it’s a reality that we all dread. You’re not alone, though I know that doesn’t help much .
I agree that another bunny would be the most comforting and compatible choice for Hoyle’s new companion. I really believe that all creatures are happiest with their own (except solitary ones like Syrian hamsters and of course some people). I think that it would be worth it to try the “bunny dating”- that’s how my bunnies met and they bonded very easily. It might not be “love at first sight”, but I bet that there’s a bunny out there that needs a good home and that Hoyle could be get along with, and I think that it gives the best chance of being completely happy again. It’s also good for us to watch our bunnies being content- it will probably help you heal from the loss of Jazz as well.

[BinkyBunny]

I’m so sorry about Jazz.  That’s rough.   I also understand your predicament about being very busy and not having much time to bond either — and if doesn’t work out, you have to deal with two separate bunnies. Not easy.  Do you have a rabbit rescue near you? Some rescues will help you with bonding.  For example, SaveABunny.org, helped one of our members with his tough time bonding his two and the rescue provided a service to bond for them.  I’m not sure what the cost was, but I’m bettin’ it was worth it. 

As far as a cat, I also don’t think that would be a good idea — Rabbits and cats have different needs and different body languages.  Though there are cats that will get along with bunnies, many times cats will just stay away from them (or like ours, has to be closely supervised).  Some bunnies will bully a cat or a cat will rough play or accidentally scratch a bunny.   The bacteria that gets caught in a cats nail can cause some nasty infections in a rabbit if they scratch them — nasty abscess caution.   Young cats will be much more playful and I would caution against that with a bunny. 

So, my vote is for another bunny — take Hoyla bunny dating when you are able to have any time off, and if they offer a service to help them bond, I would go for it. 

Good Luck and keep us updated. 

 

[bunnyfriend]

Hmm I have a suggestion for making bonding easier. A lot of shelters do this thing called “bunny dating”, where your bunny essentially picks out the new rabbit. You bring your altered rabbit in and they introduce them to a couple other altered bunnies (usually of opposite sex). They help you determine which bunny will make a good match with your bunny. They usually then will have you bring your bunny in a couple more times for some more “dates” with the new rabbit and help you either fully bond them or get a bond started. Just a thought!
 

I have 2 cats, both of them are basically terrified of the bunnies. Lucky(cat) will lay on the piano bench and swat at Totoro(rabbit) when he hops by. Lucky will also lay on top of Wilbur’s(rabbit) Maze Haven and try to swat at her as well. Fortunately Lucky has his nails clipped and soft paws on, but I do not trust him or Mew(other cat) around the bunnies alone.

Edit: Just saw that BB mentioned bunny dating, sorry to be repeatative!

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