“Cats play one game. It’s called hunting.” I know the kind of pounce to which you refer. For everyone’s sake please believe me that this isn’t a game – not to the cat and definitely not to the rabbits. That kind of pounce is designed to have the cat straddle its prey and then bite their neck. Toms also attack each other this way, given the chance.
Cats and rabbits can learn to get along and to live amicably. My cat actually considers my first (and larger) rabbit to be hers. I would still never leave them unsupervised, though he outweighs her, is way stronger and she’s a senior.
I’ve had my second rabbit a year tomorrow. She is half the size of the first one and two thirds the size of the cat. She has been targeted, I’d say, six-ish times by my cat in this manner. It’s like they know they shouldn’t, but the rapid movement is too much and instinct kicks in. I can actually see the difference in her eyes when she does it. All I have to do is say her name sharply and snap my fingers and she stops. Still, this shows it can be bunny specific. Holly (cat) reveres Cincinnati (first and larger rabbit) – I have the adorable pics to prove it. I’d never say that about Holly and Daisy (second and smaller rabbit). Daisy is way more rapid, active, small and lithe. She’s like a little firecracker. It can set Holly off. Whereas Cincinnati is more of a meandering, observing rabbit. I’m convinced that if she moved like him she’d never be targeted despite her size.
Since you don’t yet know this cat I would get to know the cat first and worry about bunny introductions later. That way you’ll be better prepared for what may happen. Your cat may never get used to the rabbits. The rabbits may never relax in the cat’s presence which can, in and of itself, trigger the cat. I’m a lifelong cat person, but the only cat I’ve ever known that I’d ever have attempted this with is Holly. She has an unusually low prey drive. Most cats don’t, especially when young.
Good luck whatever you decide, but I think it’s always best to set animals up for success and sometimes that means taking things slowly or not at all.
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