Bonding with a kitty

[PurpleGypsy]

Hi! Good day!! Help! I’m scared. I have two neutered bunnies that are always free to roam around my room. Earlier, I went out and there was a crying kitten because it’s raining. So I adopted him. When I came home, I immediately locked the condo of my bunnies and let the kitty get comfortable at first. Few hours later, he got comfortable. I fell inlove with him. But, when i tried to put the kitten inside a carrier(because thats all i have. I dont have a cage), well. When I let my bunnies out, they smelled him at first, then ran away so fast! And kept on thumping so hard. I was so scared. I dont want my bunnies to feel that way. Now I’m thinking of putting the kitty for adoption. I’m so scared that I might not provide them the right bonding. They all stay in my bedroom for my family hates my pets so I just keep them here. Right now, my rabbits want to go out so bad. I’m scared that they might fight and bite one another. I love my bunnies and cant afford to lose them. This kitten is very small, I think 2 months old? So guys, is there any way I could bond them faster? I really want them to get along.. Help me please..

Thank you in advance! Good vibes!

[Mikey]

Since you found the cat outside, youll want to get it checked by a vet first. You dont want him passing any bugs, parasites, or sicknesses to your little buns

[Odette]

I’ve found that bunnies and cats/kittens can begin very wary of one another and quickly become best friends. My last rabbit was two years old when I adopted a rescue kitten. She became extremely protective of him and he loved her and mourned her when she passed. That kitten is now an older cat and was fast friends with my new bunny. I think he remembers his first bunny friend.

Give them time. Also, bunnies can be very jealous and territorial. Cats can too! Make sure you are giving your bunnies lots of affection while they adapt to your new friend.

Thank you for rescuing the kitten. That was a kind thing.

[PurpleGypsy]

I will! For sure.. When the weather calms down. There’s a storm outside.

[PurpleGypsy]

I wish they would get along.. I reslly feel bad for my bunnies for they have to adjust.. Can you give me tips how to make them get along fast? Pleaaaaase? Thank youuu!!

[Odette]

Once they know the kitten is not a threat, they’ll adopt him. Kittens are loud and needy and all the things that bunnies need time to adjust to. Most importantly, make sure you’re not giving the kitten the bunnies’ time or toys. Bunnies are so jealous!

I’m not home right now. But I’ll try to think of other things that will help. Be patient with them as they bond. Sometimes I get a little jealous that Odette bonded to my cat first, then me. I promise it happens! Often when you don’t expect it. But, they do need supervised time together or they’ll always consider the kitten a threat. So you have to let them be together but always while you’re watching until you’re sure they’re safe together.

[Odette]

PurpleGypsy, I can’t really think of anything more. I honestly think they’ll bond quickly due to the shared space. Rabbits are territorial and prey animals by nature, so its completely normal for your bunnies to be put off by the kitten at first. But give the bunnies lots of attention, so they know the kitten isn’t stealing their love . Also, pet the bunnies and then pet the kitten– in turns. My cat grooms my bunny and that’s how I started them. I’d pet one, then the other. Eventually my cat groomed the bunny. Like I said, they bonded before my baby bunny bonded with me. You might also give them treats at the same time. The bunnies first, then kitten. Basically, keep the bunnies feeling safe in their territory. The kitten is so young that he will always feel safe with them. I think you’ll find, in time, that both your bunnies and kitten are intensely protective of each other. Right now, they’re protective of you and their space. But once they become acquainted, they’ll love the new kitten. Best of luck!

[PurpleGypsy]

Odette, thank you for your advice. It was helpful! I thought they wouldnt get along if they shared one space. My other rabbit is not afraid of the kitty anymore, but the other one is still scared. But there was a huge improvement within them. I know it. May I just ask how do you think bunnies can handle a very playful kitty? He’s sooooo playful. He wants to play but my bunnies doesnt, they just seriously want to chill and eat and munch and cuddle.

[Odette]

That’s awesome. I am sure your second bunny will be fine soon. It just takes time. The fact that both bunnies are comfortable munching and going about their normal routines with a new kitten around is a great sign.

Kittens need to play and run and get that excess energy out. I would get a toy/make a toy and play with him. Be careful to choose a toy that won’t harm the rabbits if they chew on it.

If your kitten is tired from you playing with him, he’ll nap and not try so hard to play with the bunnies. The bunnies will join in if they want eventually. And, they may not. They might prefer to all lounge together and let the kitten play with you. That’s ok. That’s still a peaceful coexistence. And it sounds like you’ve already achieved that in a really short time– so that’s great!

[PurpleGypsy]

Thank you for helping me guys.. I hope they would get along..

[Author]

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