Can rabbits sense your emotions?

[Bunny_Rabbit]

Like can they tell if you’re (their owner) is happy or sad?
What do you think?

[Krista]

Absolutely. Animals are able to sense more than humans, rabbits aren’t excluded. They can tell how you’re feeling, heck some animals can tell if you have cancer. It’s whether or not the animal /cares/ or is /concerned/ with you being upset. When I was first upset around Bilbo, my little rabbit, he was rather weirded out. He acted very nervous and would come up to me then go into his cage. Recently, I had a friend that was extremely upset about a family matter and I handed her Bilbo to calm her down. Bilbo didn’t poop on her, kick at her, or nip at her whatsoever. Mind you, she was walking around the house holding him and even sat on the couch with him. He is a nipper and he does kick if you hold him for too long. He didn’t do any of that though. Now, happy-wise, Bilbo acts rather cuddly on a normal outing with me. Usually I’m happy or indifferent. I have more experience with dogs sensing emotions of humans, my dog will guard me when I’m upset and will jump on people who try to get near me. He also licks my face and brings me his toys to try to make me happy. I realize he isn’t a rabbit, but him and Bilbo are very similar in personality. They are both spoiled brats that like to get into stuff that they know they shouldn’t get into, both love food, and both throw tantrums. They can both like to cuddle and be center of attention. I’m not saying all rabbits, or animals in general, will react to your emotions because face it some animals just don’t care. My cat couldnt care less if I was upset. All animals have different personalities so it all depends on the animal. Animals have emotions just like people and sometimes they even try to comfort one another. Hope my response is useful:3

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

I think so! Theo gets weirded out if I’m upset and leaves me alone, but Eve will come up to me and put her paws on my legs and let me pet her head for as long as I need. If I’m just grumpy or am internalizing my emotions without anything physical (like crying), the buns don’t really seem to notice, and are just confused as to why I seem more irritated.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I strongly agree. Animals are much more intune with emotions than humans are.

[Wascally Wabbits]

Yes. When my rabbit passed away, his bonded partner Lilo would come up and groom me every time I cried. Lilo is normally very cuddly to start with, but he doesn’t groom me usually. But I remember distinctly how when I first found out and just sat down on the floor and cried, and Lilo very slowly approached me and started grooming my hand and then my sock. He sat next to me for 30 min. He’s normally bouncing around everywhere and wouldn’t stay still for this long.

Also the weeks following Chicho’s death. I notice that Lilo’s mood/activity level would mirror my mood. If I come home crying he just kinda sits with me. If I’m happy and not crying, he’s back to his normal super active self.

So I’d say they can definitely sense if you’re upset or happy. And if they care, it’d impact their mood too.

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Yes, they definitely do. It’s part of their bond to you. My normally hyperactive and aloof Breintje becomes an instant cuddle monster if I’ve been thoroughly mangled by the physiotherapist. He stays close to me and tries to sniff/headbutt/lick any painful bodyparts.

[sarahthegemini]

There have been times when I’ve been audibly poorly (coughing etc) and Buttercup has looked truly concerned – if you know Buttercup, you’ll know she has 3 usual looks; happy (when she’s being cheeky), sad when she’s banned from somewhere lol and disapproving. This concerned look was totally different. Another time when I was poorly, I was sat on the floor in tears and let out a loud ‘Ow’ sound. Buttercup jumped out of her litter box (where she was eating) I thought perhaps I’d startled her but she came running over to me. She put the biggest smile on my face.

[Tgbarber]

I love your bun’s name (my bun is Theo also)

[Tgbarber]

These stories are so sweet

[Kara]

I know this forum has not been active lately but just wanted to make a comment. My 1st Flemish giant, marshmallow, passed today which led me BACK here seeking solace. I am a brand new member but I have been reading these posts for a while now. Google a rabbit question and you are directed here. After a huge medical issue; we had to act in a humane way and put my big bun to sleep. Needless to say, I’m completely devastated. We adopted her and only had her 5 weeks. Wow did I get attached. I have 3 “little” lionhead buns that seemed to know I was upset. They were extra nice as I cried, nudging me and curiously coming to check out the wreck of a human I am right now lol. They let me pet them more than usual and one did the flop on my lap. Just wanted to say in my opinion, they sense our feelings and show love if we display non-threatening emotions. Also, I’d like to thank all of you for being here posting such helpful and uplifting stories and tips about bunnies. It reaches more people than you know and it has definitely been a source of information and comfort that is second to none for a rabbit lover! Thanks to everyone for loving and caring for rabbits the way I do. I’ve found support and kind words that really comfort me despite the fact I hadn’t posted my own situation yet. Don’t know what I’d do without everyone’s input on everything bunny.
(yes, I’m sure there is a more appropriate forum for this, but this forum led me to finally join BB and gave me comfort. This is where I felt was appropriate. This forum helped me gain a little peace regarding this topic and a the loss of a furry family member combined)
Thanks everyone

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Welcome to the forum, and I’m very sorry to hear about Marshmallow passing away. If you want you can make a special memorial post for Marshmellow in the “Rainbow bridge” subforum. It’s so sweet to hear that your lionheads are comforting you, it means you have a great bond with eachother! They really are wonderful creatures with very kind souls.

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