Getting cat and rabbit along

[Menchitah]

Hello everyone! Happy New Year!

I am a new cat owner and rabbit owner. My new cat, Sebastian, is 8 years old, was a street cat, and has had trouble getting along with other animals. Either he is very defensive or runs away immediately. On the other hand, my 1 year old holland lop, Winterson, has never really seen another animal and is used to being by himself. 

It’s been a few days since I’ve gotten Sebastian home, so I figured the first thing I should do is leave Mr. Winterson in his cage for a few days, let him get used to the house and sniff Winterson from his cage, and go on from there. Today, I took Mr. Winterson out for his usual routine and I have been supervising both of them, but Sebastian is very defensive so when Winterson runs around or gets even a little close to him (that is, running to him of course) he paws him and Winterson runs away. 

I have tried reading online on how to go on about this. but all it shows me is that cats tend to run after the prey. Sebastian is not like that, he is very calm but he is aware of his surroundings when it comes to having another animal around him, and he also tends to run away. So, I want to ask this. How do I go on about getting a scared cat to get a long with a young, active, and curious rabbit? Thank you!

[Mikey]

Cat claws and teeth hold enough bacteria to kill a rabbit. Until you get your cat more aclimated to being around prey animals, you should not put them together as if your bun gets a wound from the cat, your bun is going to need an emergency vet visit. Not trying to be rude, but do extensive research before getting an animal, especially an animal with a background (previously abused, fear of other animals, hoarding situations, etc).

Give your bun a large room and shut the door while youre away. First thing first, the bun needs proper room and exercise and the cat should not be allowed to limit that. If your rabbit is caged for too long for too many days, it can cause muscle problems, stasis, stress, and depression. Not fair for your rabbit. So, move him to a large room with a door (if he isnt in a room like this already) and shut the door while youre away. Only leave the door open while youre in the room with him so you can shoo the cat away. For your cat, get him used to seeing and being around animals. Try animal sounds on youtube (barking, howling, birds, etc). Consider taking your cat (harnessed and held/crated) to the pet store a few times a week until the animals and noises dont phase him. Talk to his vet for ideas. Talk to your rabbits vet for ideas.

[Menchitah]

Well I have done research for rabbits and Winterson does get enough exercise when I leave him out (usually 4-5 hours a day before I have to sleep to go to work) and I can’t really leave him out in a room by himself when I go to work because my apartment is all carpet except for the kitchen and bathroom. As I am still a new cat owner, I should definitely take your advice and do some more thorough cat research before getting him and Winterson to interact.

[Hazel]

Since he’s scared of Winetrson, rather than trying to chase him, I think it might be a good idea to get a cat tree for him, or something else he can jump up on, out of reach of the bun. Make sure to place it somewhere your bun has access to. That way, the Sebastian can be around the bun without feeling threatened, and will hopefully eventually realize that he’s harmless.

[Deleted User]

Personally, I don’t think that you should put these two together. You mentioned that he was a street cat, so he’s likely got more of a predator instinct than a cat that has been kept indoors all of its life…that may lead to trouble when Sebastian feels comfortable in the home and he may see Mr. Winterson as a snack… Also, as Mikey pointed out, bacteria. The cat probably ate rodents while he was outdoors and I know that cats can contract a parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis. I’m unsure how long they carry it, or if they ever get rid of it completely? but it is passed in their stool so definitely don’t let bun go around the cat litter tray. Probably not as much of a threat to you, obviously just wash your hands after dealing with litter. Have you had the cat checked for diseases at the vet?

[Deleted User]

Maybe I don’t have the full information, if you got him from a rescue then they’ve probably given him a clean bill of health. But I was just thrown off by the “street cat” thing? Do you know how long he was living outside?

[Author]

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