Litter Trained But Pees on rug when outside of cage

[Oliver]

I have a Holland Lop, Oliver, born in March.  After much effort he is finally litter box trained when he is in his cage.  But, when we take him out of his cage he pees on the rug.  We have a large 9 x 12 rug.  He doesn’t like to go off of it so we set 2 litter boxes on it, both with urinated bedding in it so he can smell his scent, and sometimes he will choose to use it, but often times he will pee outside of it.  Many times he will urinate when we are petting him, and we don’t even realize it until he’s moved.  He is neutered.  We would like to allow him to be out for more extended periods of time without having to watch him so carefully. Thoughts?  We do place him in litter box when we do catch him in the act and tell him no while soaking the tissue and throwing it in his box.

[Wick & Fable]

Rabbits like peeing on soft things, and it’s likely he just really likes peeing on the rug, so I suggest physically relocating him to the litterboxes, in addition to putting soiled bedding in them.

In terms of him peeing when he’s being pet, it’s a difficult territory, but I advise, while on the carpet, watch his bottom like a hawk if you’re petting him— you don’t want him mistaken it as confirmation that peeing is fine there. If you’re getting ready for a petting session with him, you can take him to the litterbox so he can relieve himself if he needs to, then proceed to pet. I do this with Wick occasionally when it’s been a while since he’s gone and he’s getting sleepy… he tends to just pee where he is once he wakes up from a nap, so I need to make him take a potty break beforehand.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[joea64]

One of the good things about having gotten that sisal rug from IKEA is that sisal, while very good for a bunny’s feet and a natural fiber, isn’t a particularly soft surface (as my knees and elbows attest!) I think this provides adequate deterrent to Panda and Fernando from piddling on said rug. They’re actually pretty good about going to the litterbox when they need to, overall.

[Author]

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