A Beginner's Guide to Indoor Rabbit Care in the USA

Welcome to the wonderful world of indoor rabbit keeping! Across the United States, more and more animal lovers are discovering that rabbits make excellent, affectionate house pets. Keeping your rabbit indoors protects them from extreme weather and predators, and allows them to bond closely with your family.

Why Keep Your Rabbit Indoors?

In many parts of the USA, temperatures fluctuate wildly. From freezing winters in the Midwest to scorching summers in the South, outdoor hutches can be dangerous. Indoor rabbits generally live longer, healthier lives—often reaching 10-12 years of age.

1. The Right Enclosure (Ex-Pens over Cages)

Ditch the small pet store cages. In the US, a popular and affordable option is an “ex-pen” (exercise pen) meant for dogs. Provide at least 16 square feet of living space, plus a minimum of 4 hours of supervised free-roam time daily. Lay down fleece blankets or washable rugs to protect your flooring and give your bunny traction.

2. Rabbit-Proofing Your Home

Rabbits love to chew! Before letting your bunny roam your living room, you must rabbit-proof:

• Cord Covers: Buy heavy-duty plastic split tubing from your local hardware store to protect all electrical cords.
• Baseboard Protection: Use clear plastic corner guards or untreated wood planks to deter chewing on trim.
• Houseplants: Ensure all houseplants are out of reach. Many common American houseplants (like Philodendrons and Pothos) are toxic to rabbits.

3. The American House Rabbit Diet

A healthy indoor rabbit needs a simple, consistent diet:

• Unlimited Hay: Timothy or Orchard grass hay should make up 80% of their diet. You can buy this in bulk from farm supply stores or online retailers.
• Fresh Greens: 1-2 cups of safe, leafy greens per day. Romaine lettuce, cilantro, and parsley (easily found in US grocery stores) are excellent staples.
• High-Quality Pellets: Limit pellets to 1/4 cup per day for a standard 5lb rabbit. Look for brands without colorful seeds or nuts—just plain timothy pellets.

Track Their Health Easily

Keeping track of your new bunny’s diet, weight, and veterinary appointments (especially finding a specialized exotic vet in your state) can be overwhelming. Download the free RabbitCare App (free on Android) to log daily meals, set litter box cleaning reminders, and access vet-approved care tips right from your phone.

---

References & Sources

1. House Rabbit Society (HRS) — “Indoor Rabbit Care” — rabbit.org
2. RWAF — “Housing Rabbits Indoors” — rabbitwelfare.co.uk
3. Harcourt-Brown, F. (2002) — Textbook of Rabbit Medicine, Butterworth-Heinemann
4. PDSA — “Rabbit Care Guide” — pdsa.org.uk
5. ASPCA — “Rabbit Care” — aspca.org