Wild rabbits are cold weather animals. They can survive when it’s extremely cold, thanks to their fur and other adaptation methods.
However, they cannot tolerate extreme heat. High temperatures are likely to cause problems.
On the other hand, domestic rabbits get used to warm and comfortable temperatures in the house or their hutch. As a result, temperature changes can affect them. You can give them blankets and soft bedding during cold seasons for added warmth and comfort.
But do rabbits like blankets? We’ll discuss this in this article and what types of blankets are safe for them.
Do rabbits like blankets?
The simple answer is yes, they do. Rabbits love soft fabrics because they give them a comfortable place to relax.
If you have a house rabbit, you might have noticed that they love to snuggle in blankets, couches, pillows, and other soft fabrics.
Blankets could make great additions to your rabbit’s hutch. They enjoy snuggling up with, playing with, and rolling around with them. Therefore, you can put them in their cage or hutch for extra comfort.
However, if you decide to give your rabbit a blanket, you should watch closely and monitor the condition of the blanket. Blankets could be potentially dangerous because rabbits like to chew and eat them.
Do rabbits need blankets to keep warm?
No, they don’t. Rabbits typically thrive in cold temperatures. Actually, they would rather be cold than too hot. They can survive comfortably in temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the fall season approaches, rabbits stop shedding their fur and grow a thick fur coat to help keep them warm during winter. They have other adaptation methods, including eating more food, cuddling with other rabbits, and burrowing into their bedding.
However, a blanket can be an excellent addition to help them escape the cold and keep warm.
Do rabbits need blankets at night?
If you’re wondering if you should be offering a blanket to your rabbit at night, this is a matter of personal preference. Blankets work well to give them extra warmth (even though they don’t necessarily need it) and keep them peaceful.
We recommend covering the cage or hutch to keep them safe and calm at night.
Why do rabbits like blankets?
There are several reasons why your bunnies could appreciate the addition of blankets.
- Warmth: Despite having thick fur to keep them warm during winter, rabbits also like to cuddle with their bonded mates to keep themselves warm. If you have a single rabbit, a blanket could be a great addition to mimic body warmth.
- Comfort: Blankets are soft, providing comfort for your rabbit to snuggle up and relax.
- Security: Rabbits burrow to protect themselves from predators and extreme temperatures. If you cover their cage with a blanket, you create a dark environment that mimics a burrow.
- Fun: Rabbits get bored just like humans. They need mental stimulation as well as exercise to ward off boredom. Blankets can be good entertainment for rabbits to dig, play, and burrow into.
What kinds of blankets are safe for rabbits?
Not all blanket options are safe. Safety is essential because rabbits chew on blankets and could ingest parts of them.
If the blanket has the wrong fabric, it can impact the rabbit’s digestive system and put them at risk of developing health complications.
For instance, some rabbit owners prefer cotton blankets. Though they might serve the purpose, they contain long lengths of cotton. If swallowed, they can cause digestive problems.
In addition, they can tangle around the rabbit’s body, causing injuries.
Some rabbits might have a preference for what kind of blanket they want, and others do not mind at all.
If you want to keep your rabbit comfortable and safe, it’s important to choose the right blanket. Here are the three popular and safe rabbit blanket choices.
Fleece
A fleece blanket is quite popular because it is warm and cozy. It is gentle on a rabbit’s paw and feels nice to walk on. In addition, this fabric is tough and can withstand chewing.
However, hay and dust particles cling to the fabric, making it very hard to clean.
Towels
Towels can be comfortable to sleep on. They are cost-effective and are available in different colors, absorbencies, and softness levels. However, rabbits like to chew on them, which may cause holes and lead to frequent replacements.
Faux fur
A faux fur blanket is made from thick fabric to offer a warm and inviting additional layer to your rabbit for the cold season.
Should you wrap your rabbit in a blanket?
Just imagine your cute little rabbit wrapped up in a warm blanket. Picture perfect, right? Yes, but rabbits don’t like being wrapped up in a blanket because they feel trapped and their movement is restricted.
Swaddling your rabbit may cause harm. It can result in injuries or discomfort when trying to flee. He may also be at risk of getting a heart attack in his desperation to be free.
Wrapping your rabbit up may also cause overheating or hyperthermia, affecting many parts of the body, including the central and nervous systems.
If you want to give your rabbit a blanket, put it near his bed and let him explore and do whatever he wants to do with it.
Can you put a blanket over your rabbit’s cage?
Covering your rabbit’s cage at night can be a good idea. It has the following benefits:
- It can help the rabbit to calm down
- Provide extra protection from predators
- Block draughts
- Protect him from the cold.
If you have an indoor rabbit, you can cover the cage if you don’t want him to see what’s happening in the room. This way, they can’t get nervous about your movement or any other pet.
Just make sure you leave some room for ventilation. We recommend that you cover the sides and leave the top open.
Things to consider when your rabbit has a blanket
Once you give your rabbit a blanket, you must monitor the state of the blanket and what he is doing with it. Keep the following in mind:
- Never allow the blanket to form holes. Your rabbit’s paws can get stuck in the holes and cause your rabbit stress as she tries to flee herself.
- Rabbits can ingest parts of the blanket. This could cause digestive issues. If you notice any discomfort, quickly remove the blanket and visit a vet.
- Avoid blankets that are too large. They can suffocate your rabbits if they burrow deeply.
- Parts of the rabbit’s body may be entangled in the blanket. Your rabbit could get scared, and the stress of such a situation could cause harm or injuries.
- If you offer a blanket, please don’t take it back later. Rabbits are territorial. Trying to take it back can make the rabbit aggressive.
- Watch out for allergies.
How do you keep your rabbit’s blanket clean?
You should remove and clean the blanket occasionally. The blanket might have some pieces of hay or sawdust.
In this case, you can vacuum clean or sweep the dirt off the blanket. If you spot any soiled areas or the blanket needs a thorough cleaning, use water and a mild detergent and hand wash or machine wash the blanket.
Final thought
Giving your rabbit a blanket is good because rabbits like to snuggle with soft fabrics for comfort, security, and warmth.
Choosing the safest blanket is critical. Fleece blankets are certainly the safest option because they are warm, soft, and hard to chew on..
It is also important to keep an eye on your rabbit to prevent suffocation, entanglement, allergies, and the rabbit developing intestinal complications. Also, ensure you keep checking the condition of the blanket and replace it if it has holes.
