Rabbits are adorable, sweet floofballs – but like any pet, they can come with a little odor if their space isn’t properly maintained.
The good news? With just a few simple habits and the right setup, you can minimize rabbit odor, keeping the area smelling clean and fresh.
Choose the right litter.
Not all litters are equal – especially when it comes to bunnies.
First, DO NOT USE CAT LITTER. It is extremely dangerous for bunnies. Not only does cat litter produce dust that can cause respiratory problems in your rabbit, cat litter – especially the clumping kind – can cause serious intestinal blockages.
Paper litter is usually the best for absorbing odors. When choosing paper litter, make sure to avoid anything with artificial colors, additives, or bleach. All of our litter options are all natural and safe for your bunny (or other small pets).
In addition to our regular paper litter options, we offer litter that includes natural rose, lavender, or marigold leaves. While these do not add noticeable scents to humans, your bun's nose knows. Rabbits love to eat the nummy flowers while doing their bunny business.
Aspen is another popular litter choice. Although it is not as absorbent as paper, Aspen litter has a nice natural woodsy odor that many people like.
Use caution when choosing bedding from soft woods, like cedar or pine. Some brands produce phenols that can cause issues with your rabbit’s liver enzymes. (None of Small Pet Select's product produce these phenols.)
Another popular litter option is paper or pine pellets, which expand when wet. Paper pellets are super absorbent and are designed for long-lasting use, requiring less frequent changes.
Our pine pellets have a nice, fresh scent, without worrisome toxins or phenols that some pine shavings offer.
Potty train your rabbit.
Bunnies like to keep their areas clean, which means they generally like to go potty in the same area. This should help make litter box training your rabbit easier.
To potty train your rabbit:
- Choose a litter box. Cat litter boxes work great for rabbits.
- Cover the bottom of the litter box with about an inch of litter.
- Add some hay on top of the litter. Rabbits naturally eat and poop in the same spot (and often at the same time).
- If your bun poops outside the box, scoop it up and put it inside the litter box. Quickly clean up any pellets outside the box. This will encourage your rabbit to use the box.
Note: Rabbits – especially males – may mark their space outside the litter box with extra-stinky urine. Spaying and neutering may help.
Keep your bunny’s area clean.
To minimize odors, spot clean your bunny’s litter box daily, scooping out soiled litter and adding fresh. You’ll want to completely change your rabbit’s litter every few days and wash your bunny’s litter box at least once a week.
Rabbit’s urine contains lots of calcium, which leaves a white buildup when it dries. Use a pet-safe cleaner or a vinegar/water mix to wash their litter box. Avoid using bleach as mixing with the ammonia from urine be dangerous.
Make sure to regularly sweep and mop or vacuum your rabbit's area. You may be amazed by how much fur, hay, and other contaminants are in your carpet. Wash or replace any fabric or mats that are in your rabbit’s space.
Even if you don’t do a full cage clean every day, a quick daily scooping of the litter box and spot-cleaning any messes will go a long way in keeping odor down.
Keep the air clean.
A well-ventilated area helps whisk away odors and keeps air fresh. A small fan blowing nearby (but not directly on your rabbit) can keep the air moving.
Another smart idea is to use an air purifier. These suck the odor-causing contaminants out of the air and help keep air clean and fresh.
Feed your rabbit a proper diet.
A rabbit’s diet can affect the smell of their droppings. Make sure the majority of your bun’s diet consists of high-quality hay. Provide smaller portions of pellets and fresh produce and limit treats. This can help keep their digestion—and odor—healthier.
If your rabbit’s poop or urine smells particularly strong or foul, it could be a sign of a health issue and a vet visit may be in order.
Remember, a clean space is a happy space -- both for your bunny, and for you!
Keeping your rabbit’s area smelling fresh isn’t hard — it just takes the right bedding, the right diet, and a bit of consistency.
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice.
Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.
