Why is spay/neuter important for a rabbit?

Just like cats and dogs, rabbits must be spayed (females) and neutered (males). Spaying and neutering removes your rabbit’s reproductive organs, allowing them to live happily with you and other bunnies without aggressive behavior or unwanted litters.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to spay or neuter your house rabbits.

Spaying and neutering your rabbit comes with behavioral and medical benefits. For example, rabbits become very territorial when they reach puberty between 3 and 6 months of age. Both male and female rabbits may aggressively defend their territory by grunting, lunging, and biting. Sexual activity including mounting your hands or feet is also common.

However, one common behavior tops them all: spraying. Unneutered males and some unspayed females will spray their pee to mark territory and objects. They frequently do this by leaping into the air and spinning to spray it over a large area. Unfortunately, this is when most rabbit owners give up their rabbits or move them to outdoor hutches. Neutering alleviates most of these behavioral difficulties without changing your rabbit’s personality.

Why it’s important to their health

Most importantly, female rabbits must always be spayed. Studies claim that up to 80% of unspayed female rabbits develop uterine and/or mammary tumors by age 3. Spaying your female rabbit adds years to her life.

As a responsible rabbit parent, ensure that a veterinarian experienced in rabbit care performs the surgery. Male rabbits can be neutered as soon as their testicles descend (3 to 6 months). Most vets spay females at about 6 months of age.

Reasons to spay/neuter your bunny

• Helps end the tragedy of pet overpopulation
• Prevents a healthy bunny from developing a reproductive cancer
• Reduces bad habits like spraying and marking territory without altering your bunny’s personality
• Makes adopting a bunny more cost effective than buying from a breeder
• Allows your bunny to live in peace with other bunnies without the risk of unwanted litters
• Makes your bunny more enjoyable to live with