Rabbits have the habit of marking their territory with a small drop of urine when they are excited or frightened. This is a perfectly normal behavior in rabbits and not a cause for alarm. To avoid a mess, you should remove all soiled hay and droppings throughout the day to maintain clean cages.
Rabbits do not pee when petted or held. However, rabbits tend to release small amounts of urine when they are stressed out. This is called submissive urination. Submissive urination is a normal behavior in rabbits to show their submission to the owner or other bunnies (especially during mating periods). Sometimes, rabbits might also urinate if you wake them up suddenly from a deep sleep.
When your rabbit pees without warning, ensure that you clean its cage at least once daily because the chances are high that it may have already peed on itself and left pheromones behind. To prevent your rabbit’s urine from staining anything, place newspapers on the floor of his/her room so he/she can urinate on it.
If your rabbit pees frequently, the problem is probably in its diet. Rabbits are herbivores and should be fed high-quality hay at all times to provide them with nutrients essential for their survival. Lack of fiber or hay might trigger digestive system problems resulting in frequent urination.
Instead of water, give your rabbit fresh grass clippings to help him/her rehydrate. Do not give too much grass because it may contain pesticides that are harmful to rabbits. Also, you can feed your bunny plenty of veggies including carrots, celery, kale, parsley, grated beetroot, and spinach. Vegetables that have high water content make them useful to reduce urinary tract infections. You can also feed your rabbit with timothy hay or oat straw
If the problem persists, consult your vet for more advice on how to correct it.
FAQS: Do Rabbits Pee when Excited?
What if My Rabbit Pees on Furniture?
Rabbits should be kept in clean cages where they cannot reach. If you are adopting a stray or feral animal, see to it that he/she is neutered/spayed immediately to prevent mating behaviors. Do not give them any kind of medication without your vet’s approval.
If your rabbit urinates on furniture, you will need to clean the area with a pet-safe cleaner and water. Be sure to dry the area completely to prevent any staining. You may also want to consider placing a urine guard or shield around the edge of your furniture to prevent further accidents.
Can I Train My Rabbit Not to Urinate on The Floor?
Rabbits are naturally very curious and love to explore their surroundings. They might mistakenly pee on the floor if you leave any soiled hay or droppings around the cage which can lure your rabbit to mark his/her territory. To avoid accidents, always remove all soiled items from the cage throughout the day.
If your rabbit is urinating frequently, you should consult your vet to rule out any possible health problems. A balanced diet is essential for rabbits and can help to prevent digestive system problems that might lead to urinary tract infections. You can also try training your rabbit to use a designated potty area by placing a litter box filled with hay in her living space.
What if My Rabbit Pees on Me?
Rabbits are generally very loving animals and would not intentionally cause discomfort or harm to you. Submissive urination is common in rabbits when they feel threatened by the presence of their owners. If your rabbit tends to pee on you, move slowly around him/her and talk in a soft tone to avoid startling him/her.
You can also place bedding or towels on the floor of your rabbit’s living space to absorb any urine that he/she may accidentally release. Natural alternatives to control submissive urination include providing plenty of hay, reducing stress, and maintaining a clean environment for your bunny.
Also Read: How do rabbits survive without food?