Moving to a new home is a very exciting time in one’s life. It’s a chance for a fresh start, new beginnings, and an opportunity to put your stamp on a home. Of course, moving also tends to be a very stressful time, and not just for the humans involved. Our pets also suffer those same stresses during the move and while adjusting to a new home.
If you have a pet rabbit and you’re getting ready to move, there are some steps you can take that will help make the process as smooth as possible on your furry family member. Moving with your rabbit doesn’t have to be a big stressful ordeal when you plan ahead and take the proper steps.
Understand They Feel Stressed
While you may be wrapped up in excitement, for your pet rabbit, any change is enough to cause stress and anxiety. Rabbits are known for being creatures of habit. They like having a routine or schedule and being in familiar surroundings. They aren’t as easy-going as some other pets tend to be, so it’s important to be aware of how they are feeling.
A rabbit that is feeling stressed is one that may lose their appetite, become aggressive, hide, become depressed, and even start soiling in the house. Clearly, none of these are desirable, which is why you want to do what you can to help them.
Keep the Routine as Normal as Possible
One of the first things you can do while you pack, move, and then arrive in your new home is to keep your rabbit’s routine as normal as possible. They need to know that even though everything is changing around them, their routine remains the same. Obviously, when you are caught up in the move, it’s easy to get distracted and forget the regular routine, but this will only serve to stress your bunny out.
Make Sure There is a Safe and Comfortable Place in the New Home
Just as you would make sure you have a safe and comfortable place to relax, your pet rabbit needs those same considerations. Walk around the new home and decide where your rabbit would do best. Slippery floors aren’t usually ideal, and if you plan on allowing him/her outdoors, the yard needs to be safe and fenced in.
Rabbits are curious creatures, so you know they will be rummaging through as much as they possibly can. Make sure you consider this and keep harmful items out of reach.
Keep Familiar Items Close By
It’s also wise to keep familiar items close to the rabbit’s cage. This will help them to feel more relaxed and at home, even though the surroundings have changed. You may also want to take an old towel and rub it on your rabbit thereby getting its scent on the towel, and then rub that towel on windowsills, corners, walls, and the floor. Putting its scent on the new home will help the rabbit to understand this is his/her territory.
A Smooth Move for All
Taking these extra steps will help to ensure that moving is smooth for everyone involved.