Pet Rabbits are the third most popular pet choice in the US as well as in most other countries of the world. Most people like rabbits as house pets closely following dogs and cats. One of the many reasons why so many people choose pet rabbits is that they can live for a long time.
So How long does a pet rabbit live? What is a Rabbit's Lifespan?
Rabbits that are housed indoors usually live for 8 to 12 years with some living up to 14 years.
‘Mick’ an Agouti rabbit from Berwyn, Illinois, USA, holds the Guinness World Records as the oldest rabbit in the world. He celebrated his 16th birthday last year in 2019.
In the wild, the situation is very different as rabbits are prey animals. Wild Rabbits are only able to live on an average of fewer than 2 years.
Why do pet rabbits live longer than wild rabbits?
Wild rabbits are prey animals, it means that they are near the bottom of the food chain.
A lot of predators like foxes, jackals, wild cats & birds of prey hunt down wild rabbits when they are very young.
There are also a bunch of diseases like mange, head tilt and various parasites that also affect rabbits living in the wild.
Do some breeds of pet rabbits live longer than others?
There is not enough scientific evidence to suggest that some breeds of rabbits do live longers than others.
What can I do to help my pet rabbit live a long and healthy life?
Rabbits make wonderful indoor pets and great lifetime companions if they are kept with love and care.
Although most rabbits do require less attention than dogs or cats. Pet rabbits are silent animals, which means that they don’t make any noises like cats or dogs to communicate.
This may be an advantage for many pet owners but it does require you to learn about Rabbit behavior and what it means. They also require a suitable housing, a proper diet and regular veterinary care.
