Litter Training

Just like a cat, rabbits can be trained to use a litter box! It's easier than it sounds. All you need is a rabbit, a cage, time, a litter box, and a safe litter. Oh, and of course, a rabbit! (Treats are optional but don't hurt to use.)

Litter Types:

There are many types of litter that you can use when litter training your rabbit. Here are some things to consider:

- Dusty litter can cause problems like pneumonia (clay litter is extremely dusty)
- Clumping litter clumps inside the rabbit's digestive and respiratory tracts; this may lead to death
- Pine and cedar shavings contain oils and emit gases that cause liver damage
- Corn cob isn't absorbant and doesn't control odor (however, it can be added to waste to compost)
- Oat and alfalfa based litters control odors, but expand inside the bunny and cause bloating (can also be added to waste to compost)
- Citrus-based litters are not dangerous and can be composted but are hard to get and expensive
- Peat moss works well and can be composted
- Litter made from paper pulp or recycled paper (such as CareFRESH and Yesterday's News) cut down odors and absorb very well. When ingested they are harmless
- Many people use actual food pellets as litter. They are compostable and cheap. They don't absorb as quickly but do absorb. Rabbits may occassionally eat this litter, but they will stop once it becomes soiled.
- Most cat litters aren't safe for rabbits.
- Deodorant crystals can be toxic

The process:

Place a small litter box with rabbit litter in it (the sides need to be small enough for the rabbit to hop over) in the corner of your rabbit's cage that it uses most for elimination. If needed, anchor or way down the box so your rabbit can't throw it around. Place fecal pellets in the litter box to help give your rabbit the idea. You can even soak a piece of tissue paper in the rabbit's urine and place that in the box. Place a little bit of hay in the box to entice the rabbit in. Also, as rabbits eat they tend to eliminate. If your rabbit uses more than one corner, put a box in each corner. Also, if the rabbit changes corners, move the box over there. As your rabbit stops using different boxes, remove them from the cage. When your rabbit uses the box successfully, reward him with verbal praise and/or treats. Never punish your rabbit while he is in his box, and never put him directly in his box when you are scolding him. Your rabbit may sit in his litter box as long as he doesn't soil himself. If you see your rabbit getting ready to urinate in a place other than his litter box, give a sharp "no" and then direct him to his litter box. After your rabbit has been successfully using her litter box in her cage, move the litter box to another area in the house. (You may want to leave the box in the cage and get a second box). Always leave the cage door open, and make it easy for your rabbit to get in and out of her cage so that when she needs to use the litter box, she can. Only use positive reinforcement; never scold him for eliminating outside of the box. Clean your rabbit's box a minimum of once a week. (Once a day is best.) Clean it with towels and a 50/50 vinegar/water solution. Dry out the box, and put it back in the cage with fresh litter.

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