Just like cats, most rabbits can be fairly easily trained to use a litter pan, a big plus for those owners who choose to have their rabbits spend at least some of their time inside the house.

Most mature rabbits that have lived in a cage for their entire lives naturally develop a habit of using just one section of their enclosure as a “bathroom” This instinct is the reason that most bunnies can be so easily house broken.

To begin training, purchase a small litter pan and a suitable litter and place in that corner or area of the cage that your rabbit already uses. Place of few of its own droppings into the clean litter. Usually this small action alone is a big enough hint for most rabbits, and they will begin to use the tray on a regular basis.

Once your rabbit is familiar with the concept of the litter pan you can begin placing one in other areas where your bunny roams. Although they may not get the point instantly most rabbits catch on very quickly.

Picking the Right Litter

Almost all rabbits will eat the litter in their pan. It is therefore very important that you use a litter that is safe for them. The kind of “clumping” litter that is so popular with cat owners can be deadly to rabbits; if they eat it, a clump may form in their stomachs causing intestinal blockage or worse.

Use a litter that is wood pulp or naturally based. It is safe for the rabbit, and pretty good at controlling odor. Some people just fill their litter pans with pellet rabbit food, although this does not help with the smell, and may confuse your bunny completely

Possible Problems

Very young rabbits are hard to litter train. A buck or doe younger than three months will not have yet developed that natural instinct to keep their waste in one spot. A rabbit that is not spayed or neutered may also be hard to train, as they have a tendency to spray urine, to mark their territory primarily.

In some cases a bunny may decide that their litter pan is a good place to sleep or lounge around in. This is not a real problem, but may be messy. Try placing two litter pans in the rabbit’s chosen relaxation area, one for urination, one for hanging out.