What to do when one rabbit dies

As rabbits are a prey species (animals that are food to other animals), they depend on companionship for security and comfort. But the day will inevitably come when one rabbit dies and your remaining pet is suddenly alone.

Take a look at our advice on how your existing rabbit’s behaviour could change and what you can do to help them, if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Do rabbits know when another rabbit has died?

No research has been carried out, so it’s uncertain whether rabbits know when a companion has died. There are often changes in behaviour, but this could be due to them suddenly adjusting to living alone.

It’s important to monitor your rabbit closely after they’ve lost a companion. Some rabbits can become depressed if they’re left alone when a friend passes away. Your remaining pet may also stop eating and drinking. If this happens, or you think your pet seems lethargic or just not their usual self, take them to a rabbit-friendly vet as soon as possible. Small pets, such as rabbits, can go downhill very quickly, so make sure to act straight away if you notice something isn’t right.

How will their behaviour change?

You may notice your rabbit becoming more withdrawn after losing their companion, compared to how they behaved previously. Signs to look out for include:

• They’re a bit more reserved, less confident, easily spooked or nervous. As they’re a prey species, rabbits feel safer being with their own kind. Living by themselves can make them feel vulnerable.
• Alternatively, your rabbit may want to interact with you more often, coming over to you for extra fuss and attention. This is because they’re missing that constant companionship.
• They’re less active than normal – or not as willing to explore – as they don’t have a companion to follow around and play with.

What can I do to help my rabbit?

The best way to support your rabbit is to get them a suitable companion, when you’re ready to take that step. Unfortunately, human company can’t replace the 24/7 companionship they’ll get with another of their species – so finding them a rabbit friend is a high priority!

Contact a rescue centre like Woodgreen to ask for help with finding a friend for your lone rabbit. We also offer a mixing service, where your small pet will be mixed with another rabbit on neutral territory, under the watchful eyes of our expert team.

Looking to do the rabbit meet and greet yourself? We’ve got tons of handy information on how to introduce them to each other and tips on bonding, to help get you started. You can also reach out to us for more support.

Tips to help a lone rabbit feel safe and secure

Until you’re able to find a companion for your rabbit, you can also try the following:

• Place lots of hiding spaces around their enclosure and throughout the run. Your rabbit will feel more safe and secure to have a space they can retreat to if they get scared or spooked.
• Provide extra bedding to help keep them warm, particularly during colder months. Add extra hay into their hutch or shed area, and into any hiding spaces.
• If possible, try to keep to your rabbit’s normal routine. Spend a bit more time with them, such as sitting in their enclosure and hand-feeding them.
• Scatter their food around the enclosure, place dried food into a food ball, or use a puzzle feeder. This will encourage your rabbit to move around, explore and give them something exciting to do.
• Add more toys and other things to interact with in their enclosure to keep them occupied. We’ve also got lots of ideas on how you can make your rabbit feel at home.

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is a difficult and often traumatic experience. But, remember, you’re not alone. If you’re grieving for a pet or facing the loss of a companion, get in touch with the Pet Bereavement Support Service at the Blue Cross.