Although rabbits can’t put their love into words, they show their affection and appreciation in various ways. Unlike the obvious jumping and tail wagging that dogs do to show love, rabbits are more subtle in expressing their affection. If you pay attention, you may notice that your bunny is giving you many signals that you are their favorite human. In this article, you will learn 10 signs that show your rabbit really loves you.
Number 10: Lying down next to you
Does your bunny flop or sprawl next to you? Good! This means that your rabbit trusts you and feels safe around you. A rabbit who lays on her back or side with her legs out and belly exposed is in a very vulnerable position. This is because they are not able to instantly rise up and dash away if danger appears. If your little pet comes next to you and lays on their side, it’s a clear sign that they trust you. This is even more so when your rabbit falls asleep next to you. If your bunny starts nodding off or completely flops down on the ground next to you, you can be sure that they are very comfortable being with you and that they love you.
Number 9: They groom you
Grooming is another way rabbits show their affection. In the wild, rabbits live in pairs and large colonies that have intricate rules and hierarchies. They participate in social grooming and lick other rabbits they are bonded with. When a rabbit licks you or your clothing, it means they see you as a member of their family. They love you and groom you to show they care about your well-being and cleanliness. Many bunnies also understand reciprocal grooming. If you pet your rabbit, your little pet will thank you by licking your clothes or arm. Some rabbits may even give you a couple of gentle nips and nibbles. They don’t mean to hurt you; it’s just another way of grooming you, and they’re just trying to show that they love you and care for you. More often than not, this happens because the seam in your clothing looks like a mat of fur to your rabbit, and they nip your clothes to untangle them for you. Your bunny is just trying to be kind and help you out with your coat.
Number 8: They purr in your presence
Believe it or not, rabbits can purr, and this behavior is also known as tooth-clicking. It happens when a rabbit lightly rubs their teeth together. This makes a quiet clicking sound and causes the bunny’s head to vibrate a little. Rabbits click their teeth when they’re happy, comfortable, and content. If your rabbit gently grinds their teeth while you pet them, it’s a clear sign that they are happy to be in your arms. You’ll often notice a rabbit’s tooth-clicking when you give them a relaxing full massage or when you pet them on their forehead. If you stop petting them, they may nudge you to continue because they are so happy and enjoying the activity.
Number 7: They rub their chin on you
Chinning is another way that rabbits express their affection. Chinning is when a rabbit rubs their chin against an object, such as a toy. Rabbits have scent glands under their chins. When they rub their chin against something, a tiny amount of their specific scent is deposited on that object, essentially marking it as theirs. Believe it or not, chin marking is serious business for rabbits. It’s a rabbit’s way to check their region and claim an protest as theirs. If your rabbit massages her chin against you, she is claiming you as hers and is telling other rabbits, “This owner is mine.” It means your little pet adores you so much that it wants to designate you as their very own.
Number 6: Your rabbit makes an oinking sound
Oinking or honking is an audible sound your rabbit may make. This is a soft sound that could be compared to a pig’s oink. Rabbits make this sound when they are happy and excited, like when they are expecting some yummy treats or when they get excited for playtime. Rabbits also oink when you are petting them, and they are enjoying the way you interact with them. Regardless of the reason, you can trust that this noise indicates extreme joy and pleasure from your rabbit. It’s a good thing and shows your rabbit loves you.
Number 5: They look for your attention
Bunnies are very skittish animals, and it takes a while for most rabbits to trust their human. That doesn’t mean they don’t like you; it’s just that they are prey animals, and they don’t know if you’re going to eat them or not. If your rabbit nudges you with their nose or comes up to you and puts their head down to ask for head rubs, or even when they move closer to your hand for caresses, that’s a clear sign that they love you and enjoy spending time with you. It also means that your bunny isn’t afraid of being held by you, as most rabbits do not like being picked up.
Number 4: They enjoy your company
Rabbits can be very timid. For most rabbits, it’s distressing and uncomfortable to be in a human’s arms or hands, even those of the people who feed them. They will often feel trapped and just want to get away. Many bunnies won’t settle down next to any person and receive head rubs unless they trust them. If your rabbit sits on your lap, that’s a sign that they love you and enjoy your company. And when your little pet is merely just relaxed in the same room as you, it’s a huge indicator that they love you. Your rabbit is comfortable in your presence and understands that you would never harm them. Either way, this level of comfort indicates that your rabbit is fully warmed up to you and that a strong bond is formed.
Number 3: They binky when they see you
A binky is a sign of a happy rabbit. This is when a bunny makes a large jump into the air with a funny little twist. A binky is often accompanied by high-speed zooming around the room as it lets out their happy pent-up energy. If your rabbit binkies or runs at top speeds when they see you, it’s a clear sign that they love you and are excited to be around you. Don’t be too disheartened if your rabbit doesn’t do this; it is more of a younger bunny behavior, and some rabbits don’t binky.
Number 2: Running circles around your feet
When your rabbit runs around your feet, they are showing you excited affection. They may even run zooming circles around you or weave between your legs as if they are trying to trip you. Often, you see this behavior when your bunny is expressing her excitement about food, like when you are holding a yummy treat that they love, and when they know it’s time for lunch. But they may also display this behavior to show just how excited they are to see you. Like when you come home after being away for some time, they may run toward you and circle your feet to express their excitement.
Number 1: They are calm in your presence
Rabbits are shy and cautious animals. It may take a long time for them to get used to your presence. Many rabbits will never actually get to this stage if they’ve had a traumatic experience in the past. One of the signs that you have gained the confidence of your rabbit is that they seem relaxed and calm in your presence. This means that your little pet isn’t running away from you. They are not fearing for their safety when you are around, and they consider you a stable and trustworthy figure. We have to remember that rabbits have the instincts to be wary of anything that could be dangerous, and that includes people who your little pet isn’t familiar with. Knowing you have your rabbit’s complete trust and love is an incredible feeling. It means you’re doing this whole rabbit parenting thing right. Make sure not to take that feeling for granted.
What’s your experience with your rabbit’s expressions of affection? Let us know in the comments below.