Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > Holland Lops Change in behavior

Holland Lops Change in behavior

22 10:12:33

Question
I have an 18 month, neutered male Holland Lop that I've raised since he was a few weeks old. He roams freely around the house and has always used a litter tray. For the last few weeks though, he has stopped using his litter altogether and instead goes beside the tray on the floor, yet no where else in the house.
He was raised with our 2 year old cat who he adores but a month ago we added a 3 month old kitten to our family.
They all appear to get along but is this jealousy causing him to act out and if so, what can I do to smooth things over and get him using his litter tray again? The cats have a separate litter tray of their own.

Thank you in advance for you help.
-Kim

Answer
Hi,

sounds like he is making sure to mark his territory with the new animal you brought in the house.  It will probably subside after awhile.  It's not about the litterpan, its about the new animal scent being left around the house by the kitten.  He's marking areas to both say "this is mine" as well as to let the new animal know by scent that he's in the bunny's turf.  He's not fighting or being mean, he's just re-establishing that 'hey, there's an order here.'

He'll get used to the change pretty soon.  Spend extra time with him, and I personally would talk to him about the kitten and that it's not a threat to him, etc, that he's not going to replace you, etc.  I know it sounds weird but what rabbits can do is pick up on your emotions (they are much more empathetic than dogs and cats) and they will feel what you're trying to say to them, in a way.