litter box sharing with cats

Question
QUESTION: A bunny adopted us and we are a household with six cats.  The bunny and cats get along great but we keep separate and supervise.  The bunny is frustrated and seems to want more freedom the problem is when we let around the house more he wants to use the cat litter boxes.  We use wheat scoop for the cats and yesterday news for the bunny.  I don't mind switching the cats but am unsure if it is safe for them to share.  The bunny wants to increase its living area and loves to be with the cats and people more so it is important to know because I would be unable to keep them from sharing boxes.

ANSWER: Dear Rhonda,

There shouldn't be any problem with them sharing litterboxes.  The only concern is that the bunny might eat the SWeatscoop, which can cause problems.  I would consider switching to Feline Pine, a pelleted sawdust litter, which is the *best* litter for odor control and wetness absorption.  You also can compost it.  Great for cats and rabbits alike!

Be careful that none of the cats is aggressive or defensive.  Cats carry potentially deadly bacteria (to rabbits) on their teeth and claws, and even the slightest puncture wound, delivered even in play or as a little "get away from me!" slap can be fatal to the bunny, who can become sick and die practically without warning within 12-24 hours of the wound.  If you ever suspect that the bunny has been scratched or bitten by a cat (even a *tiny* wound), get him to the vet *immediately* for emergency treatment with injectible Penicillin-G Procaine and/or fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as Baytril or ciprofloxacin.

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

and all the best information about rabbit health and care here:

www.rabbit.org/


Good luck with your new pal!

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for response good to know they can share litter boxes.  The cats are declawed but I have one male who is neutered but still tries to mate with bunny is this a threat.  Also I thought the pine litter had oils that were bad for the bunny

Answer
Dear Rhonda,

If the cat trying to mount the rabbit uses his teeth, he could be a threat.

Pelleted sawdust, unlike shavings, are not high in harmful aromatics. We've used them for more than a decade with excellent results.  To encourage the bunny to use the box, put a thin layer of soft hay over the pelleted litter.

Dana