Hoppy International Rabbit Day!
Every year, the fourth Saturday of September brings us a carrot-filled reason to celebrate: International Rabbit Day!
In 2025, that falls on Saturday, September 27. It’s a day to shine a spotlight on rabbit welfare, responsible ownership, and the quiet joy these fluffy companions bring to our lives.
Sure, bunnies make us smile with their twitching noses and floppy ears, but the day is also about reminding everyone that rabbits aren’t just lucky charms or Easter gifts—they’re living, breathing companions with quirks, feelings, and surprisingly big personalities.
If you’ve ever adopted a rabbit, you’ll know they don’t just hop into your arms and settle in right away. There’s something called the 3-3-3 rule that explains it perfectly. The first three days, most rabbits are nervous wrecks—hiding, eating less, unsure about everything. After three weeks, they start poking around, eating more hay, and maybe showing a playful side. Give it three months, though, and that’s when the magic happens. They start trusting you, flopping on their side without fear, and showing off their real personality. It takes time, and patience, but that’s the beauty of it.
Now, people often ask me, “Are rabbits loyal?” The funny thing is, they kind of are. Not in the dog sense, but in their own quiet way. They remember your smell, your voice, and even your footsteps. Some rabbits absolutely pick a favorite human : the one who feeds them the most or gives them gentle head rubs, they even have ways of saying sorry. A little nose nudge, a soft lick on your hand, or just choosing to sit next to you again would be their way of making peace.
That’s also how rabbits show love. They don’t wag their tails or purr loudly, but they do what’s called a binky which is a crazy little jump and twist in the air that looks like pure joy. Sometimes they flop down right beside you, which is rabbit language for “I trust you completely.” And if they lick your hand? That’s love too. It’s subtle, but once you see it, you can’t miss it.
Living with a rabbit is full of surprises. Did you know you can potty train them? They’re naturally clean animals and usually pick one corner for their business, so litter training is way easier than most people think. Their sleeping habits confuse people too. Rabbits aren’t really “night owls” or “daytime pets”—they’re crepuscular, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. They nap in little bursts through the day and night, usually adding up to about 8–11 hours. And no, you don’t need to leave a nightlight on for them. Darkness feels normal and safe to them.
Of course, rabbits have always been wrapped up in myths. The lucky rabbit’s foot superstition is one of the oldest. In fact, people used to carry them for good fortune. Today, I’d argue the real luck is having a rabbit trust you enough to flop at your side.
The more time you spend with rabbits, the more you realize how deep the bond can go. They may be quiet and delicate, but the way they attach themselves to their person is powerful. When a rabbit picks you as their favorite, you’ll know it. They follow you, they rest beside you, and they make you feel like you’re part of their world.
So this International Rabbit Day, let’s celebrate beyond the cute Instagram posts. Let’s remember that rabbits take time to trust, that their love language is subtle, and that their care is a responsibility as much as it is a joy. Whether your rabbit is zooming around the room, learning to use the litter box, or simply sitting still with you, every moment is a reminder of how special these little animals are. And maybe the real “lucky rabbit’s foot” isn’t something you carry in your pocket, it’s the privilege of having a rabbit in your life at all.
Celebrate your bunnies with us this September 27, 2025 at Al Barsha Veterinary Clinic and enjoy 25% off your Rabbit Consultation Fee.
Written by: Dr. Razan Hassan El Moussawi – Veterinarian
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