Rabbits are extremely rewarding pets to take care of. Our cute little bunnies make excellent indoor and outdoor pets. But, keeping them safe is paramount. Naturally, you may have some concerns and questions about your rabbit climbing. I would like to share with you some important information here today that will help you take better care of your bunny and ensure that they do not injure themselves.

So, can rabbits climb? Yes, Rabbits are able to climb and they routinely attempt to do so. Rabbits are known to climb stairs when left to roam in the home and it can be great exercise for them. They may also attempt to climb trees and walls when outside and other furniture when indoors. The safety of your rabbit is of paramount importance, so as an owner, you will need to keep an eye on them and even implement some safety measures.

Rabbits in the wild have been known to enjoy climbing, it’s part of their nature and something that need to be able to do.

As such, for a pet rabbit, climbing the stairs and other indoor furniture is undoubtedly an intrinsic part of your curiosity.

One of the many joys of owning a rabbit is getting to know your bunny’s own unique personality.

Most rabbits possess a mixture of several different personality traits and quirks.

They tend to be happy-go-lucky pets who are imaginative, adventurous, and friendly.

House rabbits who receive regular attention and interaction from their owner are likely to show the greatest amount of personality.

They like to express this – and roaming and climbing is just one of the many ways that they may attempt to do so.

Let us now take a closer look at some of the common questions regarding rabbits and their abilities to climb.

Can Rabbits Climb?

Rabbits can and do climb! Rabbits can climb anything from ramps in their hutches to (this one surprised us) wire fences!

Climbing comes naturally to rabbits, in the wild rabbits have been known to climb fences, trees, and walls.

Some owners of domesticated rabbits have even reported that their bunnies have climbed ladders!

Rabbits are curious by nature.

By climbing to new heights your bunny will be able to explore many different things in their home.

They might climb onto chairs, tables, up the stairs, or onto your lap to snuggle.

The ability to climb may come from the fact that rabbits are aware of their place in the food chain.

Rabbits tend to be farsighted; from a vantage point that they have climbed to, they are able to see anything coming towards them. Smart right?

Domesticated rabbits are likely to enjoy exploring their environment, and by allowing them to do so, your bunny will feel safe and secure in your home.

Allowing your rabbits to climb will open up a much larger area of your home for them to explore. Keeping their minds and bodies active and happy.

Should Rabbits Climb Stairs?

Whether or not a rabbit should climb stairs will depend on their age, health status, and the depth of the staircase in question. Although for most healthy adult bunnies, they should be able to climb the stairs without issue.

Owing to their adventurous nature, you may find that your house rabbit takes an interest in the stairs, and why wouldn’t they?

Exploring their environment will keep your bunny’s mind stimulated and allow them to view the world in a new and exciting way.

It is best to let your rabbit begin to explore the stairs by jumping. This will allow your bunny to gauge how high the stairs are and build their understanding of how to climb them.

I would recommend building up to a full staircase by first introducing low platforms to jump on and off before gradually building up to a staircase.

This is because bunnies can often misjudge height and depth and will need a little practice when first starting out.

It should be noted by rabbit owners that stairs that are bordered on both sides (for instance by a wall and a solid handrail) are safer than those that are more open.

However, when it comes to the safety of your pet rabbit, it is important to realize that accidents can and do happen, so be sure to keep an eye on your furry friend.

Climbing provides good exercise for rabbits and can help your bun to be calm, happy, and relaxed.

When a rabbit climbs, virtually every muscle in its body is used so climbing the stairs will help your pet to maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise is also important in terms of ensuring good quality sleep for your bun. Sleep is vital for the health and well-being of your pet.

Do Rabbits Like To Climb?

Rabbits like to climb. Not only is climbing good exercise for them, but climbing can also help your bunny to feel calm and safe.

In the wild, rabbits have been known to climb trees, although the bark doesn’t always make for a good foothold for them.

The anatomy of a rabbit is not built for climbing.

Their powerful back legs mean that when we refer to a rabbit ‘climbing’ a tree it is usually a powerful jump that has got them there.

You may be wondering why rabbits climb trees, what would be the benefit of doing so? Well, the branches and bark of certain trees make tasty treats for your pet!

An added benefit is that gnawing on parts of the tree can help to keep your bunny’s teeth healthy too.

It is important to educate yourself about which trees your rabbit can and cannot eat before deciding whether or not to give them some.

We wouldn’t recommend putting your house rabbit up a tree for climbing purposes – but there are benefits to adding some to their diets for them to chew.

Rabbits can nibble on:

Apple trees,
Birch trees,
Hazel wood,
Hawthorn,
Maple,
Pear,
Spruce trees.

If you have a yard or garden, your rabbit may benefit from spending some time outside on the grass either under supervision or out in a run or a pen.

This may lead some owners to question whether or not a rabbit can climb a fence. Rabbits can climb wire fences, although it is not common for them to do so.

Generally speaking, if a fence is under 2-foot-high, your rabbit will likely be able to jump over it and bound to freedom!

Issues can arise when a rabbit is particularly determined to make a break for freedom and manages to clamber over the fence.

Whilst most rabbits can climb up fences, they cannot always climb down, meaning that they need to be rescued or in some cases will make a dangerous jump down to the ground.

If your rabbit is spending time outside in a run or a pen, we would recommend ensuring that there is a stable and secure roof or lid.

This not only prevents your rabbit from injuring themselves by trying to climb out but can also ensure their safety in that predators cannot get in.

If your house rabbit is showing a reluctance to climb, then ramps may be the solution you are looking for.

Can Rabbits Climb Ramps?

Most rabbits can climb and negotiate ramps. Ramps are recommended by many rabbit owners for allowing their pets to move around their house safely.

If at first, your rabbit is reluctant to use the ramp you have provided, encourage them gently with treats as an incentive.

Also, check that the ramp isn’t too steep as this may be the reason your rabbit is reluctant to use it.

Introducing ramps to your home as your rabbit grows older is a great idea.

Owing to the fact that as a rabbit age their joint becomes weaker, jumping and climbing becomes more of a struggle and can lead to injury.

The less jumping and hopping around, the less strain on your rabbit’s joints. That’s a no-brainer, right?

Can Rabbits Jump High?

Rabbits can jump pretty high. The height a rabbit can jump ranges from around 1 foot (around 30cm) to an impressive 4foot into the air!

Bunnies tend to have powerful hind legs meaning that they can jump long distances as well as to great heights.

Because rabbits tend to be agile creatures, there is an increasing trend amongst owners to encourage and train their bun in rabbit show jumping!

Your pet rabbit will enjoy any opportunities to jump around and explore higher places in your shared home.

Being up high can make your bunny feel safe as they are able to survey their surroundings with greater ease.

It is, however, important to be aware that jumping and leaping can affect your rabbit’s joints and bones.

Ensuring your rabbit isn’t being ‘overactive’ is key to reducing the risk of joint conditions like arthritis in your pet’s later life.

These joint care drops from HomeoPet on Amazon come thoroughly recommended.

This natural product can help with joint stiffness and protect your rabbit from overexertion if that is something that you are concerned about.

Finally

Rabbits enjoy climbing, hopping, and leaping around to explore.

They are playful and inquisitive creatures by nature who benefit greatly from the stimulation and exercise climbing requires.

If you have a house rabbit, with a little time and practice, they should have no problem climbing the stairs.

As your rabbit gets older or if you would prefer, you can introduce ramps to your home to allow your bunny to move around freely.

Rabbits have evolved to be farsighted and climbing to a high point can allow them to see what exactly is around them and check for danger.

For this reason, some rabbits may find comfort in climbing to higher places in their home.

Can Rabbits Climb? [All That An Owner Needs To Know]