Rabbits may be cute and fuzzy, but they do exhibit certain unusual behaviors at times. For instance, if you’ve ever cuddled with a rabbit, you may notice that they try to dig into your clothes or the seat next to you. Even if you are simply holding your bunny on your lap, they may do this.
Fortunately, the behavior is considered normal in many cases, but it’s important to understand its underlying cause and interpret it alongside your bunny’s body language cues. Here, we go over some of the possible reasons that your rabbit may scratch or dig into your clothes.
The 7 Possible Reasons Why Your Rabbit Digs and Scratches Your Clothes
1. They’re Trying to Get Away
Rather than assuming that every rabbit loves to cuddle all the time, it’s important to consider that not all rabbits enjoy being held or even handled too often. This is due to them being prey species, and some things are just against their nature. Most pet rabbits do get used to being handled with a patient and gradual approach using positive reinforcement from a young age, but sometimes they just want to get away. If this is not easily accomplished due to them being in your lap, they may instead dig or scratch at your clothes as a way to show their desire to leave and sometimes even annoyance.
2. Sexually Related Behavior
Scratching at your clothes can be a sign of sexual behavior in some cases. Usually, this occurs when the rabbit is not spayed or neutered. In this case, surges in hormones may make your rabbit more territorial. They may be digging at your clothes to make you leave, mark you with their scent, or show their general frustration.
It may also be that your rabbit is asserting dominance over you or another rabbit. Rabbits may dig your clothes in an attempt to “fight” you or claim it as their territory. This behavior mostly occurs in unneutered males, though it can also be done by females. If there are multiple rabbits in the household, this behavior will probably increase.
You shouldn’t reward this behavior, as it can lead to aggression in some cases. You want to discourage it if you can. Spaying or neutering your rabbit may make them less prone to this behavior. If you aren’t planning on breeding your rabbit, spaying or neutering them is recommended. Typically, this is done between 4 and 6 months of age.
3. They Are Making Themselves a Cozy Spot
Rabbits like to dig and burrow, females especially, and this behavior is considered normal. They may find your clothes a comfortable place to set up a new resting spot or just to have fun, and if you don’t mind it, consider it a privilege. Your rabbit is not scared and feels comfortable to engage in species-related behavior.
4. There Is an Unpleasant Smell
Rabbits are sensitive to certain smells. If they pick up on any of these smells, they may dig in an attempt to make them go away. In other words, they could be trying to bury whatever they consider smelly.
Of course, you may think that you smell fine. However, rabbits are often sensitive to all kinds of scented products, including perfume, laundry detergent, and deodorant. If you switch products and your rabbit suddenly starts digging at your clothes, it may be a sign that they don’t like how you smell. If your rabbit only digs at one person, the same explanation may be at play.
5. They Want Attention
If your rabbit wants attention, they may attempt to get it by scratching at you. If you typically give your rabbit attention after they scratch at you, it only encourages them to scratch at your clothes more. In some cases, this isn’t much of a problem, especially if you keep your rabbit’s nails trimmed. However, if you don’t want this to become a habit, it’s important not to encourage the behavior.
6. They’re Feeling Bored or Frustrated
Rabbits need daily exercise and mental stimulation. If they don’t receive it, they can quickly become frustrated and bored and may find other outlets for their excess energy because they can’t express their natural behaviors. If your rabbit digs or scratches a lot, we recommend adding more toys and activities to their day. Your rabbit may simply be bored and need more things to do during the day. Either way, scratching and digging at clothes may be a sign that your rabbit needs more stimulation.
7. They Could Be In Pain or Ill
Finally, some rabbits may express this and other behaviors if they are feeling stressed, often due to experiencing pain or not feeling well. This can be combined with a hunched posture, presence of a wound or an injury, grinding their teeth, not wanting to eat, producing less feces, and much more. If your rabbit doesn’t exhibit this behavior regularly, and they have just now started doing it, try and determine the underlying cause and seek veterinary advice.
Final Thoughts
Scratching and digging are not necessarily bad behaviors that you need to put an end to. In many cases, this is just a way that your rabbit communicates and exhibits natural instinctive behavior. However, they may be attempting to share a need that you need to deal with. For instance, your rabbit may be stressed, bored, seeking attention or not feeling great.
Listening to your rabbit’s body language is important, as it helps you take care of them better. If in doubt, please speak to your veterinarian.
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Featured Image Credit: Verin, Shutterstock
Contents
- The 7 Possible Reasons Why Your Rabbit Digs and Scratches Your Clothes
- 1. They’re Trying to Get Away
- 2. Sexually Related Behavior
- 3. They Are Making Themselves a Cozy Spot
- 4. There Is an Unpleasant Smell
- 5. They Want Attention
- 6. They’re Feeling Bored or Frustrated
- 7. They Could Be In Pain or Ill
- Final Thoughts
