We decided we’d like to adopt a little kitten as a great new addition to our family. We love animals and have a six year old bunny rabbit. While we would also like to get a puppy, we thought a kitten would be an easier introduction to a home with a resident rabbit (Rhudy, the resident rabbit!). My husband has had cats as pets all his life, but I was a bit skeptical about Rhudy welcoming a newcomer (especially inter-species), as he has been king of the castle for 6 years. At first, my suspicions seemed to be well-founded, as the two could not be in the same room together, without witnessing some tremendous aggression from one or both animals. Rhudy spent several days “re-marking” his territory after smelling the kitten a few times. With a few more vet-recommended gradual meetings (Eddy in a pet carrier, while Rhudy walked around it and sniffed), the aggression disappeared, as Rhudy got to learn that Eddy was much smaller in size, and really just looking for a play partner. Eddy and Rhudy have since made great strides, and while the relationship can sometimes be more antagonistic than harmonious, I think both are growing in their fondness of each other. Eddy likes to jump on Rhudy, sometimes on his head and try to get him to wrestle like a kitty. When Rhudy has had enough, he affectionately swats Eddy or jumps at him to let him know it is time to stop. Occasionally, Eddy gets knocked off his feet and learns a lesson about his older brother being in charge. Sometimes the two chase each other around in circles and they are beginning to share toys. Eddy likes to wander into Rhudy’s cage occasionally to check out his digs and often naps outside the door. After playing for a while, and either pet leaves the room, the other searches for him and looks like he misses his counterpart. Whenever we open the door to the room Rhudy is in, the first thing Eddy does is go to check the cage to see if he is in it. If Rhudy is out, the hunt is on, until Eddy can find him, and get him to play “tag”.
Sherri