If you have a couple of bunnies, you may wonder, "Why do rabbits spray pee on each other?"
In some cases, it's normal for pet rabbits to spray urine to mark territory or establish dominance, but it can also signal a health problem.
Fortunately, I'm here to talk about why rabbits spray pee and how to end this annoying behavior!
Just keep reading.
Key Takeaways
- There's a difference between rabbit spraying pee and urinating outside the litter box.
- It's normal for rabbits to spray urine on objects, animals, and people to mark territory, show dominance, or as part of their sexual behavior.
- Fixing your rabbit can solve unwanted spraying behavior.
Spraying vs. Inappropriate Urination
First, let's discuss the difference between spraying and urination because many rabbit owners confuse these terms.
Bunnies are clean animals and prefer to urinate in a designated cage area, which is why you can teach them to use a litter tray. While stinky, rabbit urine shouldn't smell too bad.
If you find puddles around your rabbit's indoor enclosure, your pets are likely peeing. This can indicate a wide range of medical conditions, such as diabetes.
On the other hand, spraying occurs on vertical surfaces, such as walls, and smells worse than pee. Males are more likely to spray, but female rabbits also do it. Watch this video to see what it looks like.
But what does it mean when rabbits spray each other with urine? Let's find out!
Why Do Rabbits Spray Each Other?
I've rarely seen domestic rabbits spray each other with urine. But it can happen when two unaltered rabbits are in the same enclosure. The good news is that you don't have to freak out!
As experts from the RSPCA said, "Urine spraying is normal territorial behavior seen in rabbits." Bunnies use it to establish boundaries and tell other animals not to enter their territory. (1)
If you have a pair of unneutered rabbits of the opposite gender, the male sprays the female to warn the competition to stay away.
Due to increased sex hormones, female rabbits also spray to communicate with potential males and attract them. It's part of their sexual behavior.
Urine spraying is also a way to show dominance. So, if your rabbits spray each other with urine, they might try to decide who the boss is.
And now, let's discuss another common bunny urination problem—peeing on the bed!
Why Does My Rabbit Pee on My Bed?
Once, I allowed my bunny on the bed, and I was shocked when I found a puddle on the sheets. It happened again a few days later, so I wondered, "Why does my rabbit keep peeing on my bed?"
The possible reasons are:
- Marking the bed as part of the bunny's territory.
- It's an act of dominance, so your floofy friend wants you to know you're not the boss.
- Your bunny is trying to communicate a problem - maybe it's time to change the litter tray, clean the cage, or spend more quality time with your pet.
- Boredom. Bored bunnies can pee on the bed to attract your attention. Boredom is also why your rabbit is digging all of a sudden or chewing the enclosure.
- It's a medical problem, such as diabetes, incontinence, anxiety disorders, or hormonal issues.
Besides peeing on my beds, some of my rabbits spray urine on me. And that can be a normal adult rabbit behavior!
Why Does My Rabbit Pee on Me?
I've never thought that a rabbit spraying urine on me could be a compliment. But the bunny is claiming you as part of its territory and wants to keep other pets away.
It's also a sign of affection, especially if you observe other signs of love, such as circling your feet, bunny flops, chinning (marking you with its scent gland), and binkying.
But since bunnies tend to spray a lot and it stinks, you should end this behavior as soon as possible!
How to Stop Rabbits from Spraying Urine at Each Other or You
It's easy to stop your bunny from spraying by spaying or neutering them. Vets recommend fixing your rabbit as early as six to eight months of age. (2)
You also should:
- Clean the mess right away and use enzyme cleaners to remove the smell.
- Protect your bed. I use Luftpet's cage liners whenever I let my bunny on the bed to ensure no wet puddles.
- Make sure you get the best cage for rabbits to ensure your pets have adequate space to prevent boredom.
- Rule out a medical problem.
FAQs
1. Do rabbits spray when angry?
Most rabbits spray to mark territory, show dominance, or attract a partner. It's not a sign of anger.
2. Do male or female rabbits spray?
Both male and female rabbits can spray. But spraying is more common in unneutered male bunnies.
3. Do bunnies pee when excited?
Some bunnies pee when excited, especially if they're older and have weak bladder control.
Conclusion
Why does my rabbit spray pee? It's normal for bunnies to spray their enclosure or each other with urine to mark their territory.
Sudden urine spraying in neutered rabbits may rarely indicate an underlying medical problem. So, if you're worried about spraying, you should talk with your vet!
What do you think about rabbits spraying pee on each other? Does your bunny do it? Share your experience in the comment section.
Resources:
- RSPCA Knowledge Base. [Internet] Why Should I Desex My Rabbits? [Cited April 2024] Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/why-should-i-desex-my-rabbits/
- House of Rabbit Georgia. [Internet] The Reasons Why You Must Spay Or Neuter [Cited April 2024] https://www.houserabbitga.com/spay-neuter-rabbit