
Why is bunny proofing important? Bunny proofing is an essential step in the care of your pet rabbit and ideally should be done before you bring your pet home. You need to create a safe and enriching environment for them to explore and play without risking harm to themselves or your home.
I liken rabbits to toddlers. You may have seen the commercial where new parents are child proofing their home and the dad must go around the house on his knees, including the stairs checking for things the baby can get into. Well that is pretty much what you will need to do when having a pet rabbit…get down and look at your home from their perspective! Keep in mind every bunny is different so you may need to tailor your bunny proofing needs dependent on your rabbit.
So what types of things do rabbits like to bunstruct so to speak: baseboards, hardwood furniture and furniture legs, fabric such as upholstered furniture and clothing, books and other types of paper items, shoes, shoe laces, carpet…well, just about anything they can get their teeth on!
But why? Rabbits have two innate instincts: chewing and digging. The first is primarily due to the fact that their teeth are continuously growing. Chewing helps to wear them down so they don’t become overgrown. The second was born out of the fact that wild rabbits would dig to escape predators or to create their living habitats. Our rascally lil domestic rabbits have continued on with these habits making bunny proofing a necessity.
There are some measures you can implement to help stave off these behaviors. The first of which is to always have supervised free roam time. When your rabbit starts to dig or chew, firmly yet gently say “No” and re-direct them. (NOTE: It is very important to never raise your voice or hit your rabbit.) You can limit access to one room or cordon off an area with an x-pen to cut down on exposure to unsafe areas.
Distraction is another tactic to employ. Provide a wide variety of enrichment such as rabbit safe chew toys. These will not only keep your rabbit entertained, but will also satisfy their chewing instincts. Dig boxes, sand boxes and ball pits are great items to give your rabbit for digging in. Remember to rotate their toys so they don’t become bored with them! You can find our favorite toys over in the Mercantile!
10 Tips for Bunny Proofing
1. Electrical
Electrical cords, aka spicey hay, are a favored item for rabbits to chew and with those sharp teeth it literally can take a split second to chomp through a wire. Typically when bunny proofing cords, you might automatically think of television, lamp and telephone cords. But there is one other very popular cord bunnies enjoy… the cell phone cord. Not only do you want to protect cords so your belongings continue to work, but a rabbit can be shocked or become electrocuted from biting into a live wire.
Cover or hide cords: Use protective coverings like cord protectors or split loom tubing to encase wires. You can also use cable management boxes to keep them out of reach. Don’t forget sockets…you may have an inquisitive bun that will try to lick one!
Block access: Use furniture or other barriers to prevent rabbits from reaching areas with lots of cords.
2. Flooring
Bunny proofing flooring can be tricky to with rabbits. Most rabbits don’t like slick flooring such as tile, vinyl or planks and it can be dangerous for your rabbit if it slides or falls on it. Try placing throw rugs, foam mats or fleece blankets on top. As far as wall to wall carpeting, many buns tend to enjoy digging or chewing it. I think this is because it offers a lot of resistance for them to really be able to attack it. Yup, full disclosure, I have holes in 2 of my carpets!
Cover carpeted areas: Rabbits may dig or chew on carpets. Use rugs or mats to protect these areas. Clear plastic office chair mats work well in this case.
Provide alternatives: Give your rabbit a designated digging area with a digging box filled with shredded paper, sand, balls or hay.
3. Baseboards & Furniture
Rabbits love to chew on wooden furniture and baseboards. Bunny proofing baseboards and furniture by blocking them off is the best way to keep your rabbit from destroying them. Fencing, x-pens, Plexiglas and cardboard are all ideas that can be used to block off these items. This method works well also to hide electrical cords and outlets.
Protect corners and edges: Use corner protectors or plastic guards to cover these areas. Other alternatives are Bitter Apple Spray (although I must admit this did not work with my rabbit) and 99% pure Ivory soap.
Keep furniture legs safe: Encase furniture legs with PVC pipes or in the case of large bulbous legs, consider wrapping them in cardboard.
Secure heavy items: heavy or unstable items, such as bookshelves or large decorations, to prevent them from tipping over.
4. Mattresses/ Upholstery
Upholstered furniture and mattresses/box springs are tempting places for rabbits to chew and climb into. Some rabbits prefer to chew fabric instead of wood. Unfortunately, I found out the hard way when 2 of my rabbits decided to chew large holes in my upholstered sofa.
Bunny proof your sofas by blocking access to the underside and put plywood across your bed frame before placing the box spring or mattress on it. Furniture slip covers will help protect your upholstery from your bun pulling out the stuffing.
5. House Plants
Before accessorizing your home with house plants, make sure you purchase plants that are not toxic to your rabbit. Another point to consider is the placement of your plants. Rabbits are great jumpers and larger rabbits can easily tip over a plant stand. Counters, dressers and cabinets that are high enough for your rabbit to not access are optimum places as well as using hanging planters. Keep in mind, if your rabbit sleeps with you, you may not want to have plants on your bedside table. They may be able to hop from the bed to the table!
Remove toxic plants: Keep toxic plants out of your rabbits reach. Move them to higher locations and keep in mind that plants can lose their leaves.
6. Household Products
Store chemicals safely: Keep cleaning supplies, pesticides, and other chemicals in cabinets that rabbits cannot access.
7.Tiny Places
Rabbits are smaller than they appear due to the amount of fur covering their bodies. They can easily climb into and get stuck in small areas. I have read about rabbits that were able to climb up from under a dresser and get into a drawer where they became stuck. Other places to consider bunny proofing are under sofas, chairs and recliners (my first rabbit Chester LOVED to go under the recliner and then we would have to tip it over to get him out!), and in between appliances. With their jumping ability they can easily hop into a tub or toilet.
Block small spaces: Rabbits can squeeze into tight spaces like next to appliances such as your refrigerator, washer and dryer. For those really rascally rabbits that are completely free roamed, you may need to install cabinet locks.
8. Barriers
Even free roam bunnies often have areas that need to be off limits. After all you may not be able to completely bunny proof the entire house or be able to supervise bun at all times. Set up a safe exercise pen for times when you can’t fully supervise, ensuring they still get ample space to move around.
Close doors/Blockade: Keep bathroom and laundry room doors closed to prevent access to potentially dangerous items. Use barriers like baby gates or exercise pens to restrict access to certain areas such as stairs or special rooms.
9. Holidays
Christmas used to be the holiday for decorating a tree with lights and ornaments, but it is becoming increasingly popular to decorate trees for every holiday. If this pertains to you, don’t forget to protect those holiday lights! Follow the same rules as you would for every day electrical proofing. Ornaments should be placed far above the height of your rabbit standing up.
Holiday plants can be another issue. They do make wonderful gifts, however many are toxic for rabbits: Poinsettias, Mistletoe, Amaryllis, Holly, Christmas Cactus and of course Christmas trees ( depending on type and if they are treated). Locate these plants far away from your rabbit.
10. Miscellaneous Bunny Proofing Items
There are some other items that can be dangerous to your pet rabbit. Nothing is sacred and everthing is fair game when it comes to a rabbit. Just last night Clover jumped up next to me on the sofa and proceeded to fling my glass case right off!
- Cables– Use cable ties or clips to keep cables off the floor and out of reach. When using zip ties it is important to cut off the excess… A rabbit can easily chew through the excess which is dangerous.
- Small Objects– Keep small items like buttons, coins, and paper clips out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Books– Block off bookshelves, empty low shelves or keep books in plastic bins away from bun.
- Remote Controls– Keep away from the bun! We lost many a button on many remotes by leaving them around.
- Drapes– pull the drape out of buns reach, but also make sure cords from blinds do not hang down where bunny may get caught in them.
- Hampers– Store laundry in hampers with lids to prevent rabbits from chewing on clothing.
- Food– Store food, especially toxic foods like chocolate and onions, in cabinets or on high shelves.
Special Need Rabbits
Special need rabbits are so special, not because they have an illness or impediment, but because they have an extra strong will to live and most have so much love to give. Being the owner of a special needs rabbit can be so rewarding, whether you choose to adopt one or your rabbit develops a disability. Most will need specialized equipment or adaptations to their living space to ensure their comfort and safety.
There are many different types of disabilities and each one will have its own special set of bunny proofing guidelines. You should discuss this with your vet, rabbit rescue or online rabbit groups dedicated to the same disability in order to come up with a comprehensive plan for your rabbit.
Outdoor Bunny Proofing Safety
When it comes to bunny proofing, you have to think about the safety of your rabbit in addition to protecting your belongings. When it comes to the out of doors, there are many pros and cons to taking your rabbit outside for playtime. Should you choose to do it, there are important factors to consider when bunny proofing your yard. Always supervise bun when outside and never leave unattended.
Plants
Be cautious of toxic plants that could make your rabbit seriously ill or worse. Re-evaluate what is growing in your yard if you plan on taking your rabbit outside. Keep in mind plants like lilies, tulips, daffodils, and certain types of grasses can be harmful. Place fencing around any questionable plants (high enough that bunny can’t jump over) or consider moving to an area that your rabbit does not have access to.
Enclosure
The type of enclosure you will need for your rabbit will depend on the space you have outside and what you will be doing with your bun. The most important factor in bunny proofing will be to keep your bun safe from predators, but you will also need to protect them from escaping. Shade, ventilation and shelter from the elements should be factored in when choosing placement of your rabbits play area.
Exercise Pen: also referred to as an x-pen is a great choice for temporary outings. Most come with stakes to keep the pen from moving. For larger or multiple buns, you can attach 2 together. Getting or creating some type of cover will help protect your rabbit from aerial predators such as hawks and owls.

Playpen: pet playpens can be convenient for short outings or for travel. Keep in mind these are on the small side so they will not be conducive for exercise. Many of these come with floors and netting zippered tops.

Fenced In Area: Use sturdy fencing around your rabbit’s outdoor area. Inspect the perimeter often to ensure there are no gaps or weak points where a rabbit could escape. The fence should be high enough to prevent escape and buried deep enough (18-24″) to prevent digging out. Install predator guards to keep out animals like foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey.

Bunny Proofing Products
- Wire Loom Covers: These anti bite tubes come in a 30 foot width. They are safe from -40 to 200 degrees minimizing damage from electrical fires.
- Peel & Stick Cord Covers: These are stylish, lay flat on the wall and are easy to install. They come in a variety of colors, but can also be painted!
- Foam Puzzle Mats: Durable, non skid protection for your carpet or for traction on vinyl floor. They are water resistant and easy to clean. Comes in a variety of colors.
- Clear Mats: This is an alternative to protect carpet under furniture that can’t be blocked off.
- Bitter Apple Spray: American made and developed by a vet, this spray may be a deterrent.
- Under Furniture Blocker: These can be used to block the underside of furniture and beds. They are clear so it won’t impede your decor. Durable, easy to install and come in a variety of heights.
- Outlet Covers: 50 count…you’ll be able to protect your whole house and then some!
- Exercise Pen: Patented easy installation x-pen. Door opens and closes smoothly. Comes in a variety of heights and can be formed into a variety of shapes.
- Portable Playpen: This is ideal for quick trips outside, vacations or even to isolate a sick bunny.
- Baby Gate: Extra tall and wide, this gate has a door which is nice for bun mum or dad to walk through. Should you have a tiny bun, you may need to put something across the slats to prevent him from squeezing through.
The Essential Bunny Proofing Travel Kit
My advice: have a ready to go bunny proofing travel kit. Yes, this can be helpful if you want to take your bunny on vacation, but it will also be handy should the case of an emergency arise. If you need to rush out the door, be it for a family emergency or a weather related one, you will be prepared. You may or may not know where you will end up staying, so bunny proofing to keep your rabbit safe, as well as the destination safe, will always be a priority and can be hassle free with a few items on hand.
- travel playpen with a floor will help protect carpeting or flooring, keep your bunny safe from getting into small places or under a bed
- electrical cord covers
- outlet plugs
- bitter apple spray for furniture and baseboards
- a couple of blankets can be put down on the floor when your bunny needs some exercise
Final Thoughts
Bunny proofing is one of the most important things you need to do even before you bring your bunny home. Rabbits are sneaky little creatures that will get into mischief when you are not looking. People….learn from my mistakes, lol. From chewed up base boards and wood furniture, to holes in my carpet and sofa, to cell phone cords, to remote controls… I have made all the mistakes!