The Danish word Hygge (hoo-gah) is a relatively new term here in the United States of which you may or may not be familiar with. For a couple of years now, I have been seeing seasonal Hygge lists on pinterest which of course really peaked my interest to look into it. Besides the Danish, other cultures have their own words be it the Norwegian “koselig” (koosh-lee), the Irish “teolai” or the Scottish “coorie”, but they all have the same meaning…to be cozy.
Most people would associate this term with humans, but why not for our buns as well? After all, they deserve to feel content in a nice, warm, cozy environment too!
So exactly what is hygge and how do we create it? In essence it is spending time with people you love in a calm, comfortable space, with no frustration, enjoying good food, drink and warm snuggly blankets. Well, there is nothing in this list that wouldn’t apply to any pet! Now that the days are getting shorter, colder and snowier and darkness comes early, it’s the perfect time to implement some hygge into your and your bunnies lives.
7 Tips for Hygge for Hoppers
Begin your bunny’s hygge by creating a cozy living space for them. You can achieve a welcoming, cheerful and coordinated area by choosing one main color with 1-2 accent colors. Neutral colors such as cream, beige or gray are great options for a main color. Any accent color will blend nicely with a neutral and will give you the ability to change out the colors and decor seasonally!
Thick Rug
My first tip to creating a cozy space is to throw down some thick, warm rugs. Even if you have carpeting, it is fun to add layers for your fuzzy lil pal. Scattered, layered rugs will help keep your bun warm as well as give them a soft area to play on.
If you have an elderly bun who may have sore hocks, check with your vet as to what is an appropriate surface for them to be walking on. Some rugs can be irritating.
Bed
Next, add a bed so they can get a restful nights sleep or a long winter’s nap lol. Anything from a fluffy fleece dog or cat bed to the iconic Ikea doll bed would make a great retreat. There are many small pet entreprenuer businesses that make some adorable custom bedding for the Ikea doll bed! And then there are the super lucky buns who get to sleep with their owners on top of fluffy comforters!
Blankets
Having some thick, soft fleece or woven blankets to curl up in is a necessity! Pinterest and you tube have videos on how to finger knit big chunky blankets. You could sit on the floor by your bun and knit them a cozy blankie!
Lighting
Now that the holidays are here, the stores are full of white twinkle lights and candle lights. Create a “soft” mood by hanging strands of lights around the top of their x-pen if they use one or in a room that they tend to live in. The soft glow will give the air of a stress free atmosphere.
Accessorize
Adding fun elements to your bunny’s living space will give it a homey feel. Try a wicker basket to hold their toys or a rattan hamper for hay storage. Your bun may also enjoy a small pet tee-pee or a wooden or plush house.
Decorate for the seasons and/or the holidays. Garland, holiday cardboard houses snowflakes and stockings with your rabbits name are perfect for this time of year! Holiday snuffle mats and plush toys are not only a great enrichment items, but will help to liven up their space.
If your bun free roams your home, you want their belongings to look neat and tidy for your own ease. For example, my family room is cranberry and evergreen so my buns have fleece blankets in those colors. I keep their pellet food in a wicker basket!
Food & Drink
Nothing says comfort like sipping on a mug of hot cocoa and eating home baked cookies while relaxing by the fire or a window watching the falling snow. Your bun will appreciate that same comfort as well. Why not serve them a luke warm bowl of chamomile or mint tea with a delicious home made bunny treat?
Herbal teas have an added benefit too. They have properties that are nourishing and healing. Chamomile is a calming herb especially if your bunny is high strung. Mint is a liver stimulant and helps with gas. You can find more info on healing herbs here.
The Gift of Time
Spending quality time with people you love is an important part of hygge and of course this extends to your bun as well. Carve out some time each day to really be ‘present’ with with your bun. Sit on the floor and let them come to you or invite them to sit on the sofa for luv rubs. Talk to them and tell them how much they mean to you. If your bun enjoys the out of doors, sit inside their play area with them or take them for a walk in a stroller.
Some Favorite Hygge Hangouts
Special Hygge for Special Friends
Sometimes our special buns need a little bit of extra hygge to make their lives just a little more comfortable. This is my friend Izzy, some of you may know from Instagram. She developed head tilt 3 years ago and her mum, Suzanne, has given her a lot of hygge. Izzy lives in a cozy pack and play right next to mum’s sewing table (bunmom.boutique) and has “date” night at 8:00 every night with her bunfriend Dandy.
Depending on the needs of your bun, there is always a way to create a bit of hygge for them!
Make some time this holiday or winter season to start practicing some hygge. Your bun will thank you for it and you yourself will benefit from it. Here are some more hygge ideas for you:
