The Danish concept of hygge offers the perfect inspiration when creating a cozy and comforting environment for your pet rabbit. Hygge, centered around warmth, comfort, and contentment, can transform your rabbit’s living space into a peaceful sanctuary. Soft bedding, safe hideouts, natural lighting, and gentle enrichment activities can help your bunny feel secure and relaxed. By embracing hygge for your rabbit, you’re not only providing physical comfort but also nurturing emotional well-being, fostering a space where they can truly thrive.
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 have really peaked my interest. Besides the Danish, other cultures have their own words meaning the same thing. The Norwegians call it “koselig” (koosh-lee), the Irish “teolai” and the Scottish “coorie”.
What is Hygge?
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.
Hygge for Hoppers
Create a Cozy Sanctuary
Begin by creating a cozy living area in a quiet, low-traffic zone free from loud noises and sudden disturbances. 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! Maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and provide warm spots in cooler months with fleece-lined areas. Keep their area tidy and organized to promote a sense of calm and safety.
Thick Rug: 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. 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: Ensure gentle, natural light during the day with soft shadows to create a calming atmosphere. Create a “soft” mood by hanging strands of twinkle lights around the top of their x-pen if they use one or in a room that they 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 add a homey feel. A wicker basket to hold their toys, a rattan hamper for hay storage, a small pet tee-pee or a wooden or plush house.
Seasonal Hygge
Add extra warmth in winter with soft bedding and cooling mats in summer to ensure year-round comfort. Decorate for the seasons and/or the holidays. Garland, holiday cardboard houses, snowflakes and stockings with your rabbits name are perfect for Christmas! Holiday snuffle mats and plush toys are not only a great enrichment items, but will help to liven up their space.
Nourishment
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 quiet moments with your rabbit. Carve out some time each day to really be ‘present’ with with your bun. Sit on the floor and let them come to you for gentle petting or hand-feeding to foster trust and relaxation. 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. Izzy is known for her plush cozy purple pillow.
Final Thoughts…
Incorporating hygge into your rabbit’s life is a simple yet powerful way to deepen your bond and enhance their daily comfort. By focusing on warmth, softness, and a sense of safety, you create an environment where your bunny feels loved and at ease. Whether it’s through cozy bedding, quiet moments together, or thoughtfully designed spaces, hygge helps promote relaxation and joy. A hygge-inspired home encourages a healthier, happier rabbit, turning their space into a sanctuary of comfort and care.
Sources:
- Pawsh Magazine “5 Ways To Practice Hygge With Your Dog”
- Petch, Danielle “How to hygge with your dog” October 14, 2020 Trusted Housesitters
