Bonding technique for rabbit and cat

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Hi,

I was watching an episode of My Cat From Hell with Jackson Galaxy as a cat behaviourist. He was using a technique to bond two cats together which he humorously called, Eat Play Love.

He had the two cats eat their food closer and closer to each other each time which increased their trust of one another.

Out of curiosity, does anyone think that you could do this with a cat and a rabbit? Or would the cat, as its eating its food and watching the rabbit think, "mmmm delicious looking bunny"...

Just looking for ways to get Sophie and Chipsie the cat closer to each other.

 

[JBun]

I think that for cats and rabbits it would be a little different because you are dealing with prey/predator. But since your bun doesn't seem to have a problem with your cat, and that it's your cat not bonding with your bun, it's possible those techniques might work when used with your cat. Certainly couldn't hurt to try. The eating part would be easy. It doesn't seem like your cat would see your bun as food, especially since Sophie doesn't act like prey, but the playing part may be a little harder since cats and rabbits don't play in the same way. Maybe if you could find an activity that they both enjoy. Maybe something like a treat ball for each of them to play with in the same area. And the love part, you could maybe pet them both at the same time when they are near each other, so that it is a relaxing thing for both of them.

It'll be interesting to see if this helps bring your cat around to liking Sophie more.

 

[missyscove]

Personally I'm not a fan of rabbit-cat friendships. My new roommate has two cats and while I am working on getting the rabbits used to their presence (so that at some point I'll be able to leave my door open while the buns are in their cage and the cats are out), they will never be left alone together. Cat scratches and bites are nasty for all species and, for me, the risk is just too high.
Now I am a proponent on getting rabbits used to their predator housemates and trusting that I'm not going to let them eat the rabbits. For me that involves putting a baby gate up in the doorway and letting the two species see and smell eachother through that.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Maybe if you could find an activity that they both enjoy. Maybe something like a treat ball for each of them to play with in the same area.

That's a good idea! I actually have a treat ball for my cat so I just need one for Sophie! I have been petting them when they sit side by side and I use a positive voice when my cat allows Sophie to sniff and follow her around.

My cat is really not like other cats, she's very gentle and has never used her claws on Sophie or on anyone for that matter. Having said that I still very much respect the fact that she is a "predator" and I will always monitor her and Sophie together.

 

[akane]

I lost a young rabbit to cat saliva. Not even a bite or scratch that broke the surface. The cat just grabbed the bun gently around the neck, it screamed, and was rescued immediately. The next day it developed a severe respiratory infection and the day after died. All other rabbits in the litter and adults were ok. Cat saliva is nasty stuff. Rescued wild animals often die from very minor wounds that would otherwise be treatable.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

I'm sorry for your loss. I am very aware of the dangers involved and realise accidents can happen. I don't think having cats and rabbits together works in all situations however I think it is possible with certain animal personalities and a watchful human eye.