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wikiHow to Stop a Rabbit from Smelling

Community Q&A

Does your rabbit smell? Learning what the problem could be can help you fix it.


  1. 1
    Smell your rabbit. A healthy rabbit should not smell as, unlike most pets, rabbits are naturally odorless animals. If he/she does smell, you are either not taking care of it properly or he/she is ill.
  2. 2
    Make sure your rabbit uses a litter tray to ensure all urine and droppings are contained. Use a cat litter such as Yesterday's News. Do not use clumping litters or wood shavings as these can cause serious health problems for rabbits. Note: Your rabbit must be spayed or neutered! An unfixed rabbit will not use its litter box well and rabbits must be fixed to avoid serious health risks such as cancer.
  3. 3
    Clean the rabbits living area at least 1-2 times per week. Replace all bedding.
  4. 4
    Rinse the litter box and other areas with white or cider vinegar to cut smells.
  5. 5
    Take your rabbit to the vet immediately for a check-up if your rabbit smells when its cage is clean and he/she has been neutered. A clean, healthy rabbit will never smell, and any odor is a sign of a potentially serious medical condition. Remember to only use a rabbit-savvy vet that has experience with rabbits. Ask your local rabbit shelter for a recommendation if you need to find one.
  6. 6
    If your rabbit is ill and has a dirty bottom, very gently rinse off the area with lukewarm water or a baby wipe if desired. Use your hands to wet clean any matted fur. You might need another person to help you hold the rabbit. A "butt bath" should only be used for medical purposes and only if necessary. Otherwise absolutely do not bathe your rabbit! Rabbits are not meant to get wet and bathing can cause serious health problems such as hypothermia. Putting a rabbit in water can also cause it to go into shock and have a heart attack.
  7. 7
    Remember not to keep your rabbit's cage outside. Today's pet rabbits are very different from the wild rabbits they descended from and cannot survive outside; keeping a rabbit outdoors will cut its lifespan in half on average. Outdoor cages are also harder to clean and put your rabbit at risk for many diseases.

Community Q&A

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  • Can I keep my rabbit and its cage on my balcony?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, but only if it's big enough and with protection from sun, rain, cold weather, and other animals. If you have enough space and you let them run outside (or in your apartment), that should be okay.
  • Is it safe to bring my rabbit on a car trip?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes. Put your rabbit in a travel cage and secure it in one of the passenger seats. Don't hold it while driving, as that's unsafe for both you and the rabbit.
  • I was wondering if there was a way to make rabbit litter smell less, or if possible, not at all?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Use non-clumping, absorbing cat sand and empty out urine and poop every day.
  • How do I get the smell out of a rabbit cage?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If you clean it at least once a week, it should not smell. If the odor is strong, you can use vinegar, a natural deodorant/disinfectant.
  • What is the best bedding for rabbits?
    wikiHow Contributor
    There are many types of bedding, including straw, hay, and wood shavings. Straw is soft and absorbent, but does not provide much nutritional value, should the rabbits eat it. Hay is soft, absorbent, and is good for rabbits to eat. Wood shavings are absorbent, but can be very dusty and could hurt the rabbit if ingested.
  • Is there a recommended litter to use if the rabbit is going to live in it's cage? Ours is very smelly!
    wikiHow Contributor
    Use hay and clean the cage often. Also, feed your rabbit lots of veggies.
  • How can I fix the odor problem if my un-neutered male rabbit puts off a strong odor when he is around a lot of noise?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If your rabbit feels so uncomfortable around noise, you may want to put him in a quieter place.
  • Do hotels allow pet rabbits?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Most hotels don't allow pets, so you would probably have to find somewhere to board them.
  • Is it safe to put bicarbonate of soda in the litter tray?
    wikiHow Contributor
    No, as it could be harmful to your rabbit. Clean the litter tray twice a day to keep down the smell.
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    • Remember, a healthy rabbit will be odorless. If your rabbit smells, it is either not being kept properly or is ill and must see a vet right away.
    • Always spay and neuter your rabbit to improve hygiene, increase lifespan, and reduce risk of serious diseases.


    • Remember to never bathe your rabbit unless it is a medical necessity and you have talked it over with your vet!

    Article Info

    Categories: Rabbit Grooming | Rabbit Health

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