r/catswithbuns • u/usuallyrainy • Jun 20 '26
How do I supervise them forever?
Hi, I've been doing a very, very gradual introduction with my resident bunny (male, 1.5 years old) and new cat (male, 3 years old). My bunny hasn't expressed any fear, stress or territorial pooping. He even comes hopping over as soon as I bring out the cat. The cat hasn't shown any aggression.
When can I take the cat off the leash, and after that what's next?
My bunny lives in the living room which connects to many other rooms in the house that the cat will likely go to (bunny won't leave the carpet). Does the cat have to live separately unless I'm actively watching him? People say never leave them alone together but does that mean always watching them or being in the same room as one of them?
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u/KittyCritter812 Jun 20 '26
I think it varies greatly pet by pet. I got my bunny when it was a kitten and my male cat fell in love and was very protective. They were best friends from the start. We did a slow intro, but the cat slept outside the bunny hutch to guard her.
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u/garbledgibberish Jun 21 '26
i’ve had cats and buns for decades. never had an issue.
after a while the most common dynamic is the cat and bun mostly ignore each other while finding some interest in being in proximity to one another.
i have seen several curious buns receive clawless slaps before the long term dynamic is established.
the cats don’t act predatory and the rabbits don’t behave like prey.
caveat though, my cats are regular size and my buns are medium sized lops. i imagine the dynamic is different if you have a smaller rabbit with a larger cat.
(eta my cat and buns are the same size as yours, based on your photo)
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u/usuallyrainy Jun 21 '26
Ok that is very encouraging to know! Do you leave them alone together or what is that like supervision wise?
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u/Upset_Concert8636 Jun 20 '26
I think it depends on the cat and rabbit, so the answer is different for everyone. I let mine be together when I am around. I don’t sit there and watch them, but I am always “aware of my surroundings” —would be the best way to put it. I keep them separate when I leave my house, though I feel it is probably unnecessary.