Rabbits, also known as bunnies or bunny rabbits, are small mammals in the family Leporidae (which also contains the hares) of the order Lagomorpha (which also contains the pikas).

Oryctolagus cuniculus includes the European rabbit species and its descendants, the world's 305 breeds[1] of domestic rabbit. Sylvilagus includes 13 wild rabbit species, among them the seven types of cottontail. The European rabbit, which has been introduced on every continent except Antarctica, is familiar throughout the world as a wild prey animal and as a domesticated form of livestock and pet. With its widespread effect on ecologies and cultures, the rabbit is, in many areas of the world, a part of daily life—as food, clothing, a companion, and a source of artistic inspiration.

Although once considered rodents, lagomorphs like rabbits have been discovered to have diverged separately and earlier than their rodent cousins and have a number of traits rodents lack, like two extra incisors.

Rabbits are a popular choice for many families, with an estimated 900,000 rabbits kept as pets in the UK. And it's no surprise, as rabbits are highly intelligent, inquisitive animals. Owning rabbits can be extremely rewarding.

Rabbits come in a variety of breeds, shapes and sizes, and each bunny has their own unique personality. They typically live for 8 to 12 years, but some may live for longer. Take a look at some rabbit care advice to find out how to keep your bunnies happy and healthy.

Pet rabbits are related to the wild European rabbit, and the biology and behaviour of pet rabbits is very similar to that of their wild cousins.

Rabbits are highly social - they're territorial animals and form complicated social structures.

Rabbits have an unusual digestive system - food is passed through their gut and special droppings, called caecotrophs, are produced. Rabbits eat these caecotrophs, allowing the food to be re-ingested. Ensure your rabbit's digestive system is kept in tip-top condition by feeding them a healthy diet.

Rabbits have continuously growing teeth - a rabbit's top front teeth grow at a rate of 3mm a week! Keep your rabbit healthy by following health and welfare advice.

Rabbits are intelligent - pet rabbits can be taught to respond to commands using positive reward-based training. Discover more about the behaviour of rabbits.

Rabbits make great pets. In general rabbits need appropriate housing, exercise, socialisation and a specific diet for good welfare. Some breeds of rabbits, particularly the longer haired rabbits, may require daily grooming. It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one.

Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years. If you decide to purchase a rabbit, make sure you are prepared to care for them that long.

Rabbits require a hutch to live in that is safe from predators, such as dogs and cats. It needs an area that protects them from the weather and has enough space for exercise. A suitable hutch design is water proof and includes a dark, dry area for the rabbits to rest which has a bedding of soft hay. The other section of the hutch should be light and large enough to allow for a separate exercise and toileting area. The hutch must be well ventilated. It is best to have a hutch made out of wood as metal hutches heat up more quickly.

Rabbits should not be placed in pens or hutches with wire floors, it is bad for their feet. It is ok for part of the pen to be made of wire as long as your rabbit has an area where they can stand on solid ground. Many two-story hutches provide this option.