Rabbits are cute, fluffy, and cuddly. They make great family pets and most do not mind being handled by kids and adults. They love to hop and play, explore and experience, and communicate with other rabbits and their human counterparts. While rabbits typically understand what another rabbit tries to communicate through sounds, humans are not usually so lucky.
To understand what a rabbit tries to say through sound, we must identify the different bunny sounds and determine what each means. Here are 10 rabbit sounds and their meanings.
The 10 Rabbit Sounds Explained
1. Grunting
This is the most common rabbit sound that owners are likely to hear. In general, a grunting rabbit is excited and ready for interactive fun. Rabbits grunt when they see a human family member come home after a long day, or they might grunt when engaged in playful banter with other rabbits.
Males who have not been neutered also tend to grunt when they are ready to mate. The mating grunt is usually accompanied by other signs of wanting to mate, such as circling and marking territory.
2. Clucking
Sometimes called honking, rabbit clucking typically happens when they are incredibly happy. Rabbits make a light clucking noise when they are eating a meal that they really enjoy, cuddling with their habitat mates, and hanging out on the lap of a human family member. They may also cluck while they are having a pleasant dream.
3. Growling
When rabbits get angry, they tend to start growling. Their growl does not sound like that of a dog, but instead, it is reminiscent of a purring noise. Still, the cute sound should not be misinterpreted as a sound of pleasure. A growing rabbit is letting those around them know that they are not happy about the circumstances they find themselves in.
This might be when a human tries to make them go inside after a walk in the yard or when a fellow rabbit does something to threaten their personal space within their habitat.
4. Teeth Grinding
Rabbits that grind their teeth are usually in discomfort or pain. They may not be happy with their surroundings, or they might have an injury or medical issue that should be checked out by a veterinarian. If your rabbit starts grinding their teeth, try relocating them to a more comfortable place. If the grinding continues, carefully check their limbs and bellies for injuries. If they’re injured, contact your veterinarian for an appointment.
5. Squealing
Hearing a rabbit squeal is relatively uncommon; in fact, many owners never hear their furry pet squeal throughout their lifetime. The sound is more like a scream than anything, and it means that a rabbit is severely unhappy or hurt. Someone might be restraining them when they want to get away, they might be afraid when a predator is nearby, or they could have seriously hurt themselves somehow. Any time a rabbit squeals, it is crucial to take steps to figure out exactly why.
6. Foot Stomping
Rabbits will stomp their feet for a number of reasons. While anger might be one, it’s quite rare. Rabbits mainly stomp their feet or “thump” when they feel threatened and are warning other rabbits of potential danger. Mating is another reason for stomping.
In an attempt to attract a mate, rabbits will thump to show prospective partners their stomping skills. Not all rabbits stomp their feet; it depends on their unique personalities.
7. Whimpering
Humans may whimper when they are upset, but bunnies tend to do so when they are afraid. You may hear a rabbit whimper if they are startled by a fast-moving object or when someone they do not know tries to pick them up or hold them in place. The whimpering is distinct and cannot be misinterpreted for any other noise a bunny might make.
8. Purring
Purring rabbits are content animals, just like cats are. The purring sounds of rabbits and cats are similar, too. A rabbit is most likely to purr when they are happily being petted, lounging on a lap, or snuggled up on a safe, soft bed in their habitat. Owners should feel good about their rabbit’s frame of mind when they are purring.
9. Humming
Just as we humans might do while enjoying time in the garden, rabbits will hum when they are happy with their current circumstances. Bunnies might intermittently hum while roaming around the house and playing with various toys. The humming is subtle and hard to hear if you are not paying close enough attention.
10. Sneezing
A rabbit might sneeze due to several reasons. Sneezing can occur when a piece of grass or pollen gets stuck in their nasal passage. Sneezing could also be due to a blocked airway from a piece of food. A rabbit suffering from a respiratory infection may sneeze consistently until they are better again. The sneezing sound is like a dry cough and is unmistakable.
In Conclusion
By understanding these rabbit sounds and what they mean, you can better communicate with your furry pet and ensure their needs are met. Make it a point to consider the circumstances whenever your rabbit makes one of these noises so you will know what it means and what you should do. Most importantly, have fun getting to know your pet rabbit better! Which bunny sounds are your favorite? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
- See Also: Things That Stress Rabbits Out
Featured Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay
