Toilet Training

Rabbits are surprisingly quite an easy pet to toilet train, which is a huge benefit for our indoor buns. Just like guinea pigs and other small mammals, rabbits poop A LOT, so it is well worth spending some time to train your rabbit to use a litter tray. 

Choosing a litter tray and substrate 

The classic plastic cat litter trays are a great option for most rabbits. If your rabbit is elderly or suffering from arthritis, lower trays such as baking trays, document folders or paint trays can be used, allowing for easier access. Unfortunately automatic trays are not suitable for rabbits and those with flaps on entry may deter your rabbit from using it. 

As rabbits may chew or eat small amounts of litter substrate, it is important to choose something that is not going to be toxic to your rabbit. Some great options include paper, hemp, and other biodegradable litter marketed for small mammals. Do NOT use crystal, clay or certain wood litter substrate as this can be toxic to bunnies if ingested. 

Where to place your litter trays

Generally, rabbits tend to toilet where they spend the most amount of time, and this is usually where they eat. Placing litter trays near where your rabbits eat, or adding some hay into the tray can help encourage your bunny to toilet here. Observing where your rabbit naturally chooses to toilet in your house is another great way to determine the best place to position your litter tray – usually this is in a quiet corner away from any hustle and bustle of the household. Whilst starting your toilet training journey, it can help to position several trays around the house to encourage your bunny to use them – this number can be reduced once your rabbit is fully house trained. In multi-rabbit households, there should be a minimum of one tray per rabbit available. 

Cleaning the litter tray 

It is important to clean your tray when it is soiled, as a build up of urine and faeces will promote infections, scalding and ammonia particles in the air compromising respiratory health. 


Rabbits use their sense of smell to determine where they choose to toilet, usually being in the same area each time. When first starting to train your rabbit to use a litter tray, it can help sweep some faecal pellets into the tray to promote it’s use. It can also help to remove the litter, but not thoroughly wash and disinfect the tray itself each time, to leave a small odour present for your rabbit to sense and promote repetitive toileting in this area. 


Once your rabbit is fully house trained, it is important to change the litter and clean and disinfect your tray regularly. Warm water, F10 disinfectant, vinegar and dishwashing soap are all great options to clean your tray. 


In conclusion, it is possible to reliably housetrain your rabbit to toilet in a designated litter tray within your home. Rabbits have a natural instinct to toilet in the same areas, as in the wild they use it as a territorial marker to other rabbits, as well as keeping their warren clean. It will take some time and dedication, however will no doubt enhance your relationship with our furry friends. 

Share information about your brand with your customers. Describe a product, make announcements, or welcome customers to your store.