It's not something people generally want to talk or write about, and it's usually not the first thing a person thinks about when brining home a new pet. People are generally more concerned about getting a new pet home and situated than they are anything else. But, given time - whether it be a few hours, days or weeks - the newness wears off, and controlling pet odors becomes a concern.

Stop it Before it Starts

There's no magical formula or series of steps rabbit owners must take to keep their rabbits' housing clean and their home odor-free. Where odor problems can start is the removable tray at the bottom of most cages.

"Rabbit's themselves don't smell," explained rabbit breeder Linda Thompson of Sarasota, Florida. "It's the ammonia in the urine that's the culprit." Consequently, all owners have to do is remove waste frequently, and they'll be sure to enjoy a clean, pleasant environment, as will their pets.

Common sense would seem to indicate that the more rabbits you have in a cage, the more often you'll need to perform routine cleaning, and this is true. As a general rule, remember this: If you can smell the ammonia in the urine, so can the rabbit, and the ammonia can be harmful to its health.

Make it Easy

Knowing the cage cleaning is the most critical aspect of odor control, rabbit owners should do what they can to make this task easier. Choose a cage with a wire bottom that has been galvanized after welding. This allows the rabbit's waste to be fall easily through into the cage. Both plastic and metal trays are available, and which one you should buy is a matter of preference.

Another way you can minimize odor is by paying attention to the way you "accessorize" your rabbit's cage. Some owners put a piece of carpet or board on the bottom of the cage, but do so only if you know your rabbit will not "mess" on it. These materials are next to impossible to clean thoroughly, and can lead to health problems for the rabbit. One solution is buy a specially designed plastic mat that helps protect the rabbit's feet from the bottom of the cage and is easy to clean.

As rabbit owners quickly discover, rabbits tend to pick one spot in the cage to use as a bathroom of sorts, and they use it repeatedly. You can use this trait to your advantage by litter training your pet.

Unpleasant odors can ruin anyone's day and can cause resentment toward the pet, when in reality the cause of a smelly cage is simply a lack of thorough and frequent cleaning. Keep this in mind, and remember - it's simple! As rabbit experts and owners will tell you, cleanliness is the key to healthiness for your pet and happiness for you and those living in your home.

Author(s): Romina Vitols, 1996 Rabbits

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