Why Does My Rabbit Dig on Me? 10 Likely Reasons & Tips to Stop This
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Rabbits are engaging and endearing pets, but they sometimes do inexplicable behaviors, such as dig on you and your clothes. Digging is a natural instinct, particularly for wild rabbits, but why does a domesticated bun feel the urge to dig into you?
Here, we cover the various reasons that your rabbit may like to dig on you and give you tips on what you can do to stop this behavior if desired.
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The 10 Reasons Why Your Rabbit Digs on You
1. They’re Looking for Attention
Your rabbit might start digging at your leg while you’re standing, which might indicate that they want your attention, perhaps for a treat. They may also want pets, which can happen if you were already petting them but suddenly stopped.
2. They’re Feeling Playful
Young rabbits are particularly playful and might start scrabbling at you to initiate a play session. Digging can be a form of play behavior, and they might dig on your skin playfully.
If you’re standing and they start digging on your ankles, they might be inviting you to get down to their level to play.
3. It’s a Form of Dominance
Digging on you can be a form of dominance, which is more common in unneutered male rabbits. They are more likely to do this if there’s a female rabbit in the household.
This is also their way of dictating to you that they are the boss, and they get to choose when you pet them, play with them, or get attention.
4. They Want to Be Released
If they start digging into you while you’re holding or cuddling them, they might be asking to be released. Most rabbits don’t like being held, so they might start digging and even nipping so you can put them down.
5. You’re in Their Way
If you happen to be standing in your rabbit’s way when they have business to attend to, they might dig in the attempt to get you to move. They’ll also try to nudge and scratch around your feet to get by.
6. There’s Something About the Texture of Your Clothing
Rabbits seem to be particularly drawn to certain textures, especially with large blankets and sweatshirts. If you notice that your rabbit seems more interested in digging on you while you’re wearing certain baggy clothing, they are likely enjoying the texture.
Try testing this theory by wearing something tighter, and if your rabbit doesn’t dig, it might be that particular shirt.
7. They Are Bored or Frustrated
Without enough enrichment through play or toys, some rabbits will become destructive, which can include digging behavior. This will come out when they are bored or frustrated, particularly without bonding time with you or another rabbit.
8. They Aren’t Fond of Your Scent
Rabbits have a strong sense of smell, so they are easily offended by strong scents, especially if you’re wearing strong perfume or have been cooking something particularly odorous.
They are accustomed to your own unique odor, but if it’s covered with another strong scent, this might stress out your rabbit, and digging might ensue.
9. They Can’t Dig Anywhere
Being able to dig is a natural instinct in rabbits, but they might just start digging on you if they don’t have anywhere else to do it.
Female rabbits have a strong instinct to dig, even if they are spayed, so you’re likely to see this behavior if they don’t have an outlet.
10. It’s Just Fun
It’s fun to dig holes, so when rabbits are feeling particularly excited and happy, they might just start digging. Granted, this type of digging is more likely to occur in the ground and not your lap, but if your rabbit seems full of energy, they might be doing it for fun.
The 9 Tips to Stop Your Rabbit From Digging on You
If your rabbit seems to enjoy digging and scratching you a little too much, there are a few methods for you to try to curb the behavior.
1. Spay or Neuter Your Rabbit
This will never completely stop digging behavior because it’s an instinct, but it can help calm them down. Female rabbits will have less of a drive to dig a nest, and males might not dig as aggressively.
2. Make a Digging Box
You can create a digging box if you don’t have a safe place for your rabbit to dig outdoors. All you need is a cardboard box and to fill it with material, like shredded or crumpled paper. Try hiding a few treats inside too. Your rabbit will enjoy digging away inside their box, which might help fulfill that digging instinct.
3. Provide Cat Scratchers
Cat scratchers can work for rabbits, though you’ll want to opt for models that lay flat on the ground. These are available in a variety of materials, such as sisal rope, carpet, and cardboard. They can also help protect your floors and carpets from your digging rabbit.
4. Give Them Old Sweatshirts or Blankets
If your rabbit seems particularly interested in digging at certain kinds of material that you’re wearing, find an old garment, blanket, or even towel and give it to your rabbit. They can dig around in the old material to their heart’s content.
5. Provide Enrichment
If you think that your rabbit might be digging because they are bored or frustrated, ensure that they have enough toys and a large enough enclosure.
Make sure they can get exercise and spend bonding time with you. This is even more critical if you only have one rabbit. Ensure that there are enough digging, chewing, and foraging toys.
6. Give Them Extra Hay
Hay makes up about 80% of a rabbit’s diet, and it’s also used as their bedding. If you provide them with enough hay to eat and “burrow” into, they might get out most of their digging energy that way.
7. Give Them a Grass Mat
Try giving a grass mat to your rabbit, which they can scratch, dig, and chew as much as they like. The more outlets that you give your rabbit for digging and keeping them busy, the less likely they will continue digging on you—unless they are trying to tell you something.
8. Redirect Them
Whether your rabbit is digging because they are excited or frustrated or are just looking for attention, try redirecting their behavior to something else, such as a treat or chew toy
Always have something on hand for when your rabbit starts digging. If you do this consistently, they might learn to stop digging on you.
9. Trim Their Nails
Keep those nails trimmed! This needs to be done regardless, but if your bun seems to enjoy a good digging session on you, and you don’t mind it except for those sharp nails, keep them trimmed.
Conclusion
Rabbits will dig at you for several reasons. They might be excited or frustrated, love your shirt, or want you to take a shower.
Just remember to give them attention, and ensure that they get enough exercise and digging opportunities. As long as you know what’s behind the behavior, you should be able to have a happy and well-adjusted rabbit.
Featured Image Credit: Dean Clarke, Shutterstock
