No matter how much love and care you give your rabbits, it can sometimes be tricky to spot and clarify the rabbit’s body language that shows their affection for you in return.

Some of our furry friends are born friendly and outgoing. It’s a plus if a rabbit is surrounded by humans since birth; they may quickly grow used to us.

If, like most rabbits, yours don’t seem likely to be picked up or cuddled, don’t worry; they’re not shunning you. Feeling restrained is hard for a prey species whose particular coping mechanism is to run away from threats. They are directed by survival instinct. As humans are so much bigger and stronger, rabbits credibly fear us until we give them a reason not to. That’s why our normal tactual signs of affection can backfire in some situations.

‘Rabbits have an imperceptible repertoire of body language used in communication, so they don’t draw excessive attention. They use these signals to connect with their hutch mates and to show their affection to humans who may or may not understand them.

Are Rabbits as loving as Dogs?

If you’re looking for a companion animal but cannot shelter a dog, you may look at rabbits. To a certain extent, these are similar pets. Rabbits are born attention seekers that adore human company. Like dogs, rabbits don’t enjoy being alone.

Another parallel is that rabbits can be taught tricks. Rabbits are smart and love learning new skills. Your pet rabbit will relish showing these tricks to you.

However, there is a big difference between rabbits and dogs. Whereas our K9’s live to please humans, rabbits do not. Most pet rabbits are not interested in gaining acceptance.

Once a dog has been appropriately trained, it will see the owner as his master. Rabbits are the contrary. Your pet rabbit will probably consider herself to be the boss. She’ll want you to meet her requirements, not the other way around.

A rabbit that bonded itself with a human can be just as affectionate as a dog. However, It’s a different kind of liking. If you want a pet that listens to every word of yours, then rabbits are not for you.

Are Rabbits as loving as Cats?

If we are measuring rabbits to other domesticated animals, felines are a more similar comparison. Rabbits are territorial, just like cats.

Until you earn the rabbit’s affection, you may feel like your pet is indifferent to you. In that aspect, they’re quite similar to cats.

Any show of affection from your rabbit carries a ton of weight. If a rabbit suggests enthusiasm for her owner, it feels like a genuine achievement.

There’s no need to worry because, just like cats, rabbits love their owners. They just may not be fully comfortable showing affection. You must learn to identify the subtler indications.

You cannot leave a rabbit alone for several hours. They are very dependent, unlike cats. They are considerably needy and will require your full devotion.

Rabbits are not exactly similar to both of the most popular pet species. Rabbits are like rabbits. Some are loving, and others are grumpy and solitary. There is no usual approach to rabbit affection.

Signs of Affection From Rabbits:

1. Tooth-clicking

2. Running around your feet in circles.

3. Demanding head rubs

4. Binkying

5. Lying down and chilling out

6. Licks and nibbles

1. Tooth-clicking

This is the rabbit’s version of purring. Rubbing their teeth together (tooth-clicking) is a display of genuine affection. It’s a very silent sound, so you may not hear it if you aren’t paying attention. They especially like to do this when you gently rub or stroke them.

2. Running Around Your Feet in Circles

Occasionally bunnies will greet their owners by merrily running around their feet in circles. They may also use this movement in combination with binkying. It means that they’re joyful, but it also might mean that they want something from you—it can also be a form of pleading! The latter will especially be correct if you are holding one of their favorite treats, such as carrots or bananas.

3. Demanding Head Rubs

If your bunny jabs you and then sits around expecting something, that is a sign that it wants a head rub. It is also a sign that the bunny is in charge, and you should do what it says. However, it will do no harm if you let your rabbit be in charge; that will only form a better bond between you.

4. Binkying

When a rabbit binkies, it jumps in the air and flips its ears around. Binkies are a sign that your bunny is happy and is not afraid to show you! If you want, you can copy this motion by flipping your hair around to show your bunny you’re happy too.

5. Lying Down and Chilling Out

If your bunny lies down and stretches near you, that means it feels safe to relax near you. Because a bunny lying down on its back or side has its legs and tummy exposed, making them highly vulnerable. Doing this near you means the rabbit considers you as one of his/her hutch mates and trusts you completely.

6. Licks and Nibbles

Rabbits show affection by grooming, so if your bunnies nuzzle, lick, and maybe even try to nibble you gently, they want to give you their love and care. This is also a sign that they are submissive.

Sometimes your bunny will lick or nibble a piece of fabric or clothing near you instead of doing this to you. This permits your rabbit to show you he/she loves you without needing to perform the act of grooming you. This behavior may also be caused by perplexity. If this occurs, your bunny is not completely sure where you end and where your clothes or the furniture begins.

Other Questions

How do you know if your rabbit trusts you?

Rabbits are usually very shy and take some time to warm up to new people and trust them. If you want to know whether your rabbit trusts you or not you have to look for some signs. Rabbits show their trust by being affectionate with you.

They show affection by grooming so if your rabbit licks you, gently nuzzles you, and even tries to nibble you it means it is trying to show its love and care for you.

Rabbits also show affection by running circles around your feet and by asking to be pet. If your rabbit comes and nudges your hand and puts its head down it means it is asking to be pet and that is a sign that it trusts you. 

How do you show your rabbit you love them?

Lonely rabbits can get depressed so spending time with your rabbit is the best way to show them you love them. This will also help you in getting to know your rabbit and what makes it happy. Rabbits also love to be fussed, they sit still on the floor while you rub their head, nose, and chin.

You can also show your rabbit that you love them by pampering them and that doesn’t only include giving them their favorite toys and comfortable home but also includes regular health checks such as checking their nails, eyes, and ears.

How do rabbits say sorry?

Rabbits are social animals and that is why they share an emotional bond with humans so when the rabbits do something wrong or when you are angry at your rabbit, it tries to apologize to you. Rabbits apologize to humans by licking and nibbling their toes often to gain their attraction and say sorry.

So when your rabbit licks you, it means he's grooming you happily with a little bit of a bite.

Rabbits can also apologize to you by showing their affection and running around your feet in circles. This means they are trying to cheer you up if you are sad or angry.