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My male rabbit sprays urine outside of his cage. How can I stop this?

Last Updated: May 26, 2011

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Spraying urine is a normal way for a rabbit to mark its territory and is related to the presence of reproductive hormones. Typically, this behavior is seen in unaltered male rabbits, but females can exhibit similar habits. The best way to stop or avoid this behavior is to have your rabbit spayed or neutered. This process removes the organs that produce reproductive hormones.

Another reason why rabbits might spray urine is stress. Changes to the rabbit’s environment, particularly the addition of a new rabbit, can trigger a change in urination behaviors. Gradually introducing your rabbit to a new situation is the best way to avoid this problem.

In addition, you should always consider the possibility of a medical problem when observing changes in urination behavior in your rabbit. Rabbits that normally act in a desirable way may show urinary problems if a medical complication is present. In this case, it is important that you take your rabbit to your vet as soon as possible.

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