Why Spaying and Neutering Your Rabbit Is So Important

Rabbits are social, loving companions—and spaying or neutering ensures they stay healthy and thrive together.

When most people think of spaying and neutering, they often associate it with dogs and cats—but it’s just as critical for rabbits. As one of the most misunderstood companion animals, rabbits are frequently surrendered to shelters or abandoned outdoors, often due to behavioral challenges or accidental litters that could have been prevented with a simple procedure.

At Kribs for Kritters Rabbit Rescue and Sanctuary, we believe spaying and neutering is one of the most important responsibilities of rabbit guardianship. Here’s why:

1. Preventing Unwanted Litters

Rabbits reproduce quickly—really quickly. A single unspayed female can give birth to multiple litters in a year, each with 4–12 babies. That adds up fast and contributes to the overpopulation crisis we see in shelters and rescues.

Spaying and neutering prevents accidental litters and ensures that more space and resources are available for rabbits already in need of homes.

2. Health Benefits

Spaying and neutering isn’t just about population control—it’s also a critical health decision. Unspayed female rabbits have an 80% risk of developing uterine cancer by the age of 4–6. They are also at risk for ovarian and mammary cancers. Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk of other health complications related to hormonal imbalances.

Spayed and neutered rabbits generally live longer, healthier lives.

3. Improved Behavior

Hormones play a big role in how rabbits behave. Unaltered rabbits are more likely to:

• Spray urine to mark territory

• Show aggression or mood swings

• Display excessive mounting or humping behavior

• Be difficult to litter train

  
  

Once fixed, rabbits typically become calmer, more affectionate, and easier to train. Spaying/neutering helps create a more harmonious household and builds a stronger bond between rabbit and guardian.

4. Better Bonding Opportunities

Rabbits are highly social animals and often do best in pairs or small groups. However, bonding can be nearly impossible (or dangerous) if the rabbits are unaltered due to hormonal aggression and mating instincts.

Spaying and neutering is essential before attempting any bonding process. Altered rabbits are more likely to get along and form healthy, lasting relationships with one another.

5. It's Safer Than Ever

Some people hesitate to spay or neuter their rabbit out of fear of the procedure, but veterinary medicine has come a long way. When performed by an experienced, rabbit-savvy veterinarian, spaying and neutering is a safe and routine surgery. Recovery is typically quick, and most rabbits bounce back within a few days.

If you’re unsure where to find a rabbit-experienced vet, our team at Kribs for Kritters is happy to provide recommendations.

6. It Saves Lives

Every time a rabbit is spayed or neutered, it helps reduce the number of rabbits who end up in shelters or abandoned outdoors—often with no chance of survival. By fixing your rabbit, you're not only improving their life, but you're also helping the larger community of rabbits who desperately need homes.

Final Thoughts

Spaying and neutering is a core part of responsible rabbit care. It protects your rabbit’s health, improves behavior, prevents overpopulation, and saves lives. If your rabbit hasn’t been fixed yet, we encourage you to speak with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian as soon as possible.

Have questions or need help finding a vet? Visit our RECOMMENDED VETS page.

Together, we can create a safer, healthier future for rabbits everywhere.