Why Does My Rabbit Follow Me? 8 Possible Reasons

Rabbits are intelligent and curious little creatures that make fun and interesting pets. They can also be highly sociable, which allows them to bond with their owner. When you have bonded with your rabbit, it is easy to tell when their behavior is unusual, and it becomes easier to read their body language. But sometimes, they also throw a curveball, and you cannot gauge what their behavior might mean. One such example can be your rabbit following you around like a shadow.

Because of the well-known childhood classic Alice in Wonderland, we know rabbits as the ones to be followed, but what does it mean when the tables turn, and your rabbit is following you around? We have compiled a list of 8 Possible reasons to help determine what your rabbit may want or need.

The 8 Reasons Why My Rabbit Follows Me

1. Your Rabbit May Be Curious

While your pet rabbit may seem like it mostly lives in its own little bubble, they are very curious. When bunnies feel safe, they hop about to explore their surroundings. If your pet rabbit feels safe with you, it will hop behind you, investigating what you are up to and where you are going.

A curious and alert rabbit will usually have its ears straight up, so if your bunny is following you while sniffing around with erect ears, it may just be curious and exploring its surroundings with its companion whom it feels safe with.

2. Your Rabbit May Want to Play

Rabbits are social animals and love to play. They are also very active and need playtime to avoid boredom. Your rabbit following you around may be an attempt to get you to play. A rabbit that wants to play will usually follow you at a fast pace and be energetic. They will even sometimes circle your feet or tug at your pant legs. Anytime your rabbit follows you, include a bit of playtime until it feels content enough to return to its hutch.

3. Your Rabbit May Want Food

Just like a hungry child, your rabbit may not leave you alone if it is hungry, but because it can’t communicate vocally and nag as a child would, it may follow you around until you catch on. If your rabbit stops to nibble on random objects while following you, it could be a sign that it is hungry.

4. It’s Trying to Get Your Attention

Your rabbit may simply want your attention. An attention-seeking rabbit will find ways of asking for it. They can also be affectionate and social creatures, and if your rabbit is bored or lonely, it may be looking for attention from its beloved owner. This may especially be true if you only have one rabbit since, in the wild, they usually live together.1

They may also tug on your clothes or nip or nudge at your feet to catch your attention or stand on their hind legs and look up at you.

5. Trying to Mate

If your rabbit has reached sexual maturity, it may follow you because it is ready and willing to mate. It will usually circle your feet and make grunting and honking noises, which is similar to the mating dance that rabbits do when they want to mate. Even a neutered or spayed rabbit can exhibit this behavior.

Other signs of being on heat may include restlessness and rubbing their chins on items around them.2 They will have a desire to be around other rabbits, which may explain why it is following you around.

6. Your Rabbit Loves You

Like a small child or puppy, your rabbit may follow you because it loves you. Once you have bonded and gained trust, your rabbit will be safe with you and won’t be afraid to follow you. It may want your attention and affection a little more at this particular time, so you should feel happy if your rabbit follows you and is content to join you on your missions.

7. Your Rabbit My Be Excited

If your rabbit feels excited, it may be a good reason to follow you. If it is close to feeding time, or it think you have a snack in your hand, or you have given your bunny some new toys, the excitement may cause your rabbit to follow you around.

8. Your Rabbit May be Mad at You

While most reasons for your rabbit following you are positive, it can sometimes be because it is upset with you and wants you to know. Whether your rabbit is happy or mad with you, it will want your attention, and following you is an excellent way to get it. Think about your most recent interactions to determine if that could be the reason. Perhaps it didn’t get the snack it thought it saw in your hand. Maybe you haven’t played with your rabbit, and it is feeling bored, so it follows you to get your attention and attempt to play.

Should I Allow My Rabbit to Follow Me?

Whether or not you allow your rabbit to follow you depends on what works for you and your rabbit’s relationship. If you are concerned about your rabbit following you to areas that may be unsafe, it’s best not to encourage the behavior. If you don’t mind your rabbit following you, consider designating a place where your rabbit is safe to follow you.

Most reasons your rabbit will follow you are positive; this behavior is a form of communication, so allowing your rabbit to follow you may help you determine its mood and needs.

Your Rabbit’s Body Language

Understanding your rabbit’s body language will also help you determine why it may be following you. A well-cared-for and well-fed rabbit will be happy most of the time. You will know your rabbit is happy when its body is relaxed and not tense. When they are lying down, tucked-in legs indicate they are relaxed, or when they stretch out and expose their bellies.

If your rabbit is hopping about and contently exploring, they are happy. A common behavior is a ‘binky’ where they hop into the air with a little twist and land back down. Another physical sign of a happy rabbit is a wiggling and twitching nose.

If your rabbit’s behavior is unusual and does not show many of the above signs, it is a good time to consult your vet to rule out illness or medical conditions. It could also be due to stress or anxiety. Signs you can look for can include flat ears and a tense body. Their ears may be flat against their head, and they may position their bodies in a crouching position.

Their nose won’t twitch, and they may tuck their chin in and hide away. Thumping is another common sign that your rabbit is unhappy, which they usually do as a warning to other rabbits. An angry rabbit may sit upright and “box” at you with their front paws and grunt and growl. If your rabbit exposes its teeth, it is a clear and extreme sign of fear.

Summary

Your rabbit may start following you for various reasons, but it means they feel safe with you. They may follow you to show affection because they are curious and to get your attention. When your rabbit follows you, you should pay attention to their body language since it can help determine the reason. It’s up to you to decide if you don’t mind your rabbit following you. At the end of the day, it’s a cute gesture; it strengthens your bond and allows you to gauge whether your rabbit is happy or sad.

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Featured Image Credit: Dean Clarke, Shutterstock

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