During my time at the shelter, I met many people searching for companionship but lacking the time and resources needed for a dog. Dogs need to be let out multiple times a day, exercised, and fed consistently. For some, even a cat feels like too much—between the litter, vet bills, and attention.
To my surprise, a lot of those people turned to rabbits, expecting them to be a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative. But in my experience, rabbits are actually more work and money than a cat. Here are five reasons why:
1. Food
Let’s start with diet.
(Note: I’m not an expert—these numbers are based on general pricing for a 10 lb rabbit vs. a 10 lb cat per month. They don’t include treats, supplements, or other extras.)
- Cats:
Cats can live on dry food alone, which is usually the cheapest option. A 10 lb cat eats about 1 lb of food per week. At an average of $4.67/lb, that comes to around $18.50/month. - Rabbits:
Rabbits need a much more diverse diet: pellets, daily fresh greens, and unlimited hay.- Pellets: About 4 lbs/month = ~$10
- Veggies: Around 2 cups/day = ~$30/month
- Timothy hay: ~25 lbs/month = anywhere from $15–$70/month
That brings a rabbit’s monthly food total to about $70—nearly 4x the cost of a cat.
2. Space & Mess
- Cats:
Most cats have free range of the home. They’re good at keeping their business contained in a litter box, and while they may knock over plants or scratch furniture, their mischief is usually manageable. - Rabbits:
Rabbits chew constantly—baseboards, cords, furniture, even walls. Free roaming is possible, but very challenging to bunny-proof safely. Instead, they usually need a large enclosure. A 10 lb rabbit requires at least a 3×4 ft space—big enough to hop, stretch, and zoom. Small pet store cages are almost always too small. Litter training is also harder. Unlike cats, rabbits don’t have a natural draw to the litter box. Even trained rabbits tend to drop small pellets of feces throughout their space because their digestive systems are always working.
3. Attention
Both cats and rabbits are social, but in different ways:
- Cats can thrive as solo pets and often enjoy independence, while still bonding closely with their humans.
- Rabbits often need the companionship of another rabbit unless you’re home most of the day. They are less consistently affectionate with humans—many prefer chewing over cuddling.
4. Vet Care
- Cats: Most vets see cats, and annual check-ups are standard. Indoor cats with no health issues may even go less often.
- Rabbits: Finding a rabbit-savvy vet can be much harder. Not all veterinarians are trained to handle rabbits, which makes care more expensive and less accessible.
5. General Maintenance
- Cats: Generally low maintenance. They groom themselves, and many don’t need regular nail trims unless they’re scratching furniture.
- Rabbits: Shed heavily in spring and fall, requiring frequent grooming. Their nails grow constantly and need trimming. Like their teeth, they require lifelong upkeep.
In Conclusion
Rabbits are wonderful pets, but they aren’t “cheap” or “easy.” Between food, space, vet care, and maintenance, they often require more work and money than cats.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet, ask your local shelter about laid-back cats or consider a small animal like a hamster, mouse, or gerbil. But no matter what, remember: all pets are lifelong commitments that require time, money, and love.
The Katz Nest 
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