Why proper flooring is important for your pet rabbit

When are slippery floors particularly dangerous?

Slippery floors (hardwood, tile, linoleum) are especially dangerous when rabbits run, jump, or panic (binky, zoomies, or spooked). Lacking foot pads, rabbits rely entirely on fur and claws for traction. Slipping during high-speed movements can cause severe injuries such as torn ligaments, dislocated joints, broken bones, or spinal trauma (slipped discs / paralysis).

What are the risks for tile and hardwood flooring?

Hardwood and tile offer zero traction for rabbits. Constant slipping strains their hips and spine over time, increasing the risk of arthritis and chronic joint pain. Additionally, cold tile/hardwood surfaces can be uncomfortable for rest, causing rabbits to avoid exploring these rooms entirely or suffer fear-induced anxiety when forced to cross them.

Why is wire mesh flooring "bad"?

Wire flooring concentrates all body weight on narrow metal bars, causing severe pressure sores (sore hocks) and foot deformities. It provides no solid surface for natural resting or stretching, and toes/nails can get caught and broken in the wire gaps. Always cover wire mesh with solid flooring like fleece, foam, or thick cardboard.

What about my rex rabbit?

Rex rabbits have extremely thin fur on their hocks and lack a thick protective guard coat. Because of this, Rex breeds are exceptionally prone to developing sore hocks even on standard carpets or rug textures. They require extra plush, low-friction flooring such as soft fleece, thick blankets, or memory foam mats everywhere they roam.

What if I don't want my house to look like the bunnies own it (even though we know they do)?

You can keep your home stylish while keeping your rabbits safe! Choose aesthetic oriental/boho runner rugs, neutral color-coordinated area rugs, or stylish washable rug covers (like Ruggable) that blend seamlessly into your decor while providing 100% full traction and safety for your house rabbits.