Can Rats Kill Rabbits?
WouterYou might wonder if rats and rabbits can cohabitate. While these two species are friendly to each other, they are not natural housemates and should be kept separate. This way, both animals will have their own living space. Furthermore, rats tend to feed on just about anything, including rabbit food, so you’ll have to make sure that you have locked up your rabbit’s cage.
Fortunately, domesticated rabbits don’t attract wild rats, but they still can become a problem if you don’t take precautions. Rats are notoriously difficult to get rid of and can be a real headache. Rats feed on almost anything, but they especially love fresh fruit and vegetables, garbage, and scraps. In addition to these, rats prefer the feed that rabbits eat.
While rats are small, their sharp teeth and powerful jaws make them very dangerous. They can chew through metal and concrete. Your rabbit won’t be able to shield itself from rat bites, and the bites can cause serious injuries. Furthermore, rats are carriers of diseases. Among these diseases is rat bite fever, which has a 10 percent mortality rate. If your rabbit encounters a rat, you should take it to a veterinarian immediately for treatment.
Rats carry tularemia, which is a bacterial disease. This infection is spread from rat bites and scratches. Infected rats also transmit diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis. These can be transmitted to rabbits through food, water, and the rat’s droppings.
