How long do rabbits live? A quick guide to the life stages of a rabbit
Rabbits are beloved by many for their gentle nature and playful antics. Whether they’re hopping around the backyard or cuddling up on the couch, bunnies rank as the country's seventh most popular pet, the American Veterinary Medical Association reports.
In the United States, approximately 900,000 households own a rabbit, according to a 2024 report by the American Veterinary Medical Association. This accounts for 0.7% of all American households that have a pet.
But for rabbit owners and prospective ones, you may wonder how long your furry companion will live. Their lifespan varies depending on several factors, including breed and care. Here's a timeline to ensure your rabbit leads a healthy life.
How long do rabbits live?
On average, domestic rabbits can live to be between 8 and 12 years old, Blue Cross reports. The oldest recorded domestic rabbit lived to be 18 years and 10 months old, according to PetMD.
Domestic rabbits tend to live longer than their wild counterparts. Wild rabbits have an average lifespan of 1 to 2 years, according to Blue Cross. Their lifespans are shorter due to environmental impacts, such as predators, food access and a lack of safe conditions.
Other factors that contribute to how long rabbits include breed, genetics, gender, as well as diet, Oxbow Animal Health reports.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 52 unique rabbit breeds. Smaller rabbit breeds tend to live longer than their larger relatives, according to Oxbow Animal Health.
Unspayed female rabbits are also at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer, which can lead to a shorter lifespan, PetMD reports.
What are the stages of a rabbit's life cycle?
There are three stages in a rabbit's life: juvenile, adult and senior.
Rabbits are considered juvenile until 12 months of age when they mature to be adults. Adulthood lasts until 5 years of age.
Once a rabbit is older than 5 years, they are considered senior.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long do rabbits live? A guide to the life stages of a rabbit
