Grooming
Grooming Different Rabbit Breeds
Grooming requirements vary significantly among rabbit breeds. Long-haired breeds demand more extensive care compared to short-haired varieties.
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Long-haired Breeds (Angora & Cashmere): These breeds require significant grooming, especially for show purposes.
- Daily Care: Gentle daily grooming is essential to prevent matting. Gently tease the wool apart with your fingers to reach the base of the hair and remove any debris.
- Regular Combing: Use a fine-toothed comb to carefully remove knots and tangles.
- Foot Care: Pay close attention to the wool on their feet, ensuring it is clean and free of debris.
- Clipping: Many Angora owners clip their rabbits regularly to maintain coat length and prevent matting.
- Resources: The National Angora Website provides detailed step-by-step guides for grooming Angora rabbits.
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Rex Breeds: Rex rabbits have a unique, short, and velvety coat that requires minimal grooming.
- Regular Checks: Regular visual inspections are sufficient for most Rex rabbits.
- Light Brushing: A gentle brushing with a soft brush or a damp cloth can help remove loose fur during shedding periods.
- Nit Comb: A nit comb can be used to smooth down the coat and remove any stray hairs.
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Medium-haired Breeds:
- Regular Brushing: Regular brushing with a soft brush or comb can help remove loose fur, prevent mats, and distribute natural oils.
- Focus on Sensitive Areas: Pay particular attention to areas prone to matting, such as the underbelly, behind the ears, and around the genitals.
General Grooming Tips:
- Start Early: Introduce grooming early in your rabbit's life to help them become accustomed to being handled.
- Create a Positive Experience: Make grooming a positive experience by offering treats and gentle praise.
- Choose Appropriate Tools: Use grooming tools specifically designed for rabbits, such as soft brushes, combs, and nit combs.
- Monitor for Skin Issues: Regularly check your rabbit's skin for any signs of irritation, such as redness, bumps, or parasites.
- Be Gentle: Always be gentle and patient during grooming sessions. If your rabbit seems stressed or uncomfortable, stop and try again later.
By following these guidelines and adapting your grooming routine to your rabbit's breed and individual needs, you can ensure their coat remains healthy and comfortable.

Grooming Rex Rabbits: A Gentle Approach
Rex rabbits are renowned for their unique, velvety coat, characterized by short, dense fur with a distinctive "rexed" texture. This short coat requires less intensive grooming compared to long-haired breeds.
During shedding periods, Rex rabbits may appear a bit "hedgy" with loose fur sticking out. However, excessive grooming is generally not necessary.

Medium-haired breeds typically require regular grooming to maintain a healthy and tidy coat.
- Regular Brushing: Gentle brushing with a soft brush or comb is essential to remove loose fur, prevent matting, and distribute natural oils.
- Focus on Sensitive Areas: Pay particular attention to areas prone to matting, such as the underbelly, behind the ears, and around the genitals. These areas can become matted with urine or faeces, causing discomfort and potential skin irritation.
- Gentle Detangling: If mats occur, use a fine-toothed comb or a specialized de-matting tool to gently work them out.
By incorporating regular grooming into your rabbit's routine, you can help them maintain a healthy coat and prevent discomfort caused by matting and tangles.

"Rabbits are meticulous groomers, spending a significant portion of their day cleaning themselves. However, regular grooming by their human companions is essential for maintaining a healthy and comfortable coat.
- Grooming Frequency: The frequency of grooming will vary depending on the breed, coat type, and individual rabbit.
- Shedding Periods: During shedding periods, more frequent grooming may be necessary to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Some rabbits experience "blows" – periods of intense shedding where they shed a significant amount of fur quickly.
- Grooming Tools:
- Soft Brushes: Use a soft-bristled brush designed for rabbits to gently remove loose fur and distribute natural oils.
- Fine-toothed Combs: A fine-toothed comb can be helpful for removing mats and tangles, especially around sensitive areas like the underbelly, behind the ears, and around the genitals.
- Nit Combs: A nit comb can be used to remove any fleas or other parasites.
- Grooming Techniques:
- Gentle Strokes: Always brush gently in the direction of hair growth to avoid discomfort.
- Avoid Pulling: Never pull on the fur, as this can cause pain and damage the skin.
- Focus on Sensitive Areas: Pay close attention to areas prone to matting, such as the underbelly, behind the ears, and around the genitals.
Important Considerations:
- Observe Your Rabbit: Pay close attention to your rabbit's behaviour during grooming. If they show any signs of discomfort, stop immediately and try again later.
- Create a Positive Experience: Make grooming a positive experience by offering treats and gentle praise.
- Consult with a Veterinarian or Groomer: If you have any concerns about grooming your rabbit, consult with a veterinarian or a qualified rabbit groomer.
By incorporating regular grooming into your rabbit's routine, you can help maintain their coat health, strengthen your bond, and ensure their overall well-being.