How to Get Your Bunny to Sleep With You

I remember the first time I considered letting my bunny sleep with me. It was late, and she was sitting by my bed, looking up at me with her soft, curious eyes. I wanted to create a closer bond with her and thought sharing my bed might be a way to strengthen our connection.

However, I quickly realized that getting a bunny to sleep with you takes more than just an invitation—it requires trust, preparation, and understanding their unique needs. If you’re thinking about sharing your bed with your bunny, let me share what worked for me.

1. Build Trust and Comfort First

The first step in getting my bunny to sleep with me was ensuring she felt safe and comfortable around me. Rabbits are naturally cautious animals, so building trust was crucial.

I spent weeks bonding with her by sitting near her enclosure, offering her treats, and gently petting her when she approached. Over time, she started to relax around me, often flopping beside me during our quiet moments together. I knew this was a good sign—she felt safe enough to be vulnerable in my presence.

2. Create a Bunny-Friendly Sleep Environment

Before inviting my bunny to sleep with me, I made sure my bed was a safe and inviting space for her. Rabbits are curious creatures, and they need an environment that’s free of hazards. Here’s what I did:

• Removed Dangerous Items: I cleared the bed of anything she could chew on, like cords or small objects.

• Added a Soft Blanket: I placed a soft, washable blanket on the bed for her to sit on. She loved the texture, and it gave her a designated spot to relax.

• Lowered the Bed Height (if needed): To make it easier for her to hop on and off safely, I ensured the bed was accessible. I even added a small step at first.

3. Help Your Bunny Get Used to the Bed

At first, my bunny seemed hesitant to jump onto the bed. I encouraged her by sitting on the bed myself and holding out a treat to entice her.

The first time she hopped up, she only stayed for a moment before hopping back down.

But I stayed patient, repeating the process every day. Gradually, she began exploring the bed more confidently, eventually lying down beside me for short periods.

I’ll never forget the first time she flopped on the bed and closed her eyes—it felt like she was starting to see it as a safe and cozy place.

4. Encourage Bonding During Quiet Time

To get my bunny comfortable with the idea of sleeping on the bed, I spent quiet time with her there. I’d sit or lie down, gently petting her or letting her explore at her own pace.

Sometimes, I’d read a book or scroll on my phone while she sat nearby. These calm moments helped her associate the bed with relaxation and safety. Over time, she started to see it as a place where she could unwind with me.

5. Respect Their Natural Sleep Schedule

Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. I noticed that my bunny tended to nap during the day and late at night, so I tried to align her sleeping times with mine as much as possible.

While she didn’t always stay with me for the entire night, she often snuggled up for a portion of it, especially during her quieter hours. Recognizing her natural rhythms helped me set realistic expectations about when she’d be most likely to join me.

6. Use Positive Reinforcement

Treats and gentle encouragement played a big role in teaching my bunny to stay on the bed. Whenever she lay down or relaxed beside me, I’d reward her with a small piece of her favorite treat, like parsley or a tiny slice of banana.

I noticed that she started associating the bed with positive experiences, and over time, she sought it out on her own. Using positive reinforcement made the process enjoyable for both of us.

7. Be Prepared for Accidents

One thing I quickly learned was that sharing a bed with a bunny comes with its challenges—especially when it comes to litter habits. While my bunny was litter-trained, there were occasional accidents on the bed.

To minimize this, I:

• Made sure she had access to her litter box before bedtime.

• Placed a washable blanket on the bed to protect the sheets.

• Watched for signs that she needed to go, like hopping off the bed or fidgeting.

Patience and preparation helped reduce these mishaps over time.

8. Provide Options for Independence

While I loved having my bunny sleep with me, I also wanted to respect her independence. Rabbits need the freedom to move around and explore, even at night.

I made sure she could hop on and off the bed easily and left her enclosure open so she could return to her familiar space if she wanted. Sometimes she chose to stay with me, while other times, she preferred her own cozy area.

9. Pay Attention to Body Language

Understanding my bunny’s body language was key to making her feel comfortable on the bed. I learned to recognize when she was relaxed (flopping, lying stretched out) versus when she felt nervous (ears pinned back, quick movements).

If she seemed uneasy, I gave her space and let her come back to the bed when she felt ready. This approach helped build trust and ensured she saw the bed as a positive place.

10. Enjoy the Bonding Experience

Sharing a bed with my bunny became one of the most rewarding parts of our relationship. I loved waking up to find her curled up beside me or feeling her little nudges as she asked for pets.

Over time, these moments brought us closer together and deepened our bond. Watching her feel so safe and content on the bed reminded me of the trust we’d built and the special connection we shared.

Reflecting on the Experience

Getting my bunny to sleep with me wasn’t just about sharing a space—it was about creating a sense of trust and companionship. Every step of the process, from building her confidence to making the bed a safe haven, felt like a journey that strengthened our bond.

Today, my bunny often joins me on the bed for snuggles, and those moments are some of my favorites. Seeing her relax and feel so comfortable beside me is a reminder of the love and trust we’ve cultivated together.

FAQ: How to Get Your Bunny to Sleep With You

Here are some frequently asked questions about getting your bunny to sleep with you and ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for both of you.

1. Can all bunnies sleep with their owners?

Yes, most bunnies can sleep with their owners if they feel safe and comfortable. However, some rabbits may prefer their own space, as it aligns with their independent nature. Respect your bunny’s preferences, and don’t force them to stay if they’re not ready.

2. How do I get my bunny to sleep on my bed?

• Build trust through consistent bonding activities.

• Make your bed a safe and inviting space by adding a soft blanket and removing hazards.

• Use treats and positive reinforcement to encourage them to hop onto the bed.

• Spend quiet time on the bed so your bunny associates it with relaxation and safety.

3. Is it safe for a bunny to sleep on my bed?

It can be safe as long as you:

• Remove any dangerous items, like cords or small objects.

• Ensure your bunny can hop on and off the bed without injuring themselves.

• Supervise them initially to prevent accidents or chewing.

4. How do I prevent my bunny from having accidents on the bed?

• Ensure they’re litter-trained before inviting them onto the bed.

• Provide access to their litter box before bedtime.

• Place a washable blanket on the bed as a precaution.

• Watch for signs that they need to go, such as fidgeting or hopping off the bed.

5. Will my bunny stay on the bed all night?

Not always. Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during dawn and dusk. While your bunny may cuddle with you during their quiet moments, they may hop off to explore or use their litter box during the night.

6. What if my bunny chews or digs on the bed?

Chewing and digging are natural behaviors for rabbits. To discourage this:

• Provide chew toys or a digging box as alternatives.

• Redirect their attention with a treat or toy when they start chewing or digging.

• Use positive reinforcement to encourage calm behavior on the bed.

7. How do I make the bed accessible for my bunny?

If your bed is too high, add a small ramp or step to help your bunny hop on and off safely. This ensures they can move freely without risking injury.

8. Can I train my bunny to sleep on the bed with me?

Yes, you can train your bunny by:

• Rewarding them with treats and pets when they relax on the bed.

• Spending quiet time together on the bed so they associate it with comfort.

• Letting them hop on and off freely without forcing them to stay.

9. How can I tell if my bunny feels comfortable sleeping with me?

Signs your bunny is comfortable include:

• Flopping or stretching out on the bed.

• Grooming themselves while lying beside you.

• Relaxing with their eyes partially closed.

• Nudging you for pets or attention.

10. What if my bunny prefers their own space?

Not all bunnies will want to sleep with their owners, and that’s okay. If your bunny prefers their enclosure or a different area, provide them with a cozy bed or blanket nearby. You can still enjoy bonding time during the day or evening.

11. Is it hygienic to let my bunny sleep on the bed?

As long as your bunny is healthy, litter-trained, and groomed regularly, it’s generally hygienic to let them sleep on the bed. Use a washable blanket to catch fur and make cleaning easier.

12. Can sleeping with my bunny strengthen our bond?

Yes! Sharing a space where your bunny feels safe and relaxed can deepen your connection. These quiet moments of trust and closeness are great for strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend.

If you’re hoping to get your bunny to sleep with you, remember that it takes time, patience, and understanding of their unique needs. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, respecting their boundaries, and using positive reinforcement, you can build a bond that leads to those special moments of sharing your bed.

For me, having my bunny sleep beside me became a symbol of the trust we’d built. It wasn’t always easy, but every cuddle and snuggle made the effort worthwhile. With love and consistency, you too can enjoy the joy of having your bunny curl up beside you at night