How to Hold a Rabbit That Kicks : A Personal Guide

I still remember the first time I tried to pick up my rabbit, Cinnamon. She kicked, wriggled, and made it very clear that she wanted no part of the experience. I felt terrible and worried I might hurt her—or that she might hurt herself. As a first-time rabbit owner, I quickly learned that holding a rabbit isn’t as simple as scooping up a cat or dog. Rabbits are delicate creatures with strong back legs, and if they feel scared or insecure, they will kick hard enough to injure themselves or even you.

Over time, I discovered techniques and tricks that made holding my rabbit a safer and more enjoyable experience for both of us. This article is based on my personal journey with Cinnamon and everything I’ve learned about how to handle a rabbit that kicks.

Why Do Rabbits Kick?

The first step to holding a rabbit that kicks is understanding why they kick in the first place. I’ll admit, I didn’t fully grasp this at first. I thought Cinnamon was just being difficult or temperamental, but the reality was much simpler—she was scared. Rabbits are prey animals by nature, so being picked up triggers an instinctual fear of being caught by a predator.

Here are a few reasons I discovered why rabbits kick:

1. Feeling Unsafe: If a rabbit feels unsupported or unstable, they will kick to try to escape.

2. Fear of Heights: Rabbits don’t naturally like being off the ground. I realized that Cinnamon felt most comfortable when her feet were firmly planted.

3. Discomfort: Sometimes, a rabbit may kick because they are being held awkwardly or in a position that causes them discomfort.

4. Lack of Familiarity: If your rabbit doesn’t trust you yet, they may kick because they don’t feel safe in your arms.

Understanding these reasons helped me approach the situation with more patience and compassion.

The Risks of a Kicking Rabbit

One of the most important lessons I learned early on is that a kicking rabbit can injure itself or you. Rabbits have powerful back legs, and when they kick, they can twist their spine in dangerous ways. A strong kick in the wrong position could result in a broken back or other serious injuries.

I also learned to protect myself. There were times when Cinnamon’s sharp nails scratched my arms or legs during one of her escape attempts. Wearing long sleeves and being mindful of her body language became essential to avoid unnecessary scratches and stress for both of us.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Hold a Rabbit That Kicks

Through trial and error, I developed a step-by-step process to safely hold my rabbit, even when she initially resisted. Here’s what worked for me:

1. Build Trust First

Before even attempting to pick up Cinnamon, I spent time bonding with her on the ground. I’d sit near her, let her approach me, and gently pet her to establish trust. I found that rabbits are much less likely to kick if they trust you.

One day, after weeks of just sitting quietly with her, Cinnamon started hopping onto my lap on her own. This small breakthrough made all the difference.

2. Approach Slowly and Calmly

Rabbits are incredibly sensitive to sudden movements. I learned to approach Cinnamon calmly and speak to her in a soothing voice. If I moved too quickly, she’d dart away or start kicking before I even touched her.

3. Use Proper Hand Placement

Getting the right grip was a game-changer for me. When I picked Cinnamon up the wrong way, she would immediately start kicking. Here’s the technique I found worked best:

• Place one hand under the rabbit’s chest, just behind their front legs, to support their upper body.

• Use your other hand to scoop under their hindquarters, supporting their back legs.

By supporting her entire body, I noticed Cinnamon felt much more secure and was less likely to struggle.

4. Keep the Rabbit Close to Your Body

I made the mistake early on of holding Cinnamon too far away from my body. This made her feel unstable and more likely to kick. I learned to hold her close to my chest, with her head tucked gently under my chin. This position helped her feel safe and prevented her from flailing.

5. Stay Low to the Ground

When I first started practicing holding Cinnamon, I stayed seated on the floor or crouched low. That way, if she kicked and managed to wriggle free, she wouldn’t fall from a height and hurt herself.

6. Use a Towel for Extra Security

On days when Cinnamon seemed particularly restless, I found that wrapping her gently in a soft towel made all the difference. The towel helped keep her legs tucked in, and she seemed to feel safer being swaddled. I called this her “bunny burrito” position. It worked especially well for short tasks like nail trims.

7. Know When to Let Go

One of the hardest lessons I learned was knowing when to stop. If Cinnamon was too stressed or kicking uncontrollably, I’d gently place her back down and give her some space. Forcing her to stay in my arms only made things worse and damaged the trust we had built.

How to Calm a Kicking Rabbit

Even with the right technique, there were times when Cinnamon still kicked or struggled. Over time, I found a few strategies that helped calm her down:

1. Speak Softly: I’d talk to her in a gentle, soothing voice. Hearing my voice seemed to reassure her.

2. Stroke Her Head: Gently petting her head and ears helped her relax.

3. Cover Her Eyes: Lightly covering her eyes with my hand or a towel made her feel safer and less likely to panic.

Signs Your Rabbit Is Uncomfortable

I became more attuned to Cinnamon’s body language over time. Knowing the signs of discomfort helped me adjust my handling to keep her calm. Here are a few cues to watch for:

• Tensing Up: If her body stiffened, it usually meant she was about to kick.

• Thumping: A loud thump with her back legs was her way of telling me she was unhappy.

• Rapid Breathing: If she started breathing heavily, I knew she was stressed and needed a break.

Practice Makes Perfect

It took time and patience, but eventually, Cinnamon became much more comfortable being held. I made a habit of practicing for just a few minutes a day, gradually increasing the time as she got used to it.

There were setbacks, of course. I remember one day when she kicked so hard that I almost dropped her. I felt terrible, but I reminded myself that building trust and mastering the technique would take time. By staying patient and consistent, we both became more confident.

FAQ: How to Hold a Rabbit That Kicks

1. Why does my rabbit kick when I try to pick them up?

Rabbits kick because they feel scared, unsafe, or unsupported. I learned that rabbits are prey animals, and being picked up triggers their natural instincts to escape. My rabbit, Cinnamon, kicked a lot at first because she didn’t trust me or feel secure in my hold. Over time, I realized the importance of supporting her body and approaching her

calmly.

2. How can I stop my rabbit from kicking when I hold them?

The key is to make your rabbit feel safe and secure. Here’s what worked for me:

• Support their body properly: Place one hand under their chest and the other under their hindquarters to support their legs.

• Hold them close: Keeping your rabbit snug against your chest made a huge difference for me.

• Build trust first: Spend time bonding with your rabbit on the ground before trying to pick them up.

3. Can kicking hurt my rabbit?

Yes, excessive kicking can seriously hurt your rabbit. I learned that rabbits can twist their spine or injure their legs if they kick too hard while being held improperly. This is why it’s so important to hold them securely and close to your body to prevent sudden movements.

4. What should I do if my rabbit kicks while I’m holding them?

If your rabbit starts kicking, stay calm. I found these steps helpful:

• Keep a firm but gentle grip: Don’t let them wriggle free, as they could fall and hurt themselves.

• Calm them down: Speak softly or gently stroke their head to reassure them.

• Lower yourself to the ground: If they’re struggling too much, place them down gently to avoid injury.

5. How do I prepare my rabbit for being held?

Preparing your rabbit for handling takes time and patience. Here’s what worked for me:

• Bond first: Spend time sitting near your rabbit, letting them approach you on their own terms.

• Pet them on the ground: Start with gentle petting before attempting to pick them up.

• Use treats: Reward them with a small treat after holding them to create a positive association.

6. Should I use a towel to hold my rabbit?

Yes, using a towel can be very helpful for a rabbit that kicks a lot. I often wrapped my rabbit in a soft towel, creating a “bunny burrito” that kept her legs tucked in and prevented kicking. This was especially useful during nail trims or when she was feeling particularly restless.

7. Can I hurt my rabbit by holding them incorrectly?

Yes, improper handling can cause stress or physical injuries, especially to their spine. I learned to always support my rabbit’s back and hind legs when holding her. Avoid holding them by their stomach or letting their legs dangle, as this can make them feel unstable and lead to kicking.

8. How do I know if my rabbit is comfortable while being held?

I became better at reading my rabbit’s body language over time. Signs of comfort include:

• Relaxed body posture.

• No kicking or squirming.

• Gentle nuzzling or staying still in your arms.

If your rabbit tenses up, breathes rapidly, or starts kicking, it’s a sign they’re feeling scared or stressed.

9. Why is my rabbit scared of being picked up?

Being picked up is unnatural for rabbits because it mimics being caught by a predator. My rabbit, Cinnamon, used to be terrified of being lifted off the ground, but with time and patience, she learned to trust me. Sitting with her, speaking softly, and handling her gently helped build her confidence.

10. How can I protect myself from scratches while holding my rabbit?

Rabbits can scratch when they kick, so I learned to take a few precautions:

• Wear long sleeves: This protected my arms from scratches during the early days of handling her.

• Trim their nails: Keeping my rabbit’s nails short reduced the risk of painful scratches.

• Hold them securely: A proper grip prevented her from flailing her legs as much.

11. Should I force my rabbit to be held?

No, you should never force a rabbit to be held if they’re visibly scared or uncomfortable. I learned that patience is key—forcing your rabbit can damage their trust and make them even more resistant. Instead, spend time bonding and try again later when they’re more relaxed.

12. How do I hold my rabbit safely for nail trims or grooming?

For tasks like nail trims, I often used a towel to wrap my rabbit snugly, leaving only her head and the part I was working on exposed. This helped keep her calm and prevented kicking. If she seemed stressed, I would take breaks and reassure her with soft strokes and a soothing voice.

13. Can I train my rabbit to enjoy being held?

Yes, with time and patience, you can help your rabbit feel more comfortable being held. I trained Cinnamon by rewarding her with treats after each successful handling session. Starting with short holding sessions and gradually increasing the duration helped her become more relaxed over time.

14. What should I do if my rabbit refuses to be held?

If your rabbit absolutely refuses to be held, it’s important to respect their boundaries. Instead, focus on bonding with them on the ground through petting and play. Some rabbits may never fully enjoy being held, and that’s okay—they can still bond with you in other ways.

15. How do I carry my rabbit from one place to another?

When carrying my rabbit from one place to another, I always held her securely against my chest, supporting her hind legs and back. If she seemed nervous, I used a towel for extra security. Staying calm and moving slowly helped her feel more at ease.

Holding a rabbit that kicks can be challenging, but with the right approach, it’s possible to make the experience safe and stress-free for both you and your bunny. In my journey with Cinnamon, I learned that trust, proper technique, and patience are the keys to success.

If your rabbit kicks when you try to hold them, don’t get discouraged. Take the time to bond, use the right methods, and always prioritize their safety and comfort. Over time, you’ll find what works best for your bunny, and you might even come to cherish those quiet moments of holding them close.