Belinda Says Hay: “Blind Rabbit? Here’s How to Help”

Hello. It's Belinda.

My eyesight has never been the best. My roommate says it’s because rabbits see from the side instead of straight ahead. Also, my eyes are pink so they're extra sensitive.

Sometimes my food plate is blurry. 

Sometimes the room is just too bright. 

A bright room is easy to fix. Just close the curtains. Now I don't have to squint.

But what if your rabbit has a hard time seeing no matter what? Some have poor or failing vision. And some can’t see at all.

First of all, be sure to take them to the vet. Your rabbit might need help with an infection or other medical problem. Rabbits can lose their vision for all kinds of reasons.

The good news is  roommates can do a lot to make life easier at home for blind or near-blind rabbits. 

Here are just a few tips:

Pretend you’re a rabbit.
Get down on the floor and look around the room. Crawl over by the furniture, and “scoot” out into the hallway. If your rabbit visits the bathroom and kitchen, check those areas too. This can help you to see “safety hazards” from your rabbit’s point of view. Remove anything they can get stuck in, behind or under.

Block the stairways.
Rabbits like to explore. If yours can’t see well, don’t let them anywhere near the steps. Block it with a gate and keep it there 24-7.

Discourage climbing.
Some rabbits like to jump up on furniture or pull other “stunts.” As they get elderly, they might still try to goof around, even if they can’t see as well. Be ready to use baby gates to block access to their favorite climbing spots.

Use baby crib bumpers.
Walking or running into a baby gate or exercise pen is no fun. Line the tricky areas in your rabbit’s free-roam space with padded baby crib bumpers. These long padded “pillows” can help to protect your rabbit’s face when they smash into a wall or hard object.  

Leave their things “where they belong.”
Your rabbit wants to find their water bowl on the first try. Same with their hay holder, sleeping box and litter box. If you move something to clean it, be sure to put it back exactly where it was.

Keep the air fresh and clean.
Rabbits have an excellent sense of smell. That's true no matter how good or bad their vision is. So don’t use spray fragrances, smelly candles, scented rug cleaners or other stinky products in your rabbit’s space. My roommate buys "fragrance-free" laundry detergent and I'm glad she does, since I work beside the dryer.  

Keep escape paths clear.
Most rabbits have an “escape plan” in their minds. They practice the best routes to race to their hiding spots, just in case. You can help them by keeping shoes, clothing, boxes, electric cords and other clutter off the floor.

Be your rabbit's eyes. 
This is the best tip of all. Rabbits want freedom to roam and play, but don't always "look before they leap." So we need our roommates to keep our space safe, especially if we can't see well.

I will close this with a big "thank you" to my friend Celeste for sending this great topic suggestion to me. 

She lives with a rabbit named Finley and he’s blind. I hope that Celeste will read this blog to Finley and that he likes these tips.

Sincerely,

Belinda

Spokesrabbit, Small Pet Select
Inventor of the First Chew holiday
Word for 2025: "Ask"
Word for 2026: TBD
[email protected]  

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Disclaimer:
We are not veterinarians, and none of our information should be construed as veterinary advice. Before adding any new product, please consult your exotic veterinarian. If your pet is acting unwell and you have concerns for their well being, please contact your vet immediately.