My Rabbit is Molting, What Do I Do?

Anyone who has owned rabbits for any length of time can attest, rabbits molt and do so often. This process of losing fur is often known as shedding. For wild rabbits that live in their native environment their molting process initially starts when they are young. They’ll start to get their adult coat at around 5 months, their super fine baby fur is replaced by a transitional coat. After this, the rabbit’s adult coat will develop and once that final coat is in, they are considered an adult and will be shedding at least two times a year in most cases.

Anyone who has owned rabbits for any length of time can attest, rabbits molt and do so often. This process of losing fur is often known as shedding. For wild rabbits that live in their native environment their molting process initially starts when they are young. They’ll start to get their adult coat at around 5 months, their super fine baby fur is replaced by a transitional coat. After this, the rabbit’s adult coat will develop and once that final coat is in, they are considered an adult and will be shedding at least two times a year in most cases.

However, domestic rabbits are kept in very different conditions than wild rabbits. Therefore, domestic rabbits tend to have a more random and disconnected pattern to their shedding. Some rabbits and especially house rabbits will always have some type of molt and will always be shedding and losing small amounts of fur! To make the process easier for you and your furry companion, read on for some helpful tips and suggestions on what you as a small pet owner can do for your rabbit.

The General Molting Process

When rabbits molt, they naturally start by losing fur from the warmest parts of their body. The first place shedding usually begins is on the head, then the molting pattern spreads down the neck and back. Later, the fur on the sides and belly will start to loosen and fall out. The last area to be shed is the hind quarters.

However, some rabbits seem not to have any set pattern and will lose fur in patches from all over their body at the same time. Occasionally, what is often referred to as a tide line becomes apparent. This looks like a defining line between old, darker fur, and newer lighter colored fur. Rabbit owners should be aware of the common fur patterns of their pets, so they can easily monitor changes and spot potential fur problems during molting season.

Regular Brushing is Key

Brushing is the best thing that can be done to help the shedding process. Gently loosening and removing fur can speed up the process and keep the fur in good condition. It is important to brush your rabbit often, not just for their fur but also their general wellbeing. Rabbits that are handled regularly will be less likely to squirm and fight and get hurt when more aggressive brushing and fur care is needed. It may be necessary to brush your rabbit more often during a molt.

If you are already doing daily brushings, you may find that additional sessions are needed to ensure their fur does not get too matted. Remember that you need to remove all of the undercoat and not just the longer outer coat that gets shed with simple hand rubbing and brushing. Specialized grooming brushes and combs, like those used for cats and dogs but designed for rabbit’s fur, can help ensure proper fur removal is achieved with each brushing session. Even with the finest of grooming routines, matting can occur when shedding is severe or there are any prior issues with your rabbit’s fur. Mats can be gently worked over with a brush to loosen and remove them if they have not gotten too bad.

Stalled in Molts

While the processes of shedding fur are natural and necessary, the molt cycle can also stall and get stuck. This usually happens on the flanks, just above the tail, and on the belly. Sometimes fur falls out too quickly and becomes tangled with the still growing hair. It can cause the fur to be mangles and knotted and can also cause issues when the matted fur is severe enough as it can impact the skin and overall health of your rabbit. Severe fur mats caused by poor molting should not be cut out with scissors as the risk of accidently injuring your small pet. Your veterinarian or groomer can help you work out any major mats and provide personalized tips and brushing pointers to help you avoid future issues.

The final thing to keep in mind when it comes to shedding concerns is that pet rabbits living in homes with central heating and air usually molt constantly. They seem to be incessantly shedding to remove heavier fur to help regulate their rabbit’s body temperature. This is especially true of long and heavy coated breeds. This is just a side effect of keeping pets indoors, and there really is not anything that can be done other than rigorous brushing and grooming.

If you have any questions or concerns about your rabbit’s shedding or overall health, be sure to talk to your vet, and they can put your mind at ease and help you take care of your furry companion.