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Bunny-Proofing Your Home: Room by Room
Rabbits chew, dig and squeeze into tight spaces. A little planning keeps your bunny safe and your home in one piece.
Start here
The four big ones
Rabbits can’t help chewing, since their teeth never stop growing. Redirect the urge, and block what you can’t.
Cords
Cover or lift
Chewed wires can cause shocks and burns. This is the most important fix.
Plants
Move out of reach
Many common houseplants are toxic to rabbits.
Chewing
Offer better options
Willow, apple twigs and cardboard beat baseboards.
Gaps
Block them
Behind furniture and under couches are danger zones.
Cords and wires
- Cover cords with split tubing or cord covers, or run them through hard conduit.
- Lift them out of reach. Use clips along walls or move devices up high.
- Unplug what you can when your bunny is loose, and block access to outlets and power strips.
Give chewing somewhere to go
Telling a rabbit not to chew doesn’t work. Offering something better does.
- Untreated willow balls, sticks and baskets
- Untreated apple twigs, washed and dried first
- Plain cardboard boxes and tubes, with no glossy print or tape
- Woven grass mats and hay-stuffed paper bags
Protect baseboards, door frames and furniture corners with guards or boards until the chewing habits settle. For ideas that keep your bunny busy, see our quick guides.
Plants and other hazards
Many popular houseplants and bouquets are toxic to rabbits, including lilies, philodendron, pothos and aloe. Move plants well out of reach, and check each one before it goes anywhere near your bunny. Search our foods and plants list for a quick answer.
Also keep these out of reach:
- Medications, cleaning products and aerosol or scented sprays
- Small objects like rubber bands, plastic bags and bits of foam
- Chocolate and other human foods
- Burning candles, fireplaces and space heaters
Gaps and tight spaces
- Block gaps behind furniture. A curious bunny can squeeze into spaces you wouldn’t expect and then get stuck.
- Check under sofas, recliners and beds. Close off the space underneath, especially around moving parts.
- Mind doors and stairs. Rabbits can slip through small openings, and falls from stairs are dangerous. Use solid pen panels, since baby gates with wide bars often aren’t enough.
Floors and digging
- Avoid slippery floors. Hard, slick floors are hard on a rabbit’s legs and can lead to injuries. Lay down rugs or mats for traction.
- Protect carpet. Rabbits love to dig at corners. Cover with carpet protectors or woven mats.
- Offer a digging box. A cardboard box filled with shredded paper or hay gives that urge a home.
Tip: get on your bunny’s level. Crawl around each room on your hands and knees. You’ll spot cords, gaps and chewable corners you’d never notice standing up.
Room by room
A walk-through checklist
Open each room and tick off what applies. A printable version is on its way.
Living room
- Cover or lift TV, lamp and charger cords.
- Block the space under and behind the sofa.
- Move houseplants and bouquets out of reach.
- Protect baseboards and furniture legs.
- Put rugs or mats on slick floors.
Kitchen
- Keep the floor free of dropped food, especially onion, garlic and chocolate.
- Store cleaning products where a bunny can’t reach them.
- Use the room only with supervision, since appliances and tight spaces are hazards.
Bedroom
- Check under the bed and block gaps.
- Pick up shoes, socks and small items.
- Cover cords from lamps, phones and fans.
- Close closet doors.
Hallways and stairs
- Close or gate stairways with solid panels.
- Put a runner or mat on slick floors.
- Watch for door gaps and be careful when closing doors.
Bunny’s own space
- Keep the pen away from cords and curtains.
- Offer a hideout, hay and chew toys.
- Choose a spot away from drafts, direct sun and loud appliances.
Outdoors and balconies
- Rabbits can overheat quickly, so keep playtime in cool weather and shade.
- Never leave a rabbit unattended on a balcony or in an unfenced yard.
- Keep them away from lawn chemicals, and from unknown plants.
Quick answers
Bunny-proofing FAQ
Why does my bunny chew everything?
Rabbits’ teeth never stop growing, and chewing is how they explore. Plenty of hay and safe chews help keep teeth worn and brains busy.
What if my bunny chews a cord?
Unplug it, check your bunny’s mouth for burns, and call a vet who treats rabbits right away if you see any injury or your bunny seems unwell. Then cover or move the cord.
Is it safe to let my bunny roam free?
Once the room is bunny-proofed, supervised free time is great for exercise. Start with one room and expand as your bunny shows what to protect.
Which houseplants are safe?
Many aren’t, so check each one individually. Our foods and plants list is a good place to start.
General care information, not veterinary advice. If your rabbit seems unwell, call a vet who treats rabbits. Next up: litter training. Keep learning with House Rabbit Society and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians.
Last updated October 23, 2026.