My Pet World: Got allergies around a rabbit? Look at the rabbit's food, first
Dear Cathy,
I just read your piece on adopting rabbits. Another issue worth mentioning, which my family encountered is allergies to Timothy Hay. My husband had to wear arm-length rubber gloves when handling the hay, and the dust kept us sneezing. Rabbits eat a ton of hay, so if you're sensitive to it, think twice. -- Chris, Manhasset, NY
Dear Chris,
Some people think if they sneeze or have a runny nose, they might be allergic to their rabbit. But in many instances, people with seasonal allergies may be allergic to their rabbit's food instead.
Timothy Hay is an important food source for the digestive health of small pets, like rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. But, it's also a trigger for people with seasonal grass allergies. So, rabbits and other small animals, who eat Timothy Hay, may not be a good fit for every home.
Kudos to your husband for finding a way to avoid contact with the hay while still providing your rabbit with proper nutrition.
Dear Cathy,
I read your column about rabbits and whether families should buy them for Easter. There are many rabbits languishing at the Animal Care Centers in New York City. It would be so much better to adopt than to buy. They have a whole room full of rabbits that people can go and look and hold and bond with them. There are bonded pairs of rabbits to adopt, and all animals are microchipped, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered before adoption. -- Reisner, New York
Dear Reisner,
I did advocate for readers to adopt from rabbit rescue groups and animal shelters but am happy to give another plug to adoption versus buying. Sadly, many baby bunnies are bought and then taken to rescue groups a year later when people lose interest in them. If someone is willing to adopt an older rabbit, it's probably because they really want one. Adopting a bonded pair gives rabbits a friend, which makes them happier in their homes.
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