If you want a pet that is quiet, inexpensive to feed, and gentle, there is no question that a rabbit will be able to fill the position. Many pet owners assume that bunnies should be easy to care for because of these three factors. This is true to an extent. However, adopting a bunny as your own will come with a few concerns and worries that you should know about. Here are five things every prospective rabbit owner should take into consideration before bringing one home from the breeder or pet shop.

1. Rabbits Breed Faster Than Most Pets – One bunny can put off a lot of offspring in one year. This is because they can breed as often as every 30 days. If you have more than one bunny, it is a good idea to visit the veterinarian and have him or her spayed or neutered.

2. Rabbits Are Social Animals – Cooping up a bunny in a cage alone for years is not the most ideal environment. While the rabbit will live, it will not be a very happy bunny without interaction from either you, other bunnies, or even another animal. Therefore, it will be your responsibility to make sure your new bunny has some form of social playtime on a regular basis.

3. Not All Breeds Behave the Same – Just as there are many different breeds of cats and dogs, there are many breeds of rabbits. Not all breeds boast the same behavioral characteristics. For example, lop-eared bunnies are often easier to litter train and make good indoor pets. On the other hand, angora bunnies can be a bit more stubborn and may not like as much attention.

4. Rabbits Shed – A Lot – If you plan on keeping a bunny indoors, you may be surprised to see just how much they do shed during different seasons. This can mean a lot of hair that may be a problem for allergy sufferers in the house.

5. Rabbits Are Not Picky Eaters – Rabbits will eat a lot of things that they find enticing. This can mean everything from electrical cords to household plants. Because of their passive nature about the right kind of food, you will have to keep a constant eye on a rabbit who is free inside the house. Otherwise, you could end up with a very sick bunny in dire need of veterinarian attention.

When you are knowledgeable about bunnies and their behaviors, they can make an incredible pet in a lot of scenarios. Just be sure to become a well-educated pet owner before you think about bringing a sweet bunny home.