Rabbit Supplies Checklist: What to Buy (and What to Skip)

Bringing a rabbit home is exciting, but many first-time owners quickly realize they are not sure what to buy—or worse, they buy the wrong things. Rabbits have specific needs, and setting things up correctly from the start makes a huge difference in their health and behavior.

This simple checklist covers the essential rabbit supplies you actually need, plus a few common items you should avoid.

1. Housing Essentials

Your rabbit’s living space is one of the most important decisions you will make.

A traditional cage might seem like the obvious choice, but many are far too small. Rabbits need room to move, stretch, and hop freely. Instead of a small cage, a playpen or exercise pen is often a better option. It gives your rabbit more space and can be adjusted as needed.

You should also include a hideout or small shelter inside the enclosure. Rabbits are prey animals, so having a safe place to retreat helps reduce stress and makes them feel secure.

When choosing flooring, avoid wire bottoms. These can hurt your rabbit’s feet over time. A soft mat or solid surface is much safer.

2. Feeding Supplies

Feeding is not just about giving food—it is about giving the right kind of food in the right way.

The most important part of a rabbit’s diet is hay. In fact, hay should make up about 80–90% of what your rabbit eats. A hay feeder helps keep it clean and easily accessible, which encourages consistent eating.

For pellets and vegetables, use a heavy ceramic food bowl. Lightweight bowls are easy to tip over, which can create mess and waste.

Water is another area where many owners make mistakes. While water bottles are common, a water bowl is often the better choice. Rabbits can drink more naturally from a bowl, which helps them stay properly hydrated. If you do use a bowl, choose one that is sturdy and hard to tip.

3. Litter Setup

Rabbits can be litter-trained, which makes your life much easier—but only if you set things up correctly.

Start with a litter box that is large enough for your rabbit to comfortably sit and turn around in. Many people use small boxes, but bigger is almost always better.

Inside the litter box, use rabbit-safe litter such as paper-based or wood-pellet litter. Avoid clumping or scented cat litter, as these can be harmful if ingested.

You can also place hay near or inside the litter box. Rabbits often like to eat while they use the bathroom, and this helps reinforce good litter habits.

A small scoop is useful for daily cleaning, though this is more of a convenience than a necessity.

4. Enrichment and Basic Care

Rabbits are intelligent and active animals, and they need mental stimulation to stay happy.

Chew toys are essential. Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously, so they need safe materials to chew on. Without proper chew toys, they may start chewing furniture, wires, or other household items.

Simple items like untreated wood toys, hay-based toys, or cardboard can work well.

Basic grooming tools are also helpful. A brush can reduce shedding and prevent hair ingestion, while a nail clipper helps keep their nails at a safe length. You do not need anything fancy here—just reliable, rabbit-safe tools.

The Takeaway

You do not need to buy everything at once or spend a lot of money to create a good setup. Focus on the essentials: space, proper diet, a safe litter system, and basic enrichment.

If you get these right from the beginning, your rabbit will be healthier, more active, and much easier to care for.