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Such a decision, should never be made lightly. Although children may think they would love to have a rabbit in the house, rabbits and children are not necessarily compatible. A rabbit is not like a stuffed toy that can be picked up and tossed around the way kids often do. Although many rabbits enjoy being stroked and petted, most rabbits do not like to be picked up, held or confined. When this trait is combined with having sharp incisor teeth, it is not uncommon when careless children end up being bitten by frightened rabbits. In addition to their ability to inflict painful bites, many rabbits also like to chew. Besides chewing their food, they may also enjoy chewing furniture legs and electrical cords. Homes that contain house rabbits should be "bunny proofed" that is having lamp cables, telephone cords and computer wiring either moved where rabbits cannot reach them or covered with protective shielding that rabbit teeth cannot penetrate. Another reason why a rabbit should be under the care of a responsible adult is because of their tendency to have delicate digestive systems. They groom themselves on a regular basis and in the process end up ingesting quantities of their own fur. This can result in a hair ball that plugs up their intestinal tract, a medical condition known as digestive stasis. The symptoms of the condition are that the rabbit stops eating and stops leaving droppings. If not treated, a rabbit in stasis can die in a very short time. Therefore, a close watch must always be kept on a rabbit's input and output, and if these things stop happening, immediate medical attention is required. Children cannot be relied upon to make such observations. Despite the foregoing warnings, it is hoped that the potential problems associated with the ownership of a house rabbit are not overly discouraging. Rabbits do indeed make fascinating, loving additions to a household and can provide years of joy to their owners. For a person who decides that they would like to have a house rabbit, it is recommended they contact their local SPCA or animal shelter to see if there are any rescued or abandoned rabbits available for adoption, as these animals are often hungry for human attention and affection and have been known to make excellent companions.
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