Supplies & Food
Litter: Why the wrong kind can be deadly
Warning: Cedar or pine shavings can lead to respiratory or liver damage. Clay cat litter, especially the clumping type, is hazardous if ingested.
Our Rabbit Care Guide names several litters that are safe for rabbits. Please visit Links for a list of vendors.
Quality Hay & Pellets
Warning: Bunnies need unlimited hay, every day (but not Coastal or alfalfa, please). Also, the "rabbit" pellets and treats sold in pet stores are usually not very healthy for your bunny, and could even be dangerous.
Our Rabbit Care Guide explains which hay and pellets are right for your bunny.
Fresh, safe veggies (see below) and unlimited hay are best. However, if for the sake of cost or convenience you decide to replace your bunny's breakfast or dinner veggies with pellets, be sure to limit the portions to the recommended amount for your bunny's weight and age. Small amounts of Timothy hay-based pellets are generally recommended for adult rabbits, while unlimited alfalfa-based pellets are usually recommended for rabbits under a year old.
Note that some bunnies develop health problems (bladder sludge, for example) from eating pellets. If your vet tells you to eliminate pellets from your bunny's diet, be prepared to serve safe veggies for both breakfast and dinner.
Quality hay and pellets are available through Oxbow Hay, American Pet Diner, or Bunny Buddies' Bulk Purchasing Program (see sidebar or below). Unfortunately, Timothy hay doesn't grow in the Houston area. In a pinch, you might find hay at your local pet store, but it'll be expensive and your bunny may not care for it.
Bunny Buddies' Bulk Purchasing Program
Bunny Buddies members may participate in our bulk purchasing program. (You may join in person at any Bunny Buddies event, or simply snail-mail your Application for Membership to us, along with a check for the appropriate membership level.)
We order supplies from Oxbow Hay and generally place orders every other month. Orders are available for pickup at the CAP shelter, on I-10 between Kirkwood and Dairy Ashford, on the 3rd Sunday of the month between 2 and 4 pm (which is our regular Adoption Day).
The volunteer who coordinates this program lives in the 1960/Veterans Memorial area, and those who are unable to get their supplies at CAP can arrange to pick up at the volunteer's house.
To participate, you need to Join the BunnyBuddies mailing list, which is hosted by Yahoo Groups. We announce order and pickup dates through the group. You may place an order at any time through supplies at , but order and pickup dates are announced through BunnyBuddies.
You may pay by cash or check. If paying by cash, please bring the exact amount. We typically are not able to make change.
Safe Veggies: Are you hurting your bunny?
Warning: Iceburg lettuce, alfalfa, cabbage, and other high-calcium vegetables are potentially dangerous, especially if overfed or not supplemented with a variety of greens.
Our Rabbit Care Guide explains which fruits and vegetables are safe for your bunny.
Housing: Does your bunny have room to stand and stretch?
Our Rabbit Care Guide describes a house rabbit's dream home, including one inexpensive, do-it-yourself condo that you can customize to fit your needs.
Flea Control
Warning: Flea collars can be poisonous to rabbits.
Our Rabbit Care Guide discusses flea control. In the unlikely event that your bunny develops fleas, please consult a bunny-savvy vet for a safe treatment. Most likely, he or she will recommend a partial treatment of Kitten Advantage or Revolution.
Toys & Accessories
Warning: Collars are unnecessary and could be dangerous.
Our Rabbit Care Guide describes safe toys and some of the grooming products you may want to have on hand. See Links for a list of vendors.