There are an ever growing number of different rabbit species and therefore how long your pet rabbit might live depends a great deal upon what breed she is. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than their larger cousins, but some smaller breeds, because they have been ‘genetically engineered', can have their own set of unique health challenges that may shorten their lifespan. However on average, a pet rabbit will live 7-10 years if well cared for, and rabbits kept indoors tend to have a little more longevity than those housed outside.

One special point worth noting that if an unspayed female rabbit does not breed she will be particularly susceptible to uterine cancer. Uterine cancer is a problem for rabbits but the risk is lessened if an animal is spayed if she is not to be used for breeding purposes. The ideal time to spay a female rabbit is four to six months of age, but your vet can advise you what is best for your bunny.

Ensuring that a pet rabbit has a good diet is another huge factor in how long they might live. Rabbits have rather sensitive stomachs and certain foods can prove harmful if not downright fatal. Starch and fats are not at all rabbit friendly and although most of them really like it fruit should be fed as occasional treat only. The mainstay of any rabbit’s diet should be grass hay, with timothy, meadow hay and oat or barley hay being ideal.