singapore rabbits

rabbit-proofing an HDB flat, step by step

updated 13 May 2026

rabbits chew. it’s not personal, it’s biology. their teeth grow constantly and they need to wear them down. they also explore with their teeth, like puppies. unprotected wiring is the most dangerous thing in a normal HDB.

before the rabbit comes home, do this work. afterwards is harder.

the priority order

tackle in this order:

  1. electrical cables and wires (life-safety)
  2. plants and chemicals (poisoning)
  3. baseboards and furniture (damage)
  4. small spaces (trap risk)
  5. floor coverings (slipping, damage)

1. cables and wires

the most dangerous thing in a flat:

approach options

  • spiral cable covers (SGD 5-15 per metre, available Daiso, Mustafa)
  • corrugated cable tubing (more chew-resistant)
  • elevate cables (run along ceiling or above rabbit’s reach)
  • block access (furniture against walls)

priority spots

  • behind TV
  • under desk
  • around bed
  • power strips on floor
  • charger cables

what doesn’t work

  • exposed tape (rabbit chews through)
  • cardboard covers
  • “the rabbit won’t touch it”

the cost

  • SGD 30-80 for full apartment

the verification

walk the apartment at rabbit’s eye level. every cable visible needs protection.

2. plants and chemicals

toxic plants common in SG

  • aloe vera
  • lily (all types)
  • bird of paradise
  • pothos / money plant
  • snake plant
  • philodendron

safe plants

  • spider plant
  • basil
  • mint
  • many herbs

chemicals

  • cleaning products: cabinet with rabbit-safe latches
  • pest control: rabbit will eat baits, NEVER use rodent poison
  • mosquito coil/spray: ventilate before rabbit enters
  • detergent storage: secured

the verification

if a plant or chemical could be reached, secure or remove.

3. baseboards and furniture

baseboards

  • some rabbits chew baseboards
  • options: plastic guards, acrylic shields, fabric covers
  • many rabbits ignore baseboards entirely (test first)

furniture

  • wooden chair legs: corner guards or spray with bitter apple
  • couch corners: protective covers
  • cabinet bases: shields or rabbit access blocked
  • bookshelves: high enough or doors closed

the verification

monitor for first month. if rabbit chews specific items, address those.

4. small spaces (trap risk)

rabbits squeeze into small spaces and get stuck:

check

  • behind refrigerator (gap)
  • under sofa (some rabbits chew underside)
  • behind washing machine
  • inside cabinets
  • under beds with low clearance

block

  • foam strips
  • cardboard barriers
  • furniture moved against walls

the verification

look at apartment as rabbit-sized obstacle course. block anywhere they could trap themselves.

5. floor coverings

tile floors

  • rabbits slip on tile, hurt joints
  • need mats or rugs
  • avoid carpets (rabbits chew or pee)

good options

  • yoga mats (SGD 20-40)
  • rubber mats
  • bath mats
  • flat-weave rugs (some chew, monitor)

bad options

  • thick shag carpets
  • expensive Persian rugs
  • anything you can’t replace

the verification

rabbit should have non-slip surface where they walk most.

the SG-specific notes

three things relevant:

1. HDB unique features

  • letterbox slots can be reached by determined rabbits
  • door gaps need check
  • balcony access (see balcony safety)

2. condo specifics

  • balcony rails wider gaps
  • aircon outdoor units accessible from balcony
  • check carefully

3. tropical hardware

  • some mosquito-repellent products dangerous
  • ant baits accessible
  • pest control should be rabbit-safe

the rooms approach

if rabbit is restricted to one room, focus there:

  • bedroom: cables, plants, fabric of bed
  • living room: cables behind TV, plants, furniture
  • kitchen: usually not rabbit access (block)
  • bathroom: never rabbit access (chemicals, drowning risk)

the multi-room or free-roam

if rabbit has whole apartment:

the renter consideration

if you rent:

  • removable solutions preferred (cable covers, mats)
  • avoid permanent modifications
  • document existing damage
  • protect surfaces aggressively (no rabbit damage when moving out)

the ongoing monitoring

after initial proofing:

  • watch for new chewing targets first month
  • address as they appear
  • some rabbits develop habits, others don’t
  • escalate from minor (cardboard) to major (acrylic) as needed

the multi-rabbit consideration

bonded pairs:

  • may chew different things
  • more proofing needed
  • inspect more often
  • bond is worth the extra work

the cost reality

full HDB proofing:

  • cable covers: SGD 30-80
  • plant changes: SGD 50-150 (remove toxic, add safe)
  • mats and rugs: SGD 50-150
  • baseboard protection: SGD 30-100
  • miscellaneous: SGD 50
  • total: SGD 210-530 typical

vs. unplanned damage:

  • replaced baseboards: SGD 200+
  • vet visit for electrocution: SGD 500+
  • replaced furniture: SGD 100-1000+

prevention is cheap.

what owners often get wrong

three patterns:

  • “the rabbit is supervised so cables are fine.” rabbits chew in 5 seconds, unsupervised happens
  • rabbit-proofing only the visible spaces. under and behind matters more
  • assuming once-done is forever. rabbits change habits, recheck

community-sourced information here is not veterinary advice. for any chewing-related health concern, consult a licensed SG exotic vet.

community-sourced information, not veterinary advice. for medical issues, see a licensed SG exotic vet — start with our vet directory.

related