why is my rabbit not eating?

treat this as urgent

a rabbit refusing food for more than 12 hours is a serious warning sign. rabbits hide illness, and by the time appetite is visibly reduced, the underlying issue has often been developing for a day or two.

contact a vet within 6 hours of noticing reduced or absent appetite. waiting to “see if it improves overnight” is the highest-cost mistake SG owners make.

the most likely cause: GI stasis

gut stasis (gastrointestinal stasis, or ileus) is when the rabbit’s digestive system slows or stops. it is the most common emergency for pet rabbits and the most common reason for not eating.

other signs that suggest stasis:

• no droppings or very small droppings for 6 to 12 hours
• hunched posture, sitting still
• teeth grinding (the loud, slow kind, not soft purring)
• gassy belly
• refusing favourite foods

see our GI stasis emergency playbook for the full SG ER pathway.

other possible causes

dental pain:

• molar spurs, abscesses, or incisor overgrowth cause pain when chewing
• the rabbit may eat soft foods but refuse pellets and hay
• often associated with drooling and dropping food
• see our dental issues guide

respiratory infection:

• the rabbit cannot smell food well with a blocked nose
• often paired with sneezing, nasal discharge, or laboured breathing
• see our respiratory issues guide

stress from environmental change:

• recent move, new pet, new person, schedule change
• usually accompanied by hiding behaviour
• can become genuine stasis if not addressed
• common during the first week with a new rabbit

heat stress:

• panting, lying flat, hot ears
• urgent in SG climate; see heat stroke prevention

urinary tract infection:

• discomfort during litter use suppresses appetite
• check for any unusual droppings or urination

internal pain or illness:

• liver, kidney, or other organ issues
• requires vet diagnosis

what to do in the first hour

while booking the vet:

1. observe and time-stamp: when did they last eat, what did they refuse, any other signs
2. take a phone video of behaviour
3. offer water and a favourite food (cilantro, parsley, leafy green they normally love)
4. do NOT force-feed unless trained
5. keep the rabbit warm (not hot) and quiet
6. transport carefully in a covered carrier

when can I safely wait?

never. if the rabbit refuses food and water for 6 hours and is acting unwell, it is a vet trip. if they refuse food for 12 hours regardless of other signs, it is a vet trip. the cost of an unnecessary vet visit is small; the cost of waiting is potentially the rabbit’s life.