Aside from the occasional thump or subdued grunt, rabbits actually speak to us in a quite complex and frequently silent manner. Reading their subtle cues, from the whisker twitch to the orientation of their ears and the manner in which they move, can allow you to better bond with your bunny companion and more appropriately respond in the way that they need.

The Expressive Ears: Little Antennas for Emotions

A rabbit has long, moveable ears that are excellent at expressing their mood and level of awareness:

• Ears held high and forward: This typically indicates your rabbit is aware, curious, and listening to what is going on around them. They’re gathering information from the world around them.
• Moving Around: Constantly moving ears indicate that your rabbit is attempting to locate where sounds are originating and check if there is anything dangerous or intriguing.
• Flat Against the Body: This usually indicates fear, anxiety, or submission. Your rabbit may feel threatened or unsafe.
• Relaxed and Slightly Droopy: This indicates contentment and relaxation. Your rabbit is comfortable and secure.
• One Up, One Down: This might be your rabbit being uncertain about something or switching from being alert to being relaxed, or vice versa.

Also read: Why Cats Purr: The Soothing Science Behind the Sound

The Twitching Nose: Indicating Interest by Scent

The perpetual twitch of a rabbit’s nose is not only adorable; it is actually a very significant means by which they acquaint themselves with their environment via odor. A rapid twitch tends to indicate they are pretty interested, curious, or even slightly anxious, as they seek to sniff more. A slow twitch indicates they are more calm.

Posture and Movement: Telling Stories with Their Bodies

The way a rabbit carries their body and the way they move can indicate a multitude of different feelings:

• Loafing: If a rabbit is sitting with their paws under them, resembling a loaf of bread, they’re generally feeling calm and secure.
• Stretching Out: Being stretched out full length on their side or belly indicates they’re profoundly relaxed and feel extremely secure.
• Binky: A joyful bound in the air, usually with a spin or head shake. It’s obviously a sign that they’re happy and pleased.
• Thumping: A sudden thud of their hind leg on the ground is a warning. It indicates they’re frightened, alarmed, or have detected something threatening.
• Crouching Low: A rabbit hunched close to the ground could be frightened, submissive, or unwell.
• Chin Rubbing: Rabbits have scent glands on the underside of their chin and will rub against things to claim territory as their own and indicate ownership and security.
• Nudging: They’ll give you a soft nudge on the nose and be saying they want attention, or love, or move.

Vocalizations: Soft Sounds with Meaning

They may not be as vocal as dogs and cats, but rabbits do communicate in soft sounds:

• Purring (grinding of teeth softly): Typically indicates they are happy and relaxed, heard mostly when they’re being stroked.
• Grunting or Growling: They are not pleased, irritated, or in the mood for fighting.
• Screaming: High-pitched screaming indicates they’re very frightened or hurt.

Why Watching and Context Matter

Similarly, as with any pet, knowing your rabbit’s silent communication is by watching them closely and considering the circumstances. A thump might indicate they’re frightened at a sudden noise, or it might be alerting another rabbit. By closely observing their little cues and what’s happening around them, you can have a better relationship with your rabbit and know their individual needs and personality. Learning their silent language gives you a whole new way to communicate and strengthens your connection even more.

Also read: Cats Reign in Britain—With a Little Help from Celebs