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Is neutering my male rabbit necessary for a healthy, happy life?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 10 days old

Does my male rabbit NEED to be neutered? Will he be fine throughout his life as is?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 10th, 2018

There are definitely benefits to neutering your rabbit- decreased risk of testicular cancer and urinary tract problems, decreased chance of behavioral issues like aggression, decreased chance of urine marking and increased chance of litter box training. You can read more at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951545. That being said, you do not have to neuter your rabbit, and many rabbits will live a full life without being neutered, so it is a personal decision you can make based on the information provided.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 6th, 2019

    The problem with intact male rabbits is they can act aggressive when they hit sexually maturity, but if Casper isn't aggressive with you (and I would not get another male rabbit!), then it may be ok not to do it. I'd say if he's able to be handled well and isn't aggressive, don't do it. If you had a vet you trusted, then I would say to do it. I hope this helps.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 25th, 2017

    My recommendation is to have him neutered. Neutered rabbits live longer and have less health issues overall. You will have less behavioral problems with him too if he is neutered. Here is a link to an article that may help you and answer more of your questions. http://rabbit.org/faq-spaying-and-neutering/ Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Dr. Andrea

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 10th, 2018

    If your rabbit were a female, I would say absolutely it would help her live longer-- almost all females get uterine or mammary cancer if unspayed. But for males it is is different story. They do not tend to get a lot of testicular cancer- although it does happen. And if it happens when they are older, anesthesia for surgery is much more dangerous for them at that time. It also makes them calmer to be neutered- less spraying, humping, marking etc. Overall, neutering is best for many reasons. But If you cannot find a rabbit savvy vet to neuter your friend then it might be best to leave him be intact. The risk to him might be less than the risk of surgery with an inexperienced vet.

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