My Rabbit Isn't Eating or Pooping: Why It's an Emergency

Call your vet now if

• Your rabbit has not eaten for several hours, or is eating much less than usual
• Their droppings are smaller, fewer, misshapen or have stopped altogether
• They are sitting hunched, tucked up or reluctant to move
• You hear loud teeth grinding, which in rabbits often signals pain
• Their belly looks swollen or feels tight, or they resent it being touched
• They seem quiet, dull, withdrawn or are hiding
• They feel cold to the touch, or seem floppy or weak
• They have diarrhoea, or you see a lot of soft, smelly droppings stuck to their bottom

A rabbit that has stopped eating and pooping is always urgent. Phone a vet now rather than waiting to see if things improve.

Why rabbits can't "skip a meal"

Rabbits are built to eat almost constantly. Their gut depends on a steady flow of fibre, mostly from hay and grass, to keep moving. When a rabbit stops eating, or their gut slows down, things can go wrong quickly.

Vets often call this gastrointestinal stasis, or gut stasis. In plain terms, the digestive system slows down or stops. Food and gas can build up, which is painful. The normal balance of gut bacteria can be upset, and a rabbit in pain usually eats even less, which slows the gut further. This can become a downward spiral within hours.

Gut stasis is usually a sign that something else is wrong rather than an illness on its own. That is one reason why prompt veterinary attention matters so much: your vet needs to treat the slowdown and look for its cause. In some cases, a rabbit that seems to have stasis actually has a blockage in the gut, which needs different and very urgent treatment. You cannot tell these apart at home.

Why you shouldn't wait overnight

Because rabbits can deteriorate quickly, waiting until the morning is not safe. If your usual practice is closed, phone their out-of-hours service or an emergency vet. If you can, choose a vet with experience in rabbits, as they have specific needs, but do not delay care while searching for one. Any vet can give urgent advice.

When you call, tell them:

• When your rabbit last ate and how much
• When you last saw normal droppings
• Any other signs, such as teeth grinding, a hunched posture or a swollen belly
• Any recent changes, such as a new diet, a move, a new companion or a stressful event

What to do while you arrange care

These steps help keep your rabbit comfortable. They are not a treatment, and they do not replace seeing a vet.

• Keep them warm. Rabbits who are unwell can lose body heat. Put them in a quiet, draught-free spot, and offer a soft towel or a covered, wrapped heat pad made for pets. Make sure they can move away from the heat if they want to.
• Keep things calm and quiet. Reduce noise, keep other pets away and handle them gently. If they have a bonded companion, it is usually best to keep them together, including at the vet, as separation can add stress.
• Offer hay and fresh greens. Their usual hay and some favourite leafy greens or fresh herbs may tempt them. Do not force food.
• Keep fresh water available, in both a bowl and a bottle if they are used to both.
• Do not give home remedies, human medicines or supplements. Some remedies shared online can be harmful, and human medicines can be dangerous to rabbits. Leave all treatment decisions to your vet.
• Do not massage the belly or try to force-feed unless your vet has shown you how and advised it for your rabbit.

Take a sample of their recent droppings with you if you can, and bring a little of their usual hay and food.

What happens at the vet

Your vet will examine your rabbit, check their temperature, listen to their gut and feel their belly. They may suggest X-rays or blood tests to look for a blockage or other problems. Treatment for gut stasis often involves pain relief, fluids, medicines to support the gut and assisted feeding, and some rabbits need to stay in hospital. Your vet will explain what they find and what they recommend.

Common underlying causes to explore with your vet

Once your rabbit is stable, your vet will want to understand why their gut slowed down. Common areas to discuss include:

• Dental problems. Rabbits' teeth grow throughout life. Overgrown teeth or sharp spurs can make eating painful, so a rabbit may stop eating even though they are hungry.
• Pain or illness elsewhere, such as urinary problems, infections or injuries.
• Stress. Changes in surroundings, loud noises, predators nearby, travel or the loss of a companion can all play a part.
• Diet low in fibre. Too many pellets, treats or sugary foods and too little hay can affect gut health over time.

Prevention for the future

Not every episode can be prevented, but a good everyday routine supports a healthy gut:

• Hay first. Unlimited good-quality hay or grass should make up most of your rabbit's diet, with a portion of fresh greens and only a small amount of pellets.
• Plenty of exercise. Rabbits need daily space to run, hop and explore. Movement helps keep the gut moving.
• Regular checks. Get to know your rabbit's normal eating habits and droppings, and check both every day.
• Routine vet visits, including dental checks, can catch problems early.

For more on day-to-day care, see our rabbit care guide. If you notice any change in eating or droppings, trust your instincts and call your vet. With rabbits, acting early really does matter.