Are Rabbits Hypoallergenic?

Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Leonard Harper

Do you have an allergy to animals? Are you wondering whether rabbits are hypoallergenic? Do you want to know how you can deal with an allergy to a rabbit or whether there is certain rabbit breed you can own which is hypoallergenic? Well, read on. We are going to detail absolutely everything that you need to know about hypoallergenic rabbits on this page.

What Is a Rabbit Allergy? Are You Allergic To Rabbits?

When you are allergic to a rabbit, you are not allergic to the rabbit so to speak. Instead, you are allergic to a protein which the rabbit produces. Normally, this protein is going to be on the skin of the rabbit.

It happens when they shed their fur (this happens a few times per year), but it is also a protein that can appear in their saliva and in their urine.

This protein won’t just be on the rabbit. If you have a rabbit living in your home, then it will constantly be floating around the place. You will find that sometimes your allergies won’t be triggered, but other times they will do.

For example; people who suffer an allergy to rabbits will find that their symptoms are more prominent when the rabbits are shedding, or perhaps when their bedding has just been changed.

Not only this but with longer-haired rabbits, they are likely to trap other allergens in their coat. So, you may not be allergic to the rabbit protein, but to the pollen or other allergens that the rabbit has managed to pick up.

The reason why we suffer from an allergic reaction is because there is a problem with our immune systems. Our immune systems believe the protein to be dangerous (it isn’t!) and starts to attack it. That is what causes the allergic reaction.

There are absolutely no rabbits out there which are hypoallergenic (i.e. will not give an allergic reaction), so you shouldn’t even bother looking for one. If somebody tells you that rabbits hypoallergenic exist, then ignore them!

Why Can’t Rabbits Be Hypoallergenic?

Because producing the protein is completely natural for animals. It is needed for many processes in their body.

While we can breed rabbits to have longer or shorter fur, or change their personalities up a little, we can’t breed out traits that are vital to the survival of the rabbit.

There are no rabbits which do not produce this protein, and thus it can’t be a trait that can be bred out.

How To Deal With An Allergy To Rabbits?

Obviously, the best bet is to not have a rabbit in the first place when you have a serious allergy. Although, we understand that some people may have minor injuries. Perhaps your best bet is to brush the rabbit outside.

It will ensure that you do not have the rabbit dander floating around your home. You may also want to keep contact to the minimum, particularly when they are shedding.

You may also want to ask somebody else to change their bedding (do this outside!) so that the urine allergens won’t be floating around your home.

Are There Any Hypoallergenic Rabbit Breeds?

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic rabbit. It is impossible for there to ever be so. However, we do have what many people claim to be hypoallergenic rabbits. These are rabbits that are bred to trigger allergies less.

While they are not going to be a good animal to own if you have a serious allergy to animals, you may want to consider them if you have a mild allergy. This is the Mini Rex rabbit breed.

While you may still suffer an allergic reaction if you have a serious allergy, the Mini Rex does shed a whole lot less than your standard rabbit. This means that your allergies are going to be triggered a lot less.

However, do bear in mind that the allergens can appear in a lot more places than the fur, which means you will need to pay attention to the coping techniques that we mentioned previously.

So, there you have it. If you were wondering whether rabbits are hypoallergenic, then you have your answer. There is no such thing as hypoallergenic rabbits, and there will never be. However, if you have a minor allergy, then there may be some options for you.

You will need to take greater care when looking after your rabbit, though. You will also need to remember that in some cases you will not be able to deliver that care. Therefore, even if you really want a rabbit and you have a minor allergy, it still may not be the right option for you.

See also: Best Rabbit Brushes For Shedding to be used if you have a mild allergy.