Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) is a special time in the UK calendar dedicated to raising awareness about the proper care and wellbeing of our beloved pet rabbits. Founded by a coalition of welfare organisations, veterinary professionals and rabbit advocates, it aims to educate owners on the five key welfare needs of rabbits: diet, environment, companionship, behaviour, and health.
In 2025, Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) runs from 23rd to Sunday 27th June, and this year’s theme focuses on promoting better understanding and care for rabbits. We're starting with one of the most essential but sometimes overlooked routines: rabbit grooming.
At Masterclip, we’re passionate about animal care, which is why we’ve created this guide to help you provide your rabbit the very best. Whether you’re a first-time rabbit owner or have a whole warren at home, regular grooming isn’t just about keeping their coat looking good and tangle free, it’s vital for their overall health and wellbeing.
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Rabbit Grooming - An Important Part of Rabbit Welfare
Rabbits, much like cats, spend a lot of time grooming themselves. But unlike cats, rabbits can’t vomit, which means any fur they ingest while grooming stays in their digestive system. Too much can slow down their digestion causing serious issues such as gut stasis. That’s why regular brushing, especially during moulting season is so important. Grooming also gives you the perfect opportunity to check your rabbit over for any lumps, bumps, parasites and fly eggs in the warmer months, or signs of illness.
Ideally, you should groom your rabbit daily or a minumum of a few times a week, depending on their coat type. Long-haired rabbits will need more attention to prevent their hair becoming knotted and the formation of mats, while short-haired breeds still benefit from regular brushing to remove loose fur and reduce hair ingestion.
Essential Grooming Tools for Rabbits
Not all grooming tools are created equal! A rabbit's skin is far more delicate than that of cats or dogs so it’s important to choose tools designed with sensitivity in mind. Here's a breakdown of the essentials:
- Rubber Grooming Mitten: A gentle yet effective option, rubber grooming mitts or are great for removing loose fur during moulting without damaging delicate skin. The soft rubber pimples lift dead hair without pulling or scratching the skin, making them ideal for nervous or young rabbits. Many rabbits enjoy the gentle stroking sensation, making it a bonding experience for you both.
- Soft Bristle Brush: Perfect for general grooming sessions, a soft brush helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat clean and glossy.
- Small Slicker Brush: The tool has bent pins that reach deep into the coat to remove tangles, mats and loose fur effortlessly. The Masterclip flat head slicker brushes feature a pins with coated tips in a soft cushion pad to prove even pressure and avoid scratching delicate skin.
- Double-Sided Metal Comb and flea comb: Especially useful for long-haired rabbits, a combination comb helps detangle fur and remove small knots. One side usually has wider teeth for general grooming, while the finer side tackles tougher tangles and moulting fur. A flea comb will help to remove to fleas, eggs and grass seeds from long hair.
- Thinning or Bull Nose Safety Scissors: For carefully trimming thick fur around sensitive areas like the bottom or behind the ears. Thinning scissors help thin out problem areas without creating harsh lines or patchy fur. With square edges and safety points, our Masterclip scissors are suitable for delicate trimming jobs.
- Small Rabbit Nail Clippers: Rabbits' nails grow quickly and can curl into their feet if left untrimmed. Our small scissor style rabbit nail clippers have a notched blade to safely encase the nail. Avoid using human nail clippers – they can split the nail and cause pain.
Top tip: When clipping your rabbits nails, gently support your rabbit upright or place them on a soft towel on a stable surface. Placing your rabbit on their back can put them into an almost trance-like state. Although they may look calm, it’s actually a fear response and should always be avoided.
Grooming Long-Haired Rabbits: The Role of Rabbit Trimmers
Breeds like Angoras or Lionheads need a bit of extra maintenance. Their fur can quickly become matted if not regularly combed or trimmed. If mats form close to the skin and cannot be gently worked out by hand or with a comb, it may be necessary to use a rabbit-friendly trimmer. You can find out more in our longhair rabbit grooming blog here.
- At Masterclip, we offer precision rabbit trimmers that are lightweight, quiet, and designed for fine fur.
- These trimmers can safely remove mats and trim long coats to a manageable length.
- They’re also helpful for trimming around the rear end to keep your rabbit clean and reduce the risk of flystrike – a serious condition that occurs when flies lay eggs in soiled fur.
- Always use trimmers slowly and carefully, keeping the blades away from the skin. Watch our YouTube video below.
- If in doubt, seek help from a vet or professional groomer experienced with rabbits.
More Than Just Fur: What to Check When Grooming
Grooming is about more than just coat care – it's a chance to do a mini health check:
- Eyes should be clear, bright, and free from discharge.
- Ears should be clean, with no strong odour or signs of mites.
- Feet should be checked for sore hocks, overgrown nails, or injuries.
- Bottoms must be clean and dry. Any sign of faecal build-up or flystrike should be treated as an emergency. Find out more in our blog here.
- Assess body condition by running your hands over their body to feel for lumps, bumps, or signs of weight loss or gain.
Should you Bath your Rabbit?
Rabbits should never be bathed, as their thick fur holds moisture, making it difficult to dry them fully and putting them at risk of hypothermia or respiratory infections. Being submerged in water—especially cold water—can also cause extreme shock, which may be fatal. If your rabbit becomes soiled, gently spot-clean the area with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly with a towel.
Rabbit Awareness Week - Key Grooming Tips for Healthy Rabbit for
Groom your rabbit regularly, ideally daily and use grooming tools that are are especially for rabbits.
Keep nails trimmed with proper clippers but avoid cutting rabbits onto their backs.
Rabbit friendly trimmers such as the cordless Masterclip Showmate Rabbit Trimmers are perfect for managing long coats prone to matting and collecting dirt putting rabbits at in increased risk of flystrike.
Use grooming time to bond with your rabbit and to give them a thorough health check.
Need More Help? When it comes to grooming, At Masterclip, we’re here to support you and your rabbit every step of the way. If you have any questions about the right grooming tools, how to use trimmers safely, or general rabbit care, feel free to get in touch with us. We’re always happy to help you give your bunny the care they deserve. Happy Rabbit Welfare Week!
