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The Modern Art of Rabbit Care
A Contemporary Companion's Guide
The Genesis
A Legacy of Love
The Modern Art of Rabbit Care – A Contemporary Companion’s Guide, was not written in a vacuum. It was born from the quiet corners of our home, from the lessons whispered by those who have hopped through our lives, and from the deep, sometimes painful, evolution of a guardian’s heart.
It was born from Bubble, our second bunny, whose persistent struggle with health and blood tests that never seemed “ready” for sterilization forced us to look deeper. He was the catalyst that drove us into the world of herbal research, seeking answers when conventional paths were blocked. Though he left us far too soon at age five due to sudden heart failure, his legacy is the scientific curiosity that anchors this book.
It was born from Othie, our very first rescue. Abandoned as a tiny baby, he grew into a cherished family member who was deeply loved every day of his nine years until he passed on in 2026. And from Teddy, our third rescue and foster, who faced aggressive cancer with a bravery that humbled us. Being by his side through his final days taught us the profound responsibility of palliative hospice care.
“It was born from a heavy heart and the memory of Mercy—the little bunny crying for help in a cage when no one came forward to help her, and I did not rescue her in time. Her memory is a silent, driving force in this work; she reminds us that timing is everything and that our advocacy must be swift and unwavering.”
It was born from relentless years of fundraising through baking, crafting, and organizing events. We understood early on that in a landscape with the high costs of veterinary care like Singapore, we simply cannot help bunnies without the necessary means. Every cookie baked and every event held was a brick in the foundation of this mission, built on the reality that compassion requires sustainable support.
It was born from the “miracles.” Missy, our second rescue, was adopted with a prognosis of only two years of life. Today, she is a healthy, thriving old lady of fifteen—an eight-year journey of defying the odds. Alongside her is Barley, the first resident of our house and our ten-year-old anchor, and our two orange lop boys Echo and Eon, whose gentle temperaments remind us of the peace a happy rabbit brings to a home.
It was born from the front lines of rescue—from our time volunteering with rescue groups to the fosters who passed through our hands: Echo and Eon (who became family), Thalia, Theseus, Juju, and Rourou. It is inspired by our marvelous Marvel, our “Pawfect #10,” whose cheeky spirit is loved by our community.
It was born from the resilient souls of our JB rescues: Sirius, Snowflake, and Meteor. Rescued from horrendous environments that no one should have to imagine, they remained resilient, choosing to trust humans despite their past. They now enjoy the dignity of free-roaming in our JB home. It is born, too, from our latest mission—the young and fluffy Angoras from our second rescue journey in JB.
Most of all, this guide is for friends old and new, those still binkying and those who have crossed the rainbow bridge. It is for the bunnies we have known since the very start of this ten-year journey, for whom I have spent nearly a decade baking healthy treats and sharing precious memories.
Every experience—every tear shed and every wound healed—has evolved into the philosophy you see here. We have learned, we have grown, and we have transformed our grief into guidance. Our hope is that these memories serve as a bridge, helping you and many more bunnies find a life of health, joy, and sanctuary.
Cookie Yiyi
Founder, Oishi Bunnies
Introduction
Where Love Meets Science
Welcome to The Modern Art of Rabbit Care – A Contemporary Companion’s Guide, an e-book with a simple, yet profound, premise: that caring for a rabbit is not merely a chore or a hobby, but a deeply rewarding practice—an art form.
For too long, rabbits have been misunderstood. They have been relegated to hutches at the bottom of the garden, seen as low-maintenance “starter pets” for children, or appreciated more for their quiet demeanor than for the vibrant, complex personalities that lie beneath. This outdated view has done a disservice to these remarkable creatures and to the humans who wish to love them well.
This is not just about keeping a rabbit alive; it is about helping a rabbit thrive. It is about cultivating an environment where the joyful leap of a binky is not a rare surprise, but a regular expression of a well-lived life.
Within these pages, you will not find a simple list of commands. Instead, you will find a guide to becoming a thoughtful guardian and a mindful companion. We will explore how to design a home that is both a safe sanctuary and a place of endless enrichment. We will learn to interpret the subtle nuances of their language—the quiet thump, the inquiring nose nudge, the lazy flop of ultimate trust.
We will move beyond the basics of “hay and pellets” to curate a culinary experience that delights and nourishes, and we will demystify their healthcare, transforming it from a source of fear into a practice of proactive partnership.
The Journey
This journey is a progressive one. We begin by laying the foundation, preparing your home and your heart. We then learn to craft their world, tending to their physical and mental well-being with the same care an artist tends to their canvas. Finally, we delve into the masterpiece itself: the unique, trusting, and joyful bond you will build together.
Rabbits are quiet teachers. Let us begin.
A Note on Care & Community
Guidance & Collaboration
The information in The Modern Art of Rabbit Care is born from nearly a decade of hands-on rescue work, fostering, and independent research. While we share the methods that have helped our own resilient survivors thrive, this guide is for educational purposes only. It should not replace the professional diagnosis or treatment of a qualified exotic veterinarian. Always consult with your vet before making significant changes to your rabbit’s medical regimen or diet.
Note on Navigation: Our topics and posts are drafted as inspiration arises, meaning they may not appear in chronological order. For specific guidance, please refer to the Content Page to easily find the topics you are looking for.
Are you a content creator or writer who shares our passion for rabbit welfare?
We welcome contributors who would like to help grow this guide. If you would like to collaborate, we invite you to reach out and share your voice.