14 Sounds Rabbits Make and What They Mean

The reason rabbits are mostly quiet is because they are prey animals. Being silent is a rabbit’s main defense mechanism against predators as it will help them not to draw too much attention.
Nevertheless, rabbits are capable of making some sounds that help them communicate their feelings to us or other bunnies.
00:00 Introduction
00:35 Clucking
01:03 Thumping
02:07 Purring
02:34 Oinking or Honking
2:59 Sneezing
3:34 Whimpering
4:13 Grunting
4:43 Teeth Grating
5:24 Growling
5:52 Screaming
6:24 Snoring
7:13 Dreaming
7:42 Hissing
In this video, we will explore the most common sounds that rabbits make and explain what they mean.
Thumping
Among rabbits, thumping the back foot is a natural reaction to a threat that they may have seen, heard or smelled.
Back leg stomping can also be a sign of annoyance in the rabbit world. This behavior indicates that your rabbit is feeling irked or uneasy at the moment, and probably just wants to be left alone for some time. Some rabbits who are territorial may thump to warn you when you enter their territory.
Sneezing
Like humans and most other animals, rabbits also sneeze. More often than not, rabbits sneeze when their nasal passages are irritated. This can happen because an external irritant such as house dust, hay dust, perfumes, or cigarette smoke makes its way up the rabbit’s nose.
Sneezing can also be the result of upper respiratory infections or even allergies.
Grunting
More often than not, rabbits grunt when they are annoyed or feel threatened.
Toward humans, a rabbit may start grunting if they don’t want to be handled and they want you to leave them alone.
Rabbits also grunt when they want to protect their territory - such as their food or sleeping area. If your rabbit behaves like this, it is a good idea to leave them alone to calm down!
Purring
When a rabbit gently grinds their teeth together, it means they are calm and content. This is a rabbit's way of purring.
More often than not, your rabbit will make this sound when you are petting them and they are enjoying your company.
Teeth grating
Teeth grating is very similar to purring, but means the exact opposite.
When a rabbit is very loudly and intensely grinding their teeth together, it is a sign that they are uncomfortable or in pain. The rabbit may have an injury, or may be suffering from a dental disease, such as overgrown teeth. And you will also notice your bunny’s body language reflects discomfort.
Whimpering or Whining
Rabbits often whimper when they feel scared or afraid. It sounds like a snorting squeak and is a sign that they need some space so they can feel safe and calm down. You may hear this sound when you try to pick-up your bunny and they don’t want to be handled. It indicates your rabbit is not fully comfortable around you yet.
If your rabbit makes this sound, make sure to give them plenty of space to help them feel comfortable.
Growling
Growling is very similar to grunting.
Growling is a clear sign that your rabbit is angry or stressed. By growling, your rabbit is telling you to back off. Aggressive behavior will most likely ensue, so watch out.
Snoring
Believe it or not, rabbits can snore. Sometimes the cause of a rabbit’s snoring can be the simplest of things, such as their sleeping position.
Another reason could be your rabbit’s excess weight. When a rabbit is obese, extra fat can gather around the throat, restricting the airway and causing them to snore. Other reasons include allergies, dental diseases, or foreign bodies such as hayseeds in their nasal passages.
Lop-eared breeds with flat noses and faces are most likely to be a snorer.
Soft noises while asleep
You may have noticed that your rabbit makes soft mumbling sound in their sleep. This is because rabbits dream in REM stage of their sleep, and those noises or muscle twitches are responses to whatever that is happening in their dreams. Science suggests that rabbits are perfectly capable of dreaming like we do.
Screaming
Rabbits are capable of making a very loud screaming sound, but most people will never hear it. Screaming is a very uncommon and disconcerting sound.
More often than not, rabbits scream when they are extremely scared, or when they are under attack or in a lot of pain.
Oinking or honking
Honking is a soft sound that could be compared to a pig’s oink.
Rabbits make this sound when they are happy and excited. Like when they are expecting some yummy treats or when they get excited for play time. Rabbits also oink when you are petting them and they are enjoying the activity
Clucking
Rabbits make a soft clucking sound when they are eating a meal that they really enjoy. So if your rabbit makes a funny sound while munching on something delicious, this is probably what you hear.
Hissing
Rabbit hissing is very uncommon. The rabbit feels aggressive or threatened and wants to scare away a potential threat, so they might lunge, growl, and hiss. A hiss is also used to ward off other rabbits.

[@brittanylolol]

My rabbit screamed right before he died. It was heartbreaking.

[@Talula-Darling]

I'm so very sorry! 😭😭😭

[@Camila-bm3eq]

Mine also screamed before he died 😢😭😭😭

[@gabypaulna6666]

Im sooooooooooo 1billion sorry😢😢

[@gabypaulna6666]

You're rabbit is always there to protect you❤

[@gabypaulna6666]

Even if you can't see it❤

[@katego370]

I've heard (and seen) one of my rabbits scream. I was carrying her to her grass pen, she saw the grass and wanted to "fly off". She did so in a particularly sudden and violent fashion and so I couldn't stop her. Meanwhile, our border collie cross who thinks it necessary to herd his family, rabbits included, started hunting the rabbit down to detain her. She was so terrified that she started screaming. It was deafening and chilling to the bone, I've never heard anything like it. Fortunately, I managed to grab the dog just in time but my rabbit was in such severe shock that she spent 3 days at the vet with her sister on all sorts of medication to keep her organs functioning.

[@JWD56]

Hear wild rabbits scream most nights and while I’ve got used to it, it still is one of the most chilling sounds I’ve ever heard. My dad jokes that it is the ghost of a woman who was ripped apart by wolves, which didn’t help my fear when I was younger

[@user-zb2ft2vy2v]

​@@JWD56 My rabbit screamed after vodka.

[@thecollector9914]

Lmao

[@issaoritz504]

I heard my bunny scream because his foot got stuck in his cage

[@mapnorthwest2335]

That was a long comment 😂😂😂

[@kiahmadison8541]

Nice to know my rabbit was happy most of the time.

[@Monkemonkeman]

Was?😨

[@kstar1489]

“Hopefully you never have to hear a rabbit scream” All those videos on KZbin if people picking up rabbits and making them scream:

[@ronaldmcdonald8303]

My rabbit used to snuggle up to me in my bed and sleep with me, she also once jumped up and licked the tears off my face when I was crying! I used to hand feed her and kiss her face!

[@Melffymommy94]

I never had a bun that snored or made noises when they where asleep for over 10 years, so when our new little one did it i was so unsure why she does it - good to know that its nothing bad and shes just dreaming 🥰🐰 Thanks for the vid ! ♡

[@mariebarker4499]

I love rabbits! So informative!

[@shaqnyiro5406]

I've heard one of our bunnies scream once. They were out in the dark and we were trying to get them back in their rabbit house. Unfortunately I didn't have a light and accidentaly stepped on a bunny who was running right below me. Thankfully I didn't break it's bones and it wasn't hurt afterwards, but that scream was actually terrifying to hear, and I still feel awful about it.

[@unidzalikaupdate]

Thank you! this is really helpful for us!

[@teamspuad6219]

Yes thank you

[@evosnextplay20]

Hahhhj

[@cakeisavegatable]

My boyfriends bunny will thump if we “get it on” too loud and disturb her bunny time even if she’s gone off into another room. It both interrupts the mood a bit and is hilarious

[@yansong9749]

this video is incredibly good!!

[@Froggy12432]

Thank you for the information, I am getting a rabbit in may so I am trying to find the best ways to keep it happy

[@xlkookie8157]

I thought my bunny was eating something- But no, he was just purring-

[@only_saviours_bts]

Sometimes my rabbit makes sounds like he is hiccuping ❤️

[@ocieltalavera5761]

Thank you

[@Angelcostich6101]

this helps me for my therian vocals!☺️

[@JosephVespa-ve6zi]

He's got me screaming

[@salmanomer198]

I Love this video

[@pamelabrowning3965]

My baby bunny makes a buzzing sound. Like a little bee or fly when he's running around my head while I lay on the floor. He makes this buzzing sound when he's being playful or maybe even flirty? I'm not sure but that's what it seems like

[@gachaliv4334]

My rabbit growls when I discipline him because he was being naughty and chewing my flowers in the garden

[@Solomon0424]

Lol

[@tiffanyreid3433]

I was camping and there’s quite a few wild rabbits at the site that just roam round and I could hear a rabbit screaming while walking up and down the site bcs the sound would be distant and then really close

[@JWD56]

Hear wild rabbits scream most nights and while I’ve got used to it, it still is one of the most chilling sounds I’ve ever heard. My dad jokes that it is the ghost of a woman who was ripped apart by wolves, which didn’t help my fear when I was younger

[@coolraven4ever636]

My rabbit usually goes on top of my piano and when she falls off she starts thumping but she's ok!

[@izzys.galaxy]

I have heard mybunnymakeall of these sounds except the screaming

[@mayrayscrubbiegalz]

I have heard nine scream one time and that was because he hurt his leg and it was hurting and scared I have never heard him make a mean sound from him he has been very spoiled and very loved I have heard him a honk and etcetera he always wants us to pick him up

[@randomthingschannel2833]

Wow, I’ve never in my whole life seen my rabbit thump…

[@V0ID_beats]

So they developed a vocal chord just for screaming before they die?

[@michi0420]

My bunny makes a chirping high sound when I pet it what does it mean ?

[@noonepkxd1842]

One time one of my bunnies screamed when my mom was trying to check their p*nis to see if its a girl or a boy 😂-

[@dimitrakarategou]

ποσο μπορο να ηρεμησο το κουνελακι μου αν τρομαξι με κεραβους γιατι δεν θελω να φοβατε και αν το αλαξω δοματιο θα στρεσαρηστη

[@laylasiyan7731]

My baby bunny who is 2 months old is making owl oooing sound since last night, I don’t get it. Doesn’t sound like any in the video, welp

[@mahinseherath4291]

My rabbit says heeeeeee

[@arijanajursic2421]

‼️‼️‼️Okay, please help I am confused So, most of the nights, when it is around midnight so sleep time, my male rabbit starts to make soft high pitched noises. He let's them out like 3 or 4 times (this little squeals) but in the video I don't recognize the similar or the same noise. Am I a bad rabbit mom? Is this normal? Please help

[@mr.bulldops1348]

My bunny clucks when running towards me

[@limdennis813]

Everybody gangsta until the rabbit screaming

[@else1995]

they always stretching their feet ..in the morning

[@coralien01]

Yo escuche gritar una vez asi a mi conejo, pero estaba durmiendo, supongo que soño algo que le asusto

[@noorai7626]

my rabbit screamed once when she got her leash stuck around her leg and she started dramatically running around 😭

[@remyl5694]

8:06, Really nothing, my rabbits dont make noise a lot :(

[@mahdiyahshahnewaz1016]

I dont have a bunny and i never will but my bff has one so i play with hers

[@yingyingzhang3281]

My rabbit died，i'm so sad

[@hannahloveslayla101]

My bunny makes a buzzing noise while he hops around

[@dorianfarmer3350]

Rabbits BRUX too

[@dorianfarmer3350]

I dropped my pet bunny once as a kid trying to pick them up outta their cage. They wriggled to the point i lost my grip and dropped him just before the cage opening, so when he fell he accidentally tore out a toe nail 😢 i know the sound and i feel bad almost 20 something years later.

[@emmathehuman]

Saw a dead baby bunny on the way home :( rip lil guy :(

[@Jkbnanamilk]

Today my rabbit was sleeping peacefully then she started to scream suddenly. (We all were right behind her that time) my mom took her into her arms and she is totally fine now. But I'm still wondering is there anything we should worried about? Why she screamed? Pls let me know if you know 💜

[@hiyorioh]

No

[@moe3826]

You're bunny may have been shocked suddenly by something. I've been static shocked by my buns befores and they have shocked each other 😂😢 they only grunted though but a sudden surprise may be the reason why bunnies typically scream if they are feeling in danger.

[@Jkbnanamilk]

@@moe3826 thankyou so much for letting me know this . Current update -: My rabbit is happy and healthy , enjoying her life 😊💖

[@ahmadumatkhan4980]

But they sure squeak loud at you when you disturb them

[@funchaos5310]

we need rabbit clucking asmr

[@sakinakatani5659]

whimper and puring sound are same😓😓😓

[@Dreamtherabbit]

Fr tho

[@marc.the.red1987]

Our makes all sorts of noise dog elephant pigs honest loads of noises is this normal

[@noorai7626]

my rabbit always honks when i carry her

[@Sarah_the_cat_therian]

I don't have rabbit but I have a cat

[@scottbuckley6578]

I know the sound when my cat gets ahold of one

[@ashlirabid9614]

What are you talking about?

[@scottbuckley6578]

@@ashlirabid9614 what do you think I'm talking about.. what do cats do to rabbits ?

[@ashlirabid9614]

@@scottbuckley6578 I think you need to work on your communication skills. Are you on the spectrum?

[@scottbuckley6578]

@@ashlirabid9614 I think you know what happens when a cat meets a rabbit

[@kousarpal3946]

Screaming

[@100.9]

Thumping and grunting and growling and hissing means they are pissed off

[@mimemouse997]

What does the Rabbit 🐰 say?

[@wolfsbane2.0]

Quack Quack Quack

[@mimemouse997]

@@wolfsbane2.0 Duck? 🦆

[@dearuniverse1176]

Sneezing sound means

[@drb059]

They bazz

[@littlebunnybunny]

my one yr old doe has started eating her poop always growled even after neutering.. but ocasionally she will make a funny noice while hopping that of a chuntering old lady a mixture of the the first three..shes my baby

[@gillianwilliams990]

Usually means they're lacking a nutrient in their diet. Unless pregnant & yours is neutered.

[@jordanwilsonjr7456]

My bunny growled at me

[@phaedrabacker2004]

I must be part rabbit. I make all the of the sounds.

[@vishalvizzy749]

All sounds were similer i m confused now

[@Arixpeo82]

Oh well my rabbit died😢

[@among_us000]

why does rabbit sounds like rob it?

[@goosee7914]

Sometimes my rabbit is whining when I pet him :‹

[@100.9]

I when bunnies pass out, it pisses me off

[@PrincessAlojaBricio-bw4en]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊😊😊🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇🐰🐇

[@houssam8159]

That means my rabbit is always angry 😮😮😮😅😅😅

[@rengoku_isbald]

My 🐀🐁🐭 rat isn't eating 😔

[@liovdb9715]

sad

[@zilanzilan7651]

I have a bunny

[@amongusimposter7353]

xd im a bosnian🤣😂

[@topgears7775]

UwU 🦫

[@Pinchy_wolf]

bark at you like dogs??

[@bponterci]

First!

[@thatf2299]

game seems sick, i dont understand all the hate

[@markantinozzi8657]

Thumper