Ever since that catchy Norwegian pop song went viral years ago, everyone has been obsessed with what the fox says. But honestly? The fox is loud. The rabbit is a secret. People think rabbits are silent, like little fluffy statues that just twitch their noses and eat your expensive baseboards. They aren't. If you’ve ever lived with one, you know the "silent" reputation is a total lie. So, what does the rabbit say when no one is looking? It turns out they have a whole vocabulary of thumps, honks, and grinds that most people completely ignore.
Rabbits don't have vocal cords like we do. They can't bark or meow. Because they are prey animals, being loud is basically a death wish in the wild. If you scream, the hawk finds you. Evolution taught them to keep their mouths shut, but their bodies and their throats still find ways to communicate deep emotion to those who know how to listen.
The Secret Language of Honks and Oinks
You might hear a soft, rhythmic sound when a rabbit is excited. It sounds like a tiny, muffled honk. Or maybe a piglet's oink. This is usually the "I’m in love" or "I’m about to get a banana" sound. It’s a sign of pure, unadulterated joy.
Domestic rabbits, especially breeds like the Holland Lop or the Netherland Dwarf, are famous for this. When they circle your feet, making that umph-umph-umph noise, they aren't just being weird. They are courting you. Or at least, they really like your socks. It’s a low-frequency vibration that you can sometimes feel more than you can hear.
Compare that to the "hiss." Yes, rabbits hiss. It’s rare, but it’s a warning. If you hear a sharp intake of air or a soft blowing sound, back off. You’ve offended them. Maybe you touched their favorite box. Maybe you’re just in their way. Either way, the hiss is the precursor to the "boxing" stance, where they stand on their hind legs and prepare to swap some paws with you.
The Tooth Purr vs. The Tooth Grind
This is where things get tricky for new owners. Rabbits "purr," but they don't do it with their throats. They lightly chitter their teeth together. It’s called a tooth purr.
If you’re petting a rabbit and you feel their jaw vibrating softly, congratulations. You’ve hit the spot. They are incredibly relaxed. However, there is a dark twin to this sound: the loud tooth grind.
A loud, harsh grinding sound—where you can actually see the jaw muscles straining—is a signal of intense physical pain. Experts like those at the House Rabbit Society often warn that if a rabbit is sitting hunched up and grinding their teeth loudly, it’s an emergency. It’s often a sign of GI stasis or dental issues. Knowing the difference between a soft happy chitter and a loud painful grind is literally the difference between a happy pet and a trip to the emergency vet at 3 AM.
When the Rabbit Thumps: The Alarm System
The thump is the most iconic thing a rabbit "says." It’s a heavy hit of the back leg against the ground. Thwack. In the wild, this is a telegraph system. One rabbit sees a coyote, thumps the ground, and the vibration travels through the earth to the rest of the warren. In your living room, the "coyote" is usually the vacuum cleaner or a slightly suspicious-looking paper bag.
Sometimes, though, they thump just because they’re annoyed. You didn't give them a treat? Thump. You moved their litter box two inches to the left? Thump. It’s a protest. It’s the rabbit equivalent of slamming a door and retreating to your bedroom to pout.
The Scream You Never Want to Hear
There is one sound that breaks the heart of anyone who hears it. It’s a high-pitched, piercing scream.
Rabbits only scream when they believe they are dying. It’s a final, desperate vocalization used when a predator has caught them or when they are in extreme, terminal distress. If you’ve heard it, you know it sounds eerily human. It is the one time a rabbit truly "speaks" with volume, and it’s always a tragedy. Thankfully, most domestic rabbits will go their entire lives without ever making this sound.
Body Language is the Real Conversation
Since vocalizations are limited, rabbits speak mostly through movement. You have to watch the ears. The tail. The whiskers.
- The Binky: This is a wordless shout of happiness. The rabbit leaps into the air, twists its body, and flicks its feet. It’s pure, chaotic energy. If your rabbit binkies, you’re doing something right.
- The Flop: This looks terrifying the first time you see it. The rabbit is standing there, and then suddenly, they throw themselves onto their side as if they’ve been shot. This is the ultimate sign of trust. They are saying, "I feel so safe here that I am going to expose my most vulnerable parts and take a nap."
- The Nose Twitch: A fast twitch means curiosity or agitation. A slow twitch means they’re chilling out. If the nose stops moving entirely? They are deep in thought or very, very focused on something (usually a smell).
- Chin Rubbing: They have scent glands under their chins. When they rub their chin on your phone, your shoes, or the corner of the wall, they are "chinning." They are saying, "I own this." You are now officially rabbit property.
Understanding the "Why" Behind the Noise
Why does it matter what does the rabbit say? Because rabbits are masters of disguise. As prey animals, they hide illness and fear until it’s almost too late.
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If you learn the subtle honks and the different vibrations of their teeth, you start to see a personality that is just as complex as a dog’s or a cat’s. They aren't just "starter pets" for kids. They are opinionated, moody, hilarious little roommates who have a lot to say, even if they don't use words.
Think about the context. A rabbit honking while running in circles is happy. A rabbit honking while biting your shoe is telling you to move. It’s all about the environment.
Common Misconceptions About Rabbit "Speech"
- They growl? Yes. A rabbit growl sounds like a low, guttural vibration. It usually means they are territorial. Don't reach into their cage if they’re growling; you're going to get nipped.
- They sneeze? Sometimes, but if it happens a lot, it’s "the snuffles" (Pasteurella), which is a serious respiratory infection.
- They sigh? Surprisingly, yes. A rabbit will often let out a big puff of air when they finally settle down to sleep. It’s a sign of contentment, much like a human sighing after a long day.
How to Listen Better
If you want to understand your rabbit, get down on their level. Literally. Lie on the floor.
When you are six feet tall, you are a titan. When you are on the carpet, you’re a friend. You’ll start to hear the little mouth smacks as they groom themselves. You’ll hear the tiny "oomphs" they make when they jump onto the couch.
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Pay attention to the ears. Forward ears mean they’re listening to you. Ears pinned back flat against the spine? That’s anger or extreme fear. One ear up and one ear down? They’re undecided. They’re multitasking.
Actionable Steps for Rabbit Communication
- Audit the tooth clicking: Next time you pet your rabbit, put your hand near their cheek. If it’s a gentle vibration, keep going. If it’s a hard, rhythmic clack, stop and check their body for tension or signs of bloating.
- Identify the "Thump" triggers: Start a mental log of what makes your rabbit thump. Is it a specific person? A specific sound? Helping them feel secure by removing those stressors will lead to a much quieter, happier bunny.
- Respect the "No": If your rabbit grunts or lunges, they are communicating a boundary. Respecting that "vocalized" boundary builds more trust than forcing an interaction.
- Watch for the "Zoomies": If the rabbit is running laps but staying silent, they are exercising. If they are honking while doing it, they are playing. Join in by gently tapping the floor or offering a willow ball to toss.
- Check the chinning: If your rabbit stops chinning their usual spots, they might be feeling insecure or unwell. A social rabbit is a healthy rabbit.
Rabbits don't need a hit song to explain their language. They’ve been telling us exactly how they feel for thousands of years; we just had to be quiet enough to hear the honk.