This is Cosmo, my little cherub! He is a lionhead dwarf, 2 years and 3 months old. He has lived indoors from the day he came home to my little adobe at 8 weeks old. I have had two rabbits previously, both outdoor, and I can honestly say my biggest regret is that they were not all indoor rabbits. It is a wonderful experience having him around all the time. Most times he drives me crazy, but in a funny way. He sits at the kitchen door when I cook, at my feet when I'm washing my hair and on the sofa with Willow, my dog, and me watching TV. He follows me everywhere, getting under my feet - so soft slippers are a must - he has travelled for free to Timbuktu a few times with me joining him on occasion! He's mischievous, intelligent and loves trying to beat me to the top of the stairs!

Rabbits started to become known for their beautiful natures around 19th century, some calling them 'sweethearts'. Beatrix Potter was a huge influence to me as a child, though everyone else thought it unconventional to have a rabbit indoors at the time. Thankfully, times have moved on with America leading the way in 1988 with the House Rabbit Society and the Rabbit Welfare Association being formed in 1996 in the UK. It makes a huge difference having these resources, rabbits are hard work, like all animal companions, none should be selected as a supposed easy option, there is no such thing.

Rabbits love human company though few, including Cosmo, like to be picked up. He would tolerate it, I’m sure, but because they are prey animals he hates being towered over and confined, he'll dance round my feet every morning, or when I've been out for a bit, but getting down to his level and allowing him to come to me is preferable. They aren't for the house proud, but then if you're that picky then no animal should be considered. He is clean on the whole, while kicking up his carefresh every time he leaves the tray is one of those things. Being indoors he gets far more exercise, he is less stressed and enjoys various stimuli. Compared to being outside he is noticed more and so therefore gets more attention. It has been noted that hutch rabbits are more likely to die with supposedly no warning than a house rabbit. This I can understand as I notice if his health has altered, which with nasal cavity problems is useful to know, the vet does not know what is causing it after trying various things, but I shall cover rabbit health issues another time.

I personally do not think children should have rabbits until at least after the age of 10 when they understand a bit more about responsibility, there is a huge overflow of abandoned rabbits because parents don't realise what they have got themselves in to. Because they are often kept outside neither child nor parent wants to go out and look after the rabbit in dire weather, and if indoors they realise they don't have the time to clean up and keep it company - Cosmo loves me being around, he back rolls and dances round the room, they need contact and will become depressed if left alone for prolonged periods of time.

Some issues that are worth considering if you want a house rabbit are:

1. Safety. Bunny-proof your home, Cosmo loved wires. Thankfully this stopped after a year old and he was never destructive with anything else. But I could have saved myself a lot of rewiring if I had used cable wrap or plastic tubing.
2. Initially it is well worth getting your rabbit established in his own territory for about a week. Keeping in mind that what you adopt as a baby may not be adequate as an adult. My mum originally purchased a wire cage which I soon realised didn't give him any privacy and as he grew the cardboard tubing was overtaking the cage. For a long while he didn't have anything as he took root under a chair, but I recently made him a two-storey house which he loves! Rabbits love being up high so when I am cleaning he goes in there.

Food is a big issue for rabbits. Changing dry food rapidly really causes problems for their delicate digestive systems, so make sure you stick to the same supplier or gradually introduce the new food over a couple of weeks. In the way of fresh food, which should be every day Cosmo loves wild rocket, watercress, carrots, romaine lettuce and anything dark leafed as the light-coloured leaf causes stomach upsets. He also loves radish leaves and treats of pineapple chunks which I hope is true in the sense that it helps with fur balls forming. I also give him western timothy hay as that is pretty much dust free and he also likes ready grass and oat hay.

Pet Insurance is more money for rabbits, I guess because they are more specialised. PetPlan is £11.10 a month for Cosmo yet £9.90 for Willow! Rabbits certainly aren’t the cheaper option health care wise, they are likely to cost on par with a cat. But they are well worth it, Cosmo has the loveliest nature and I just adore him.