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My rabbit's cage smells fishy. Is this normal? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered

Hi I was just curious why my rabbit's cage smelt a bit fishy both my parents noticed the smell and I was wondering wether it was normal?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2018

I have never heard anyone describe this type of smell before in reference to their rabbit's cage. The best I can tell you is to be sure to clean the cage frequently and be sure you are using an appropriate substrate. I suggest you use something like Carefresh.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Carefresh-29785-10ltr-Ultra/dp/B005AIPPVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518100256&sr=8-1&keywords=carefresh+animal+bedding

The smell could be his urine. If that is the case, it could be related to his diet. Be sure you are feeding him correctly and a good, high quality diet (like Oxbow). The majority of his diet should be hay.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxbow-Organic-Rabbit-Animal-Health/dp/B018OJ044U/ref=sr_1_10?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1518100407&sr=1-10&keywords=oxbow+rabbit

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Oxbow-Hay-Blends-2-55-kg/dp/B06XYCQ4JK/ref=sr_1_11?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1518100407&sr=1-11&keywords=oxbow+rabbit

Make sure he has plenty of fresh water available. If he is dehydrated the urine can get very concentrated causing a strong odor.

Monitor this smell going forward and if it persists then I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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