They may lose out on stature, but ‘pocket pets' still need as much love, care and attention as bigger animals such as cats and dogs.

Have the last spay

I received a rabbit as a gift and I'm wondering if I should have it desexed? It seems quite expensive.

Desexing is strongly recommended for female rabbits. Uterine cancer is seen in between 50 and 80 per cent of five-year-old female rabbits. Desexing your bunny also reduces aggression, helps with indoor house training and will mean that if you have more than one rabbit, they will be more likely to get along together.

As far as cost is concerned, rabbit surgery can be complicated. For example, a rabbit spay takes at least as much time and expertise as a cat spay - in fact, it's possibly a little more difficult.

Something to nibble on

I have a Netherland dwarf and a lop-eared bunny. I feed them pellets and apples but a friend has told me this is wrong. Is this true?

The best diet for all rabbit breeds is a combination of hay and vegetables. Some vets recommend no commercial pellets or mixes be fed, as these are very high in kilojoules and do not encourage chewing. Obesity is a major health problem in bunnies. This is what you should feed them:

Always offer grass hay without restriction. Oat, rye and meadow hay are best.

Sometimes offer strawberries apples, pears and mango, as well as edible flowers such as roses and pansies. These treats should be fed sparingly - about a teaspoon per kilo of your rabbit's body weight.

Never feed commercial pellets or treats, and avoid high-fat and starchy foods such as corn, bread, nuts, seeds, beans and peas. Don't feed them bananas and grapes because rabbits become addicted to them.

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