A surprising shift in Australian pet ownership is underway, with traditional backyard hutches making way for couch space as rabbits become the new favorite companions. Data reveals a growing trend where families are bypassing dogs and cats in favor of these clever, low-maintenance animals.
Rise of the Fluffle Folk
A study by Life360 involving 2000 Australian pet parents shows rabbits are fast emerging as a popular choice. An overwhelming 87.5 percent of rabbit owners consider their pet a "child," while 69 percent prioritize spending time, money, and love on their rabbit over planning for human children. Rabbit owners are also more likely to buy birthday presents and alter travel plans compared to dog and cat owners. This subculture has even coined its own term: "fluffle folk."
Meet Dobby: A Devoted Companion
Mia Paris, 26, from Sydney, is a proud member of the fluffle folk. She and her fiancé Zac welcomed Dobby, a one-and-a-half-year-old Netherlands Mini Lop rabbit weighing under two kilograms. "Sometimes I stare at him, and I'm like, 'God, I love you so much. I didn't realise I could love a pet so much,'" she said. Dobby has free run of the home, even when the couple is at work. He wakes them each morning by jumping on them and licking their faces, and sleeps up to eight hours at a time. "He likes to hang out by himself. He either sits on the bed or under the bed, usually," Ms Paris added.
Low Maintenance and Mess-Free
Rabbit ownership offers convenience and cleanliness. Dobby is litter-trained, and any droppings are easy to clean without staining. "He's super easy. He's very low-maintenance, and his food's not gross. It doesn't stink," Ms Paris explained. Costs are minimal, with pellets, hay, and common vegetables like carrots and lettuce forming the diet. Dobby also enjoys outdoor time, eating flowers and plants. He gets along well with children and even the family's Pomeranian cross dog, often napping together.
One Key Risk: Virus Control
Despite the benefits, there is a significant risk. Each year, the government releases viruses to control wild rabbit populations, as they are considered environmental pests. "If he got out or if he got to the bushes or a park, he could die from the virus. But we got him vaccinated," Ms Paris revealed. She uses Life360 to track Dobby in case he ever escapes. Despite this, she believes more Australians will fall in love with rabbits. "I love him. He's so cute, and he's just cuter than any other animal on earth," she said.
