If you have a rabbit as a pet (especially a long-haired one, such as angoras), you can understand how difficult it is to get rid of knots. Read this article to learn how to prevent or eliminate knots and hairballs.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Method 1 of 2: Preventing knots and hairballs
Step 1. Brush your bunny's fur
What "brushing" entails depends on the breed of the rabbit. If he has short hair, you can rest easy: use a flea comb several times a week and a gentle brush daily to remove lost hair and prevent hairballs (more on that later). If, on the other hand, your pet is long-haired, know that you will need to take good care of it every day using the flea comb, a wide-toothed comb, a delicate brush and, possibly, specific tools to remove the hair tangles. Search the internet for pictures of these accessories to get an idea.
Step 2. Feed him a papaya bar or the woody center of a pineapple often to prevent hairballs (recommended every 2/3 days)
Rabbits can't throw up hairballs like cats do, so brush yours regularly to get rid of most of the dead hair before he can swallow it. Furthermore, if you feed him these two foods, the risk will be reduced to a minimum. The central part of the pineapple is also a great remedy for this problem.
Step 3. Let it do it by itself
Any rabbit owner will confirm that these animals are very clean, at least as clean as cats! Most rabbits pat one of their front paws before starting the toilet. When yours does, leave it alone: evidently he feels the need to clean himself! During this operation he will use his paws, already moistened, to rub his ears repeatedly. It is a way to clean them, but also to get the vitamin D that builds up on them. Doing so is vital for him, so try not to interrupt him.
Step 4. One option:
to shear the hair. In case your rabbit's fur is very long, cutting it will really help. Try to keep it about 3 cm long.
Part 2 of 2: Method 2 of 2: Eliminate knots and tangles
Step 1. Cut away the tangles
If the hair is very tangled, attempting to untangle it by hand could unnecessarily cause pain and stress to the pet. It is best to cut the fur directly with sharp scissors, but with a rounded tip. Read what follows if the damage is curbable and if you are determined to find an alternative.
Step 2. Sprinkle baby corn starch on top
It must be cornstarch, because talc wouldn't work. The cornstarch will act as a mild, non-toxic lubricant and will help untie knots making your job easier. This step is avoidable, but useful.
Step 3. Run your fingers between the rabbit's skin and the tangle and grab firmly
As with humans, this trick will greatly reduce the pain. Make sure you don't pull on the hair during this process.
Step 4. Untangle the knot by combing it
There are several ways to do this, and almost all of them are effective. Find one that satisfies you and puts your bunny at ease.
