The answer to whether a cat and a rabbit can mate and produce offspring is definitively no. Domestic cats (Felis catus) and domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) belong to entirely separate biological Orders: Carnivora and Lagomorpha. This fundamental evolutionary separation makes any successful hybridization biologically impossible, and the persistent rumors of “cabbits” are not supported by scientific evidence.
The Genetic Impossibility of Hybridization
The scientific barrier to interspecies reproduction is rooted in the vast differences in genetic makeup, known as the species barrier. This barrier is insurmountable because successful reproduction almost exclusively occurs between animals within the same genus or family, such as a lion and a tiger.
The most straightforward marker of incompatibility is the difference in chromosome numbers. Domestic cats possess 38 chromosomes, arranged in 19 pairs. Conversely, the domestic rabbit has 44 chromosomes. This disparity means the genetic material in the egg and sperm cannot align properly during fertilization.
Even if physical mating occurred, the cat’s sperm and the rabbit’s egg would be genetically incompatible. The specialized reproductive cells, or gametes, must precisely match to fuse and begin cell division. The resulting genetic mismatch would prevent the formation of a viable zygote, causing the fertilized cell to fail within the initial stages of development.
Behaviors Mistaken for Mating
The question of interspecies mating often arises from owners observing seemingly reproductive behavior, most commonly mounting or “humping.” This action is not necessarily sexual, but rather a common way for both male and female rabbits to establish a social hierarchy.
Mounting is a clear expression of dominance, used to communicate social rank. Rabbits use this behavior to establish who is the “boss” within a group, and it is observed equally in neutered and unneutered individuals. This behavior is a non-sexual assertion of control rather than an attempt at reproduction.
Unneutered animals may also display these behaviors due to strong hormonal drives, directing this generalized action toward inappropriate targets like a cat, a human’s leg, or a toy. These observed interactions do not overcome the profound genetic roadblocks that prevent a successful pregnancy.
Can Cats and Rabbits Cohabitate Safely?
While the genetic question is easily answered, cohabitation presents significant safety concerns for pet owners. Cats are natural predators, and rabbits are prey animals. This inherent predator-prey dynamic creates a constant source of stress for the rabbit, even if the cat appears friendly.
Beyond the risk of a predatory attack, a major concern is the transmission of the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. This bacterium is part of the normal oral flora in many cats and is harmless to them. However, if a cat’s scratch or bite breaks the rabbit’s skin, the bacteria can be introduced, leading to a severe and often fatal infection known as septic pasteurellosis, commonly called “snuffles.”
Rabbits are highly susceptible to this bacterial infection, meaning even a minor, playful nip or scratch from a cat can be deadly. Therefore, safety requires constant supervision and, ideally, separate living spaces for both animals. Owners should prioritize mitigating the chronic stress and infectious disease risk that comes with living in close proximity to a natural predator.