can cats and rabbits breed

No, cats and rabbits cannot breed. This is a common myth, often fueled by unusual pet behaviors or viral stories, but biology firmly rules it out.
Why It's Biologically Impossible
Cats (Felis catus) and rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) belong to different families—Felidae (cats) and Leporidae (rabbits)—with incompatible genetics and anatomy. Cats have 38 chromosomes (19 pairs), while rabbits have 44 (22 pairs), preventing sperm from fertilizing eggs or embryos from developing. Even if mating attempts occurred, mismatched gestation periods (cats: ~65 days; rabbits: ~30 days) and reproductive structures make fertilization impossible.
- Genetic barriers : Chromosome mismatch halts cell division in any potential zygote.
- Anatomical differences : Cats' barbed penises and rabbits' unique reproductive tracts don't align.
- Behavioral mismatch : Cats hunt rabbits instinctively, not mate with them.
Origins of the "Cabbit" Myth
The idea of "cabbits" (cat-rabbit hybrids) persists from hoaxes, misidentified kittens with rabbit-like traits (e.g., short tails, long hind legs from mutations), or overzealous pet owners. Forums like Reddit dismiss it outright, with users calling out TikTok misinformation: "It’d just be a cat or a rabbit—no hybrid possible!" No credible scientific evidence or verified hybrids exist as of 2026.
"You can't get crossbreeds from cats and rabbits because they are unrelated and are genetically very different... A cat is a carnivore... a rabbit is a herbivore."
Latest Trends and Discussions
In early 2026, searches for "can cats and rabbits breed" spiked on forums, tied to viral pet videos, but experts reiterate the impossibility. No new breakthroughs or "rare cases" have emerged—claims of male rabbits impregnating female cats (e.g., from older sites) lack proof and contradict chromosome science.
Keeping Cats and Rabbits Together Safely
While breeding isn't a risk, cohabitation requires caution. With slow introductions, supervision, and training, many live harmoniously—rabbits can even "boss" cats around.
- Start supervised : Short, positive sessions in neutral spaces.
- Monitor instincts : Cats may chase; provide escape routes for rabbits.
- Health check : Ensure vaccinations; watch for stress or aggression.
TL;DR: Cats and rabbits can't breed due to fundamental genetic and biological differences—no hybrids possible, just myths and safe companionship potential. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.