Miniature Cashmere Lop
Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Also called Cashmere Miniature
From United Kingdom, developed as a smaller version of the Cashmere Lop about a decade after the original.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, dense fur with strong guard hairs (not wool); compact, cobby body
A small, thickset lop with a bold, broad head and thick, well-furred ears with rounded tips. The coat is dense with longer, sturdy guard hairs, and a correct coat should never feel woolly or matted.3
Personality what they are like
A spirited little rabbit with plenty of character and a sweet, affectionate side. Like the larger Cashmere Lop it tends to be friendly and curious when handled gently from a young age.31
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily time out of its sleeping area in a safe, roomy space to run, hop and play.4
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A show-quality coat is fairly easy to keep, but many pet-line rabbits have woollier coats that need more frequent combing to avoid tangles. Check nails regularly.31
Home where they are happiest
Welfare guidance asks for a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high for a pair of medium rabbits, tall enough to stand up on the back legs and long enough to stretch out fully.4
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Unlimited hay or grass should form the bulk of the diet, with fresh water always available, plus some leafy greens and a small measured portion of pellets.4
Company who they like around
A sociable animal that should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people.4
The story where it all began
The Cashmere Lop appeared in the UK around 1980, and breeders then set about producing a smaller version. The Miniature Cashmere Lop emerged roughly ten years later and is recognised by the British Rabbit Council alongside the standard-sized breed.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised breed with its own standard.2
- West Australian Rabbit Council
- Breed standard published (maximum 1.60 kg).3
- ARBA
- Not recognised.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Miniature Cashmere Lop. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingLong wool mats quicklyevery day
- Wool trimevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Miniature Cashmere Lop?
Your Miniature Cashmere Lop needs unlimited hay or grass every day, as this should be the bulk of their diet. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily, and you can also offer a small measured portion of pellets and some leafy greens each day. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.46 Furry Diary plan
What should a Miniature Cashmere Lop eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Unlimited hay or grass is the main food, plus a small portion of pellets and a handful of safe leafy greens daily. Avoid dangerous foods like avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, muesli mixes, and iceberg lettuce, as these can harm your rabbit. Always provide fresh water.467
Should I bathe a Miniature Cashmere Lop?
Bathing is not recommended for rabbits, as it can cause stress and health issues. Instead, check the fur around the tail daily, especially in summer, and keep their living area clean. If your rabbit gets dirty, consult a vet for safe cleaning advice.4 Furry Diary plan
Does a Miniature Cashmere Lop need brushing?
Yes, daily brushing is important, especially for pet-line rabbits with woollier coats that can mat quickly. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every day to prevent tangles, and a wool trim every 8 weeks if needed. A show-quality coat is easier to maintain.31 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Miniature Cashmere Lop's nails and teeth?
Check nails regularly and trim them as needed, with Furry Diary's plan suggesting nail care every 6 weeks. Teeth never stop growing, so check them weekly and provide plenty of hay to help wear them down. For any issues, ask your vet for guidance.31 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Miniature Cashmere Lop need?
Your rabbit needs a combined shelter and exercise area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m high for a pair, with room to stand up and stretch out. Daily time out of the sleeping area for at least 4 hours of running, hopping, and playing is essential for their wellbeing.4 Furry Diary plan
Should a Miniature Cashmere Lop live alone or with friends?
This sociable rabbit should share its home with at least one compatible rabbit, plus regular gentle time with people. Living with a friend helps prevent loneliness and supports their natural social needs.4
How long does a Miniature Cashmere Lop live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and genetics, so it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for specific expectations. With proper diet, housing, and veterinary care, rabbits can live many happy years.
Is a Miniature Cashmere Lop a good pet for children?
Yes, this breed is friendly and curious when handled gently from a young age, making it a good fit for calm, supervised children. Always teach kids to handle the rabbit with care and respect to build a positive bond.31
How do I hold a Miniature Cashmere Lop?
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never pick them up by the ears or scruff. Hold them close to your body to help them feel safe, and always be gentle and calm. For detailed handling tips, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- PetGuide: Cashmere Lop petguide.comused for history, ARBA status, colours
- Cashmere Lop (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for BRC recognition of the miniature
- West Australian Rabbit Council: Breed Information warci.com.auused for weight, type, coat, temperament, grooming
- RSPCA: Rabbit environment rspca.org.ukused for space, diet, companionship
- Fur & Feather: Cashmere Lop furandfeather.co.ukused for name origin
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.