Furry Diary

Satin Angora

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Recognised breedShort profile

From Canada: developed in Holland Landing, Ontario, by Mrs Meyer (named Leopoldina Meyer by PetGuide), who crossed a French Angora with a Satin rabbit; dated to the late 1970s by Wikipedia and to the 1980s by PetGuide.12

At a glance the quick version

Weight2.9 to 4.5 kg341
Lifespan7 to 12 years12
Sizemedium

NARBC senior range 6.5-10 lb (about 2.9-4.5 kg), ideal 8 lb (about 3.6 kg); ARBA breed page gives a 9.5 lb (about 4.3 kg) maximum; Wikipedia gives 3.0-4.5 kg.

Only Angora with a natural sheen
Friendly and curious
Very fine, silky wool
324

Coat and looks how to spot one

fine, lustrous satin wool

A medium-length, well-filled body with a slight taper from hips to shoulders and an oval head. There is no wool on the face, ears or feet, and the ears carry at most a small tuft at the tips. The wool is the finest of the Angoras: each hair has a thinner, semi-transparent shaft that catches the light, so the whole coat shines and colours look deep and rich. It feels very soft and slippery.31

ColoursWhiteBrokenColoured (e.g. chestnut, chocolate, copper, lynx, opal, squirrel)SelfShadedTortoiseshellTickedWide Band1

Personality what they are like

A curious, friendly and sociable rabbit that tends to enjoy attention from people. Generally docile and easy to handle during coat care.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Benefits from daily exercise time outside its enclosure in a safe, clean area.25

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Its soft, slippery wool has fewer guard hairs and mats more readily, so comb it often (daily combing is advised by Wikipedia, at least 1-2 brushings a week by PetGuide). It is easier to keep than an English Angora but takes more work than a French or Giant. Wool is harvested by clipping or plucking every 3-4 months.12

Home where they are happiest

Needs a roomy enclosure sheltered from draughts and strong heat, with enough height to stand up and room to hop, plus wood or other safe items to gnaw.26

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Plenty of good grass hay should form the bulk of the diet (breed guides suggest about 70%), with fresh water always available, a daily helping of leafy greens and a measured portion of quality pellets.25

Company who they like around

Rabbits are social animals and do best living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with their people.52

The story where it all began

The breed was created in Ontario, Canada, by Mrs Meyer, who bred a French Angora with a Satin rabbit to combine Angora wool with the satin coat's lustre. ARBA recognised the Satin Angora in 1987.124

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is the only Angora breed whose wool has a natural shine, thanks to the satin gene.3

  2. 2

    Its wool is said to be stronger for spinning than other Angora wools, though its slippery feel makes it trickier to spin.1

  3. 3

    In the show standard, the Satin Angora carries more points for its wool than any other Angora breed.3

  4. 4

    ARBA describes its silky wool as among the most valued of all wool types.4

Recognised by the official bits

ARBA
Recognised in 1987; commercial type; maximum weight 9.5 lb. Wool with a distinct sheen is the hallmark of the breed.4
ARBA
Colour groups include White, Broken, Coloured (agouti-type shades), Self, Shaded, Tortoiseshell, Ticked and Wide Band.1
National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club
Senior weight 6.5-10 lb, ideal 8 lb; carries the most wool points of all Angora breeds (density, texture, sheen, length).3

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Satin Angora. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Tell me when it launches

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Satin Angora?

Feed your Satin Angora unlimited fresh grass hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a measured amount of quality pellets. Fresh water must always be available. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.257 Furry Diary plan

What should a Satin Angora eat, and which foods are dangerous?

The diet should be mostly grass hay, with daily leafy greens and a small portion of pellets. Avoid avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, muesli mixes, iceberg lettuce, and any processed human food. Always provide fresh water.2578

Should I bathe a Satin Angora?

Bathing is generally not recommended for rabbits as it can cause stress and health issues. Instead, keep your Satin Angora clean by regular brushing and spot-cleaning the fur around the tail. If you have concerns, ask your vet.21 Furry Diary plan

Does a Satin Angora need brushing?

Yes, daily brushing is advised because the fine, slippery wool mats quickly. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every day and trimming the wool every 8 weeks. Regular grooming keeps your rabbit comfortable and healthy.21 Furry Diary plan

How do I look after a Satin Angora's nails and teeth?

Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing, and trim nails about every 6 weeks. Provide safe wood items to gnaw on to help wear down teeth. For nail trimming, ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance.26 Furry Diary plan

How much space and exercise does a Satin Angora need?

Provide a roomy enclosure with space to hop and stand up, plus at least 4 hours of daily exercise in a safe, clean area. Furry Diary's plan includes daily free-roam time. A sheltered spot away from draughts and heat is important.256 Furry Diary plan

Should a Satin Angora live alone or with friends?

Rabbits are social animals, so your Satin Angora will be happiest with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with you. Always introduce new rabbits slowly and neuter them to prevent fighting.25

How long does a Satin Angora live?

With good care, a Satin Angora can live between 7 and 12 years. Regular vet check-ups and a proper diet help ensure a long, healthy life.21

Is a Satin Angora a good pet for children?

Satin Angoras are generally docile and enjoy attention, making them suitable for calm, supervised interactions with children. However, children should be taught to handle them gently and respect their needs. Always supervise young children.2

How do I hold a Satin Angora?

Support your rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never lift by the ears or scruff. Hold them close to your body to make them feel safe. For detailed handling tips, ask your vet or a good breeder.25

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.

  1. Angora rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, varieties, lifespan, grooming, facts
  2. Satin Angora Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for temperament, grooming, care, origin detail
  3. Satin Angora Rabbits - National Angora Rabbit Breeders Club nationalangorarabbitbreeders.comused for body type, wool, weights, judging
  4. Satin Angora - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for recognition year, max weight, wool
  5. Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general diet and social care
  6. Rabbit environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for housing space
  7. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.