Table of contents
The source of the odor from rabbits and monkeys
Factors influencing the odor of rabbits and monkeys
The diet and odor of rabbits and monkeys
Habits and body odor of rabbits and monkeys
Health problems and body odor in rabbits and monkeys
A comparison table of the smells of rabbits and monkeys.
Summarize
1. The source of the odor from rabbits and monkeys

We often hear that "rabbits smell a bit bad" or "monkeys smell very strong," but the sources of the odor in these two animals are actually different.
Rabbits (Bunny) : The main sources of a rabbit's odor are its anal glands and urine . Their anal glands secrete a special substance used to mark territory or as a social signal. If rabbits are not cleaned regularly, or if they are sick, their odor may be more pronounced. In addition, rabbit urine contains a high level of ammonia, especially in male rabbits, whose urine has a particularly strong odor.
Monkeys : The sources of a monkey's odor are more complex, often determined by both secretory glands and their diet . Monkeys frequently use these odors to communicate, such as marking territory, attracting mates, or warning other monkeys. In many monkey populations, odor is also used as a communication tool.
2. Factors influencing the odor of rabbits and monkeys
The intensity of the odor in rabbits and monkeys is closely related to their lifestyle , diet , and other factors.
Rabbits : If a rabbit's burrow is unclean, or its diet contains too much protein (such as too many vegetables), its urine will have a stronger odor. In addition, rabbits may sometimes develop a stronger body odor due to stress responses (such as fright or relocation).
Monkeys : A monkey's body odor is often closely related to its group lifestyle . Monkeys are highly social animals, and mutual grooming and the exchange of body odor are very important when living in groups. For example, male monkeys typically secrete more hormones to attract females, especially during the breeding season, when their body odor is even stronger.
3. The diet and odor of rabbits and monkeys
Diet directly affects an animal's body odor ; whether it's a rabbit or a monkey, their diet is linked to their body odor.
Rabbits : A rabbit's diet mainly consists of high-fiber hay and vegetables. While these foods themselves don't produce a strong odor, if a rabbit eats too much moist food or too much protein, the smell of its urine and feces will intensify. Rabbit feces also emit a distinctive odor, especially if the rabbit has an upset stomach, the smell will be even stronger.
Monkeys : Monkeys have a diverse diet, including fruits, insects, and even small vertebrates . Different foods affect a monkey's body odor, especially the fermented smell of fruit and the digestion of meat, which can result in a strong odor. The body odor is particularly noticeable when monkeys eat carrion or fermented fruit .
4. Habits and body odor of rabbits and monkeys
The lifestyles of rabbits and monkeys have a significant impact on their body odor, especially in terms of social and hygiene habits .
Rabbits : Rabbits typically groom themselves, but if their anal gland secretions aren't cleaned regularly, they can create an unpleasant odor. If a rabbit's living environment is unclean, the smell will spread quickly. Therefore, regularly cleaning the rabbit's living area is key to reducing odor.
Monkeys : Monkeys are social animals, and mutual grooming and social interaction within the group are very important. Monkeys communicate through body odor ; therefore, a monkey's body odor is sometimes a natural consequence of living in a group. The axillary and posterior glands of monkeys secrete special substances to attract mates or warn intruders.
5. Health problems and body odor in rabbits and monkeys
Changes in body odor can sometimes reflect an animal's health condition. If a rabbit or monkey has health problems, it is often accompanied by changes in body odor.
Rabbits : If a rabbit's body odor suddenly intensifies, it may be due to a urinary tract infection , gastrointestinal discomfort , or anal gland problems . This odor is usually quite pungent and has a putrid smell.
Monkeys : Abnormal body odor in monkeys may be due to hormonal imbalances, dietary problems, or skin infections. Monkeys are also prone to having excessive body odor , especially during estrus or when they are sick.
6. Comparison table of the odor of rabbits and monkeys
| feature | rabbit | monkey |
|---|---|---|
| Odor intensity | Moderate, occasionally heavy | Strong, especially males during the breeding season |
| Source of odor | Anal glands, urine, diet | Endocrine glands, diet, environment |
| The effect of diet on odor | A high-fiber diet tends to produce a fresher smell, while excessive protein intake or an unclean environment may worsen the odor. | Fruits, meats, and other foods can make body odor stronger. |
| The relationship between social interaction and body odor | Primarily focused on self-cleaning, they rely less on scent communication during social interactions. | Highly social, scents are used within groups to mark territory and attract mates. |
| Health-related changes in body odor | It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, gastrointestinal discomfort, or anal gland problems. | Changes in body odor caused by hormonal imbalances, skin problems, or infections |
| life | 8-12 years (lifespan varies depending on the variety) | 10-20 years (lifespan varies depending on the variety) |
7. Summary
While both rabbits and monkeys can have unpleasant body odors, the sources, intensity, and influencing factors of their smells differ significantly. A rabbit's odor is typically related to its anal gland secretions and urine, while a monkey's odor is more closely linked to its social behavior, diet, and hormone levels. If you are keeping rabbits or monkeys, maintaining a clean living environment and paying attention to their diet and health can effectively reduce their odor.
This article should help you better understand the differences in body odor between rabbits and monkeys, and allow you to take appropriate measures to keep them healthier and cleaner.