You might be surprised to know that rabbits are often ranked third in national pet popularity. But, sadly, they’re also the third most likely to be abandoned.

Because they’re so cute, bunnies are often an impulse buy. In part, that’s because some people mistakenly assume rabbits are huggable, low maintenance and short-lived. But none of that is true.

Rabbits can live 12 years or longer. They also require a fiber- and produce-rich diet and lots of exercise. Once outside the cage, rabbits need to learn how to use a latrine area. And huggable? Not so much. As prey animals, many rabbits fear being handled. What’s more, when their hormones start raging at 3 to 6 months of age, they can become downright aggressive.

Still, for the right people, rabbits make the perfect pet. You just need to do your homework first.