What modern perception creates a powerful psychological block against eating rabbit meat in contemporary society?

The animal's status as a beloved companion animal frequently kept indoors.

A primary deterrent to consuming rabbit meat stems directly from its elevated status in contemporary Western culture as a companion animal. Many individuals form strong emotional bonds with rabbits kept as pets, similar to the affection shown toward dogs or cats. This deep sentimental connection establishes a significant psychological barrier; once an animal transitions into the role of a family member residing in the living room, the pathway for that animal to be viewed as a viable food source becomes obstructed by this strong emotional dissonance. This contrasts sharply with animals raised strictly for consumption, where a clearer distinction between pet and food is maintained or where the animal is not integrated intimately into daily family life.