The mystery of why cats hate cucumbers is normally explained by the natural fear cats have towards snakes. To a feline’s eyes a cucumber can look similar enough to the pesky reptile to elicit their fear response and make them jump a few feet in the air to avoid being bitten.
Why are cats scared of cucumbers?
Cats are predators, but theyre also prey. Although theyre domesticated, they have a deep instinct to always be on the lookout for danger, especially other animals that might want to make them lunch.
Most cat-cucumber videos involve someone putting a cucumber somewhere a cat would not expect it, like next to their water bowl or in a doorway. That triggers a cats fear-defense instincts. This is similar to the human fight or flight response.
Actually, the cats’ reaction is unrelated to the cucumber at all.
Joey Lusvardi, a cat behavior consultant, says humans and other animals would likely have a similar response.
“You’re probably going to be startled and confused if you’re digging around in your fridge for something and then turn around to find a box sitting on the ground behind you that wasn’t there before,” he says. “The box itself probably isn’t scary, but that isn’t how things normally work.” ” Advertisement.
Why Are Cats Scared of Cucumbers?
A cat jumping at the sight of a cucumber may seem like strange behavior, similar to the cat quirk of sitting on the floor in a “box” made out of tape, but this response is based on instinct. In order to pull off this cucumber prank, you must quietly place the cucumber just out of the cat’s line of sight. The sudden appearance of an object that wasn’t there before may startle the cat when it turns to see what its human is doing.
As the American Association of Feline Practitioners, explains, cats have such a superior sense of smell (and hearing) that “stress can occur due to strong or strange smells or sounds.” Unless a cat spends a fair amount of time around produce, they are going to be on high alert when confronted with the strange smell of a cucumber. A cat may also get spooked at the sight of a cucumber for any of the following reasons.
The anxiety caused by the presence of a cucumber is compounded by the fact that this prank typically is pulled while a cat is eating. As many cat parents know, their fur babys feeding area is sacred ground. Cats are hard-wired to be very territorial of their food, and for all they know, this cucumber may be poised to steal some kibble. A cat sees that cucumber is a threat, and when confronted with a “threatening situation,” explain PAWS Chicago, cats respond with fear and anxiety. This instinctive reaction is visible when a cat is surprised by a cucumber: jumping up or, conversely, freezing in place; fur standing up; yelping and so on.
Although domestic cats are still more predator than prey, there are a few hunters that prey on cats, including coyotes, birds of prey and snakes. Some experts theorize that cats associate the shape of a cucumber with that of a snake; however, not all agree with this theory. Not only do cats sometimes hunt snakes, says Dr. Pamela Perry, a behavioral specialist at Cornell Feline Health Center, but depending on their personality, some cats are more easily frightened: “It might be the fearful ones who are most likely to react to the appearance of a strange object behind them that was not there a minute earlier.” Dr. Perry cautions that with consistent teasing, a cat will associate fear with the human playing the prank, not just the cucumber.
Find food that fits your pet’s needs
It’s safe to say that, at best, relationships between cats and cucumbers are shaky. Here’s a closer look at cats and cucumbers: Why cukes make cats crazy, and is it safe to startle your feline friend with them? Countless videos show cats jumping at the sight of them, but why are cats afraid of them?
FAQ
Why are cats afraid of cucumber?
Is it ethical to scare cats with cucumbers?
What are cats afraid of the most?
What does a cucumber do to a cat?