There’s a reason why cats are afraid of the green fruit—and why you shouldn’t try to give one to your pet.
Cats are enigmatic creatures.
If you have a cat, you’ve probably wondered why it purrs, dislikes water, loves boxes, and kneads your lap. But the oddest cat behavior has pet parents wondering why cats are afraid of cucumbers.
Cucumbers terrify cats, so why are they so afraid of them?
Experts have a few suggestions as to why cucumbers frighten cats, but there is no conclusive solution as of yet.
Most people say that cats are afraid of cucumbers because of what they represent or how they “magically” appear.
Cucumbers are said to remind cats of snakes, which is one of the most prevalent explanations.
“Some people think cucumbers resemble a snake, which is a predator that has been known to attack and even consume cats,” says Claudine Sievert, DVM, a veterinarian in Kansas.
“When cats see an extended green object, they mistake it for a snake and flee.”
Another theory is that the cat is scared by the cucumber’s quick presence. This is similar to creeping up behind someone and shocking them.
“When they turn around and see a cucumber there, they leap and become terrified,” Dr. Sievert explains. “If you’ve ever seen your cat, you’ll know that he’s aware of everything around him and will respond to anything that moves suddenly or unexpectedly.
“His eyes will expand and his entire body will become hyper-vigilant.”
Here’s why you shouldn’t use cucumbers to scare cats.
Although films of cats becoming terrified of cucumbers and other fruits are amusing, experts advise against performing any such pranks with your pet at home. This is harmful to their health.
“In terms of the ethical issue, the people who are putting these films out are purposefully scaring an unknowing animal,” says Gary Richter, DVM, a Rover veterinarian health specialist.
“Unlike a person who understands what has happened and can maybe laugh about it afterwards, the cat remains in the dark.
” They have no idea what just transpired, and they are likely to experience considerable stress and behavioral changes as a result.
Every day, veterinarians meet a lot of animals with behavioral issues caused by traumatic incidents.”
