It's no secret that cats and cucumbers share a rather delicate relationship. Countless videos show cats jumping at the sight of these green veggies, but why are cats scared of cucumbers? Here's a closer look at cats and cucumbers: Why cukes make cats crazy, and whether it's safe to startle your feline friend with them.
Why Are Cats Scared of Cucumbers?
Cats vs. cucumbers. What's the deal? Much like the cat quirk of sitting on the floor in a "box" made out of tape, a cat jumping at the sight of a cucumber may seem like unusual behavior, but this response is based on instinct. If you're hoping to try this cucumber prank, keep in mind that it relies on the quiet placement of the cucumber just out of the cat's view. Once the cat turns to see what their human is doing, the cat may become startled by the unexpected presence of a green intruder that wasn't there before.
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 a fear of cucumbers for any of the following reasons.
The Intruder Factor
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 baby's feeding area is sacred ground. Cats are hard-wired to be very territorial about their food, and for all they know, this cucumber may be a sneaky thief out to steal their kibble. A cat sees that cucumber as a threat, and when confronted with a "threatening situation," explains 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.
Fear of Snakes
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 a resemblance of snakes; 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 personalites 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.
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."
Is It Safe to Scare My Cat with a Cucumber?
It's entertaining to watch cats perform antics like cat zoomies, around the house or in videos, but scaring your kitty for cucumber prank entertainment value isn't fun for them. Startling your feline friend with a cucumber can lead to undue stress and anxiety, signs of which include trembling and aggression. Cats that experience chronic stress can have medical issues associated with stress including urinary, GI, and grooming conditions. Cats that feel stressed or threatened will look for an escape route, which can lead to physical injury as they are jumping, leaping or running away.