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Chances are high that you’ve seen viral videos of cats reacting in sometimes dramatic ways to the sudden appearance of a cucumber near them. The cats almost always leap into the air in fright, making for a hilarious but somewhat cruel prank. These videos are all over the internet, and it seems that almost all cats have the same reaction to this benign fruit. But the question remains: Why?
In this article, we look at the most likely reason why cats are scared of cucumbers, as well as myths surrounding this topic and why you shouldn’t try this popular prank at home on your unsuspecting feline (no matter how strong the temptation is!).
Myths and Reasons Why Some Cats Are Afraid of Cucumbers
1. They Mistake the Cucumber for a Snake
While there is no definitive answer to whether some cats are afraid of cucumbers, most experts agree that it is not the fruit itself that they are afraid of, as some cats may even enjoy the taste of cucumber. There are even videos of would-be cat prankers who slyly place the fruit close to an unsuspecting cat, only to find the cat begins to snack on it!
Of course, there is no real reason for a cat to be afraid of a cucumber or any other fruit or vegetable. This is when various theories started implicating that the most likely reason for the cat’s reaction is that they mistake the cucumber for a snake. They further explain that cats have an innate instinct to avoid snakes, and a cucumber resembles a serpent enough that it evokes an extreme reaction, albeit a brief one. The cucumber is long and green, like most snakes, and the cat’s instinctive reaction is to leap into the air as high as possible to avoid being bitten.
However, based on currently available information and lack of research into this topic, this remains more of a myth than fact, until science proves otherwise. Many cats will hunt snakes for lack of better prey, and it is unlikely that they have a fear of them, according to veterinary professionals from Cornell University.1 Snakes are just another potential prey for them, which will gain their interest.
2. The Sudden Appearance Catches Them Off-Guard
Cats are notoriously alert and instinctive animals and are acutely aware of their surroundings. In all these viral videos, the cucumber is placed secretly behind the cat while they are sleeping or eating, and it is the sudden appearance of something that wasn’t there before that gives them such a fright.
Cats are careful and fussy eaters and will generally only begin eating when they are sure that the coast is clear and that there are no other cats or dogs around their food bowls. The sudden appearance of the cucumber that wasn’t there a second ago—or most likely any other large object—is enough to send some of them leaping into the air. The same can be said of sleeping cats. Cats generally have a safe and comfortable place where they enjoy their daily nap, and the sudden appearance of a cucumber or almost any strange object is startling to them.
Why You Should Never Scare Cats With Cucumbers
Cats have dramatic startled reactions, and it can be hilarious to watch them leap into the air at the mere sight of a cucumber. The classic “cucumber behind cats” videos and memes can be very entertaining. But in truth, the prank is not all that funny when you think about it, least of all for the cat! This reaction can cause health concerns for your feline and should never be purposely inflicted on them.
First, the sudden leaping into the air can easily cause injury to your cat or another pet or human close by. They could potentially knock into something sharp or break nearby glass and hurt themselves. Second, this seemingly innocent prank can cause prolonged stress for the cat, and it may take a good few hours for their heart rate to come down and for them to finally feel calm. Mealtimes or naptimes may become an event filled with anxiety and be difficult to overcome. This type of sustained anxiety may lead to long term health issues.
What If Your Cat Is Already Scared of Cucumbers?
If the prank has been played on your cat already and any large or elongated object now frightens them, you can try to correct the behavior. Try to introduce a cucumber slowly and calmly to them when they are paying attention, to avoid them getting startled, and repeat the process over several days until they become used to it. Also, never purposely frighten them again, as this will probably undo all your hard work.
Conclusion
According to experts, it is most likely that cats are not scared of the cucumber itself, but rather it’s the circumstances around its sudden appearance that trigger their natural instincts. In any case, most experts also agree that it can be highly detrimental to your cat’s health for them to be frightened too often. No matter how funny the viral videos seem, it’s a prank that should not be continued.
- You might also like: Why Do Cats Like to Knock Things Over?
Featured Image Credit: tugol, Shutterstock
