Do cats constantly fascinate you? Then, you've likely enjoyed those hilarious videos of cats leaping out of their skins when they spot a cucumber.
It makes you wonder, are cats scared of cucumbers, or is there another reason behind their response?
If you have cats of your own, the question must drive you crazy! Is your frisky feline pet scared of the long green fruit too?
Well, curiosity killed the cat, but it’s got nothing on you! Before you try out the experiment and see for yourself, scroll ahead to learn all about this bizarre phenomenon!
Our Misconceptions About Cats
Before we dive in and unravel the truth behind cats and cucumbers, here is a quick question.
What are the first three adjectives that come to your mind when you think of cats?
Graceful, hissy, and maybe pernicious— even in their little bodies. The truth is, a lot of us place cats under the synonymous impression of the above three descriptions. The lovable, lazy, and others come in later.
In fact, even cat food industries paint them with colors of vivaciousness and blaze!
But here is something that might call for a tiny realization. Our general perception of cats is not precisely accurate to what they are really like.
The predator-like notion is nothing but a half-truth. Just like every coin has two sides, we forget that cats also fall prey to other stronger predators. But speaking of stronger predators, cucumber hardly seems like a matching candidate!
So, we circle back to our pressing inquisition.
Are Cats Really Scared Of Cucumbers?
Answering this question in one statement is going to be a little complicated. What to say, cats are complex creatures, and their response closely reflects the way their genetics wire them!
It is in a cat’s inherent nature to react unpleasantly towards things that sneak upon them. This apprehension accounts for the sensitivity of their senses of vision, smell, and hearing.
Did you know that these senses are more heightened and accurate in cats than in several breeds of dogs?
No wonder your cat’s constant state of alertness makes their ears stand at the slightest foreign movement around them. It is very close to when a sudden and unexpected movement startles us.
Along similar lines, the shock of finding a cucumber behind it escalates, especially if your cat is invested in some activity. It could be eating, drinking, or even using the litter box.
During such activities, your little furry pet is left vulnerable. Their attention towards their surroundings is not as heightened as otherwise.
Since their focus has to go into what they are doing, it is easy to catch them off guard even though it is just a cucumber!
Neither of these activities is easy to run from either. So, despite your pet’s fight or flight mechanism, shock is the first thing that they reflect.
Why Are Cats Scared Of Cucumbers?
The most common reason behind getting scared or startled is a threat and the lack of security. Especially in their vulnerable state, the chances of a simple cucumber scaring your cat increase furthermore.
As mentioned before, we hardly ever take these ferocious predators to be the prey. While in truth, several species are capable of making fish out of your scared little cat.
Cats Think of Cucumber as Their Predator
We now slowly approach the real reason behind a cucumber scaring your otherwise fierce cat. Several people commonly believe that a cucumber resembles a snake.
Think about it! A typical cucumber is long and narrow and often has a slight curve, just like a snake. So, you see how a cucumber could get that snake-like appearance to it.
Now when you think about your cat getting scared at the sight of one harmless cucumber, does it seem ridiculous?
Unlikely, is it not!
Understanding Your Cat’s Response Towards A Cucumber
Let us break down what could possibly be the case when a cat sees something unexpectedly show up in its proximity. To feed your curious mind, the “something” here is obviously a cucumber.
Your cat turns around and spots an object that seems remarkably close to one of its most common predators: a snake. In its state of vulnerability, it barely has the time and complete focus to comprehend the object at the time.
So, it jumps in extreme fear. Cats dread that the long, curvy, and narrow object is close to harming or killing it.
After that momentary jump scare, however, most of the cats usually take in the entire picture. They realize that what scared them was no encroaching predator but just harmless produce!
Testing The Theory: Are Cats Always Scared Of Cucumbers?
If you place the cucumber behind your cats, they will likely be scared for their life. Sure, it might be just for the time being, but this response is typical and predictable.
However, are you just not itching to find out their reaction if you were to introduce a cucumber upfront? Walk up to your cat in their complete state of awareness and show them the cucumber.
Your cat will not have an extraordinary reaction at all!
Our snake hypothesis makes it clear that your cat is probably just unsure of the unknown. And the thought that the unknown is a predator makes them jolt back.
Here is another scenario! Say your cat is walking around the house and stumbles upon cucumbers among other cat food.
At the most, they might paw at it. But that is just because your cat will have had the time to discard it as a threat.
Should You Scare Your Cat With A Cucumber?
After you get hold of the video, there is no way you are just going to watch it once! The ridiculously funny reaction of a cat towards something as harmless as a cucumber is hard to believe.
And if you have a cat of your own, the chances are that you will want to try the experiment out yourself. But the question here is if at all you should.
Like us, our cute four-legged fur balls do not deserve to experience jump scares. They certainly do not appreciate it. All it does is call for an instantaneous adrenaline rush. And with that comes stress and panic for no apparent reason.
How about you just pamper them with your love and amazing cat food instead? That is all that they deserve!
What Will Happen If You Scare Your Cat With a Cucumber?
It is not fair to subject your cat to this little experiment, even for your amusement. Here are the many different consequences you might end up with:
- Alienation: If you continue it repeatedly, the chances are that your cat will feel alienated from you.
- Altered Behavior: They might get anxious in your company.
- Altered Involvement: You may not notice it, but that will affect how they eat and drink too.
- Physical injuries: There are chances of your cats physically injuring themselves in their initial state of panic.
The Verdict
Now you know that your cat might not be necessarily scared of the cucumber. It is just the idea of the cucumber being a predator that gets them angsty.
A step further than that is the unexpectedness of it. Since your cat is caught by surprise, it does not have the time to process the whole picture initially.
So, feeling insecure in its vulnerable state is another aspect.
But if there is one thing for sure, it is that you should not scare your cat with a cucumber.
Among other concerning reasons, it is mean towards someone you love and care about so deeply!
Frequently Asked Questions About Why Cats Are Scared of Cucumbers
A cat’s genetic wiring leads it to be scared of snakes. A cat is not only a fierce predator but is also prey. And snakes are usually their most common predators. Therefore, cats are terrified of snakes because they feel fear for their lives.
Yes, it is. Just like humans, cats do not appreciate being scared or threatened for their safety. It activates an immediate adrenaline rush, stress, and anxiety for no real reason. They could also injure themselves in the process. Repeatedly scaring them could also affect their behavior around you.
The only thing true about the statement is that it is a myth. Cats are not scared of water. Moreover, they are all born swimmers, so that cancels out the possibility of their fear of drowning.
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