Why do cats fear cucumbers?

Green, Lean, and Extremely Mean (According to Cats)

You’ve probably seen the viral videos of cats leaping a foot in the air when their owner places a cucumber behind them. This bizarre feline fear has puzzled cat lovers everywhere. What is it about cucumbers that scare cats so much? Let’s explore some possible reasons.

They just don’t go well together..

Cucumber Shape Triggers Instinct Cat behavior experts theorize that the long, dark green cucumber triggers an instinctual snake fear in cats. Cats have preyed upon snakes for millennia, so their shape and color immediately puts cats on alert. To a cat, a snake-shaped object appearing suddenly behind them means attack time! Of course, when they turn around and see a harmless cuke, the fear response stops. But it gives them a good spook.

Poor Vision Contributes to Shock Cats have excellent long-distance vision, but they don’t see as well up close. With their limited peripheral vision, a cucumber can seem to appear out of nowhere when placed near a distracted cat. Since they can’t identify the object clearly in their immediate surroundings, it scares them when they finally notice it.

Mistaken Identity Placing a cucumber on the floor behind a seated cat mimics the look of potential prey, like a rat or mouse, from a cat’s point of view. Their primal hunting instincts kick in for a moment before realizing the cuke is not edible prey. This mistaken identity triggers an alarmed reaction.

Smell Association If a cat has had a previous frightening encounter with a cucumber, the mere scent of it can bring back bad memories and cause fear. Even if they can’t see the cucumber, catching a whiff of it may make some cats run off in the opposite direction.

Overcoming the Fear If your cat is terrified of cucumbers, introduce them slowly and positively. Cut up tiny pieces of cucumber and mix them in with their food. Give them treats when they get near an intact cucumber. With time and positive association, your cat can overcome their seemingly innate fear of this healthy green veggie.

While the phenomenon still puzzles scientists, clearly many cats do not take cucumbers as a sign to eat healthy! Next time your cat reacts in terror to a harmless object, don’t judge them too harshly. Let the scaredy-cat maintain their dignity and vow to protect them from vicious veggies.

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Meow-gnificently yours,

Jules 🎩🐾