Cats are quick to react to anything in which they feel is a threat. You could suddenly move and although your cat trusts you with their life they could jump clear out of the chair they’re comfortably resting in. In the wild, cats are predators but they are also prey. It’s hardwired into their DNA to be quick to react. And those cat reflexes are quite impressive. For years now, people have seemed to grow a strange fascination with cats and cucumbers. Not all cats are afraid of cucumbers, but there are some cats that are so afraid of cucumbers the sight of one will quickly send them flying.
Have you ever wondered why cats are afraid of cucumbers?
Well, they’re are a few reasons why cats are quick to react to this green vegetable…
I should preface this explanation by saying that intentionally scaring your cat is not a nice thing to do. In no way do I think this is something you should “try and see” and I’m only explaining this because it seems that many people have often wondered why cats are afraid of cucumbers. Cats are not grudgeful beings, despite what some people might think, but scaring them just might get you on their bad side. And trust me, that’s not a good position to be in!
The Size and the Shape Equals Snake in Their Minds
Think of a cucumber. Does the size and shape of this vegetable remind you of anything? Well, to your feline friend, the look of this at quick glance likely reminds your cat of a snake. And, although your cat is safe and sound in your home, the thought of a snake being near them will kick them into defensive overdrive in a split second. Your cat has a delicate psyche and intentionally scaring them can have long-lasting effects on their well-being. Please, refrain from testing their fear of cucumbers.
Con Slobodchikoff, animal behaviorist and author of Chasing Doctor Dolittle: Learning the Language of Animals says:
“If a cat sees something slithering over the ground, the cat often will jump a couple of feet up in the air, a behavior that prevents getting bitten by a snake… Cucumbers are shaped more like snakes, with their curving sides, than ears of corn or eggplants, so they produce a greater response.”
Each Cat is Unique
Like I mentioned above, not all cats are scared of cucumbers. My cats are allowed outdoors (save your judgement), and I think because of this they are less afraid of strange objects. But again, cats are individuals, so this does not mean that all cats who are allowed outdoors are not afraid of this terrifying vegetable. If you were to set any random object that resembled a snake next to them they would be likely to jump.
It seems that people who do not understand why cats are afraid of cucumbers are not that in tune with the way the feline mind works. For us cat lovers, it makes perfect sense as to why they are afraid of this snake-like vegetable. And because we care deeply about our feline friends, we would never think to intentionally scare them with it. But the next time someone asks you why cats are afraid of cucumbers, you can easily tell them why. 🐍
