Why Do Cats Hate Cucumbers? Explained By A Vet

Cats are full of adorable quirks so naturally, they often feature in memes and videos of cats end up all over the internet and social media. One trend that you might have come across is the cucumber prank that people play on their cats.

If you have seen one of these viral videos and the extreme reaction that cats respond with, you have likely wondered: Why do cats hate cucumbers?

There are different theories that have been discussed. Some think it is because cucumbers look like snakes. Others argue that it is the surprise element itself that catches cats off guard. Read on as we explore the various reasons why cats might be so startled by the appearance of this harmless vegetable.

Also Read: Can Cats Eat Cucumbers?

What Is The Cat Cucumber Prank Trend?

For those who haven’t seen them, here’s an overview of what happens in the cat cucumber prank videos:

The cat owner sneakily places a cucumber behind their cat while their cat is busy doing something else, like eating or drinking. The unsuspecting cat then finishes what they are doing and catches sight of this long, green object that they hadn’t noticed before.

This results in the cat leaping back in shock and frantically scrabbling away to put as much distance between themselves and the cucumber. Much laughter ensues.

Also Read: Do Cats Get Annoyed? 10 Subtle Signs To Watch Out For

So Why Do Cats Hate Cucumbers?

All of these videos show cats having an extreme startle response to the sight of a cucumber. What is it about this harmless vegetable that makes cats jump out of their skin? While there are no definitive answers as to why cats seem to be so scared of cucumbers, a few theories have been discussed. The popular theories are as follows:

1. Cucumbers Look Like Snakes

Many have speculated whether cats respond in such an alarmed way because cucumbers can resemble snakes. This might trigger their flight response as they are prey animals. In order to protect themselves, they will instinctually try to get themselves out of harm’s way as quickly as possible (much like we would if a deadly snake were approaching us!).

On the other hand, cats are also predators. Some cats will actually hunt and kill snakes; others might just be curious and bat them around. So, it can be argued that cats don’t have an innate fear of snakes.

Also, if you placed a cucumber in front of your cat or left one lying around in the kitchen, your cat would probably give it a curious sniff as opposed to recoiling from it with panic. When they aren’t surprised by a cucumber, cats know they are not harmless and do not respond to them with fear. If they really thought that cucumbers were snakes, then they would be afraid of them no matter what the situation.

2. Cats Are Responding to the Sudden Appearance of a Cucumber

Another theory that has been considered is that it is the surprise element that cats are responding to, instead of the cucumber itself. As prey animals, cats like to be aware of their surroundings and to know what is going on around them. In the wild, cats are more vulnerable when eating and drinking as they can’t be as attentive.

Though there are no dangers in a home environment, these feelings of vulnerability are still instinctively found in our domesticated cats. In the prank videos, cucumbers are usually placed outside the cat’s line of sight while they are at their food or water bowls. They are completely unaware as they are focused on something else.

It makes sense that turning around and seeing a strange, unexpected object will catch them off guard and frighten them. Think about the physical response you might have if someone or something creeps up on you without warning!

The theory that holds the most weight for why cats freak out in these cucumber prank videos is that they are taken aback by the sudden appearance of something that wasn’t there before. It’s difficult to argue that it is specifically the cucumber that cats hate or are scared of, as we wouldn’t expect much of a reaction beyond a curious sniff if they were openly offered one.

Also Read: The 10 Things That Cats Hate Most

Should You Prank Your Cat With Cucumbers?

You definitely should not prank your cat with a surprise cucumber. While pranking your cat in this way might be funny and amusing for you, it will cause your cat unnecessary fear and distress. If you prank a friend, you might be able to laugh about it together afterward. But when pet parents scare cats, there is no way of explaining it to them.

You want your cat to be able to feel safe and secure in your home. Intentionally scaring them can damage the relationship you have with them. If the pranking is repeated, it could cause chronic stress and increase a cat’s anxiety, leading to behavioral problems, such as inappropriate toileting, over-grooming, and aggression.

Also Read: 8 Ways To Help a Scared and Fearful Cat Be Confident