You've probably seen videos on the Internet where you see a few cats being scared by cucumbers These famous videos that have gone viral shouldn't make us laugh so much because they remind us that cats are easily scared and show us that, although it may seem funny to us, it is not funny for them.
On our site we explain this phenomenon in detail so you can know why cats are afraid of cucumbersFind out what happens to cucumbers and cats, why so many jumps and how it is that such a harmless vegetable can provoke this reaction in our cats.
Is it true that cats are afraid of cucumbers?
If you live with a cat you will know very well how curious they are and that precisely this innate curiosity is what sometimes makes them get into trouble. Don't forget that our little beasts have a predatory instinct inside, they are ste althy and like to investigate everything.
By studying a bit the body language of cats you can know if your friend is angry, happy, if he is investigating something, attentive to everything that happens around him or if something has surprised him because he didn't he expected it. Cats like to be in control of their environment and anything (object, smell, sound, etc.) that is unfamiliar can present imminent danger.
The truth is that cats are not afraid of cucumbers themselvesCucumbers are a harmless vegetable that has nothing to do with the immediate flight reaction of cats. In the videos that have become so popular, an unknown object appears out of nowhere right behind the cat and undoubtedly poses a threat that the feline does not expected, causing an immediate evasion action So, we repeat, it's not that cats are afraid of cucumbers because they are cucumbers, they are scared of the object that has appeared suddenly. In the next section we delve into it.
Why are cats scared by cucumbers?
Due to the stir that has been created by the viral videos of cats vs cucumbers, a few experts have come out trying to shed some light on it. Biologist Jerry Coine talks about his theory of " fear of predator" where he explains that the reaction of felines towards cucumbers is directly related to the fear that they can lead to facing natural predators such as snakes.
On the other hand, animal behavior expert Roger Mugford gives a simpler explanation to the phenomenon, stating that the root of this behavior has more to do with " fear of the unknown" than with cats' fear of cucumbers.
Surely, your cat will be equally surprised if he finds a banana, a pineapple or a teddy bear, as long as it is something that he has never seen and that has invaded his space without for him to notice.
Why should you NOT scare your cat with cucumbers?
Cats are solitary and very cautious animals, who have enough to understand the strange behavior of the humans with whom they share their territory. Remember that human beings are one of the most sociable animals in nature and we assure your cat that this does not seem so normal.
As funny as it may seem, scaring your cat is not a good thing for anyone. Here are the consequences of scaring your cat with cucumbers or other objects:
- Your feline will stop feeling safe at home and may develop a stress picture and/or anxiety, which will lead him to want to hide, be constantly on the alert, mark territory, etc.
- If you startle him while he's eating, the risk is even greater because he could suffer digestive problems and even choke on his food. The eating area is one of the most sacred areas for cats, where they feel calm and relaxed.
- Your bond could be affected if he perceives that you are the one scaring him.
- This negative experience for your cat could be a trauma, something that will mark him for a long time.
The reactions observed in the videos allow us to see that these cats are under a lot of stress, which is not good for any living being and less so for felines that are suspicious and skittish by nature. In this other article we talk in depth about Stress in cats.
There are many positive ways to have fun with your cat that will also allow you to strengthen your bond, gain their trust and make them feel completely safe. There are many toys for cats with which you can spend endearing moments with your little friend, so think carefully about the consequences before trying to have fun at the expense of the suffering of the animal that loves you so much.
