ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Other → Offbeat

Are cats really afraid of cucumbers?

In recent days, the internet has been flooded with images and videos of cats having hilarious reactions to cucumbers stealthily placed behind them.

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
November 18, 2015
in Offbeat, Videos
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit

In recent days, the internet has been flooded with images and videos of cats having hilarious reactions to cucumbers stealthily placed behind them. But are cats actually afraid of cucumbers, and if yes… why?

By now, you either know exactly what I’m talking about, or have no idea at all. If you’re in the second category, this short video might shed some light:

In order for it to work, you have to sneak behind the cat while it’s eating, and when it ultimately discovers the cucumber, it will jump or just run away scared. People wanted to try that on their own, and so they did – and the internet went crazy.

Why, you may ask? Because cats really seem afraid of cucumbers, as you can see below. There’s even a section on reddit, ‘cucumbers scaring cats’, dedicated to… well, you get it by now.

But why is this happening? I mean, it all seems so random, it’s hard to find a cause, and there likely isn’t one. Dr Roger Mugford, a specialist in animal behaviour said in an interview:

RelatedPosts

Punching may have shaped evolution of human hand
Hand-held breath monitor can detect if you’re infected with the flu
First biofluorescent reptile found is a ‘glowing’ neon red turtle
Scientists discover chemical that causes brain cancer cells to self-destruct

“I think that the reaction is due to the novelty and unexpectedness of finding an unusual object secretly placed whilst their heads were down in the food bowl.

“Cats have to be suspicious of the unknown: it could represent the danger of a snake or another predator. I suspect that there would be the same reaction to a model spider, a plastic fish or a human face mask.

“So not an inherent feature of cucumbers, just their unusual context.”

So in other words, they’re just surprised and scared about something behind them – you can try it with bananas, or anything else… you know, for science.

Unsuspecting cat. Image via Youtube.

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

Health

Your gut has a secret weapon against ‘forever chemicals’: microbes

byMihai Andrei
10 hours ago
News

High IQ People Are Strikingly Better at Forecasting the Future

byTibi Puiu
10 hours ago
Health

Newborns Feel Pain Long Before They Can Understand It

byTudor Tarita
11 hours ago
News

Cheese Before Bed Might Actually Be Giving You Nightmares

byTudor Tarita
11 hours ago

Recent news

Your gut has a secret weapon against ‘forever chemicals’: microbes

July 3, 2025

High IQ People Are Strikingly Better at Forecasting the Future

July 3, 2025

Newborns Feel Pain Long Before They Can Understand It

July 3, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.