Videos of cats leaping in terror at the sight of cucumbers have taken the internet by storm, but veterinarians warn that these pranks may cause unnecessary stress for pets.
In many clips, owners place a cucumber behind an unsuspecting cat and film the dramatic reaction. The startled felines often jump into the air or flee in panic, leaving viewers amused — and experts concerned.
A Reflex to Sudden Threats
Veterinarians say the behaviour is less about the cucumber and more about the element of surprise. “If the cat turns around and suddenly sees a cucumber there, it causes them to become frightened and jump,” said Dr. Claudine Sievert, a Kansas-based vet. “If something moves suddenly or unexpectedly, he will react to it. His eyes will widen, and his entire body goes on high alert.”
Dr. Wailani Sung, a veterinary behaviourist in San Francisco and author of Decoding Your Cat, added that the feline brain instinctively prioritises survival. “The immediate reflexive response is danger, so run, move, get out of there. ‘Fight or flight’ is turned on,” she explained.
Snake Instincts and Territorial Reactions
The cucumber’s shape may also resemble a snake — a natural predator of cats. “Cats see an elongated green object and think it’s a snake, so they run from it,” said Dr. Sievert.
Experts emphasise that this reaction isn’t exclusive to cucumbers. Any unfamiliar object suddenly placed near a cat’s safe space, especially their food bowl, can trigger the same startled response.
Not Just a Joke
While such videos may appear amusing, experts caution that frightening cats can lead to behavioural and health issues. “People seem to think it is funny to scare their cats, which I find kind of mean and insensitive,” said Dr. Sung. “Traumatic events can cause or escalate a pet’s level of anxiety.”
Repeated stress can cause cats to avoid certain locations or become fearful of their owners. Instead, vets recommend enriching your cat’s environment with toys, scratching posts, and interactive play.
“Positive, engaging experiences are far better than fear-based entertainment,” Dr. Sung added.