The Real Reason Cats Seem Scared of Cucumbers

A cat on a carpet looking at a cucumber
tugol/Shutterstock.com

Written by Drew Wood

Published: January 23, 2025

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Who could have guessed when the internet was invented that its primary purpose would be to entertain us with cat videos? Whether you’re a bonafide “cat person” or not, you can likely name quite a few weird and charming behaviors that make cats endlessly fascinating. But do you know as much about cats as you think you do? Quiz yourself with these curious cat behaviors. Which ones are true, which are false, and which are, like Schrödinger’s cat, a little of both?

“Whiskers help a cat see if they can fit through a hole.”

cat whiskers

True or False: FALSE

Whiskers are sensitive and help cats understand their environment, but they do not match the cat’s body size, and cats don’t use them to determine whether they can fit through narrow spaces.

“Cats always land on their feet.”

funny cat flying. photo of a playful tabby cat jumping mid-air looking at camera. background with copy space

True or False: FALSE

The spines of cats are super flexible so that they can twist midair and usually land on their feet. But if the fall is from a short height, the animal may not have time to right itself in midair before it reaches the ground. Cats that are overweight, have medical conditions, or are very young or very old might also have trouble landing on their feet. Cats don’t always survive falls either. Falls greater than four stories are likely to cause injuries or even death.

“The personality of a cat is cold and distant.”

Black-footed cat

True or False: FALSE

Cats tend to have an independent nature, but they are still social creatures that need some interaction with other cats or with people. The way they are raised from kittens and their breed also affects how much they crave and express affection. Ragdoll cats are noted as one of the most cuddly breeds. They like to follow their people around the house and go adorably limp when you hold them. Expect to pay $400-$2,500 for a kitten, but who can put a price on love?

“Purring means a cat is happy.”

Cute tabby kitty enjoying caresses of his human. Female hand petting european shorthair cat, close up. Domestic animals. Purring cat.

True or False: SOMETIMES TRUE, SOMETIMES FALSE

Purring is a self-soothing cat behavior performed by domestic cats as well as cheetahs and cougars among the big cats. While most people find it charming and relaxing, cats do it not only when they are content, but when they are anxious or in pain. Pay attention if your cat is purring at a time or place you wouldn’t expect it.

“Cats are afraid of cucumbers.”

A cat on a carpet looking at a cucumber

True or False: TRUE, SORT OF.

You’ve surely seen hilarious videos of cats that hit the roof when their owner slips a cucumber on the floor next to them when they’re not looking. Cats don’t have any inherent antipathy toward cucumbers. They’re just startled by new things in their environment. Animal behaviorists also think cucumbers might be particularly disturbing to them because they resemble snakes, a great danger to small cats in the wild.

“Cats won’t jump on a countertop that has aluminum foil on it.”

True or False: TRUE … FOR A WHILE

This is a trick that may work the first few times because the shininess, slipperiness, and sound of aluminum foil startles them when they jump on it. But they can get used to it and disregard it once they’ve come to expect it.

“Cats communicate with their tails.”

Bombay black cat on a white background with a climb up the tail

True or False: TRUE

If a cat holds its tail straight and upright, its mood is perky and happy. If it’s puffed up, it’s afraid or angry. If it flicks its tail rapidly, it is tense, frustrated, annoyed, or in hunting mode and about to pounce on something. Watching a cat’s tail is a good way to know when you should stop petting them. A rapidly flicking tail probably means you’re about to get bitten and/or scratched if you don’t stop.

“Chasing laser pointer lights is fun for cats.”

Beautiful calico cat staring at a red dot from a laser pointer

True or False: MOSTLY TRUE

An erratic light reminds a cat of the movements of insects, birds, or small animals and makes them want to chase it. Cats enjoy energetic play like this sometimes. But the really satisfying thing about hunting is actually catching something. Chasing a light gets the cat excited but doesn’t let it enjoy a reward. If you play with your cat this way, give it a treat when you’re done.

“Cats hate water.”

Soft focus and noise and grain. Hairdresser doing beauty care angry wet relaxing a bath or beauty salon for boring persian cat or kitten and Yellow eyes fierce or shower in groomer salon grooming.

True or False: USUALLY TRUE

Most cats don’t enjoy getting wet, but some breeds, such as the Turkish Van, love it. Turkish Vans will play in their water bowls or the toilet to get that beach vacation feeling. Among big cats, tigers, and jaguars are comfortable wading into jungle pools to cool off. Ocelots also are comfortable in the water and catch fish as a regular part of their diet.

“Sometimes cats imitate bird sounds.”

Cat hunts a parrot in a cage. The relationship of pets, a cat and a parrot, danger, stress and friendship.

True or False: TRUE

Outdoors or at a window, a cat might make chirping or chattering noises that sound a bit like bird or squirrel noises. This could be an attempt to lure curious birds closer, or it could be frustration on the cat’s part that it can’t reach the birds. Or both. In the wild, cougars, cheetahs, and some other species also display this cat behavior.

“Cats get cold easily.”

Yellow cat sit in the loaf pose, eyes half closed.

True or False: TRUE

Cats originated in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. Many breeds don’t have double-layered coats to keep out the cold like dogs do. Older cats, skinnier ones, and ones with shorter coats (or no coat at all) tend to get cold most easily. Cats that are cold will curl up in a tight ball to conserve body heat or seek out a patch of sun or a place near a heating vent to sleep. If your cat is perpetually cold, consider getting it a heating pad.

“Kneading is a sign of a crazy cat.”

The pink cat claws make people want to touch them.

True or False: FALSE

Some people think a cat kneading its paws is stressed out. But actually, kittens knead their mothers to stimulate the flow of milk. In an adult, it can indicate the cat feels comfortable and happy.

“Cats bring ‘gifts’ of dead animals to show their love.”

Cute cat holding a toy mouse in his mouth on blue background. Playing cat, toys for cats, pet shop banner. Copy space for text.

True or False: FALSE

In their social groups, cats sometimes present a kill to educate young about hunting and to share the spoils of their hunt with others. Your cat might be concerned that you don’t know how to hunt and aren’t eating enough mice. Even if it grosses you out, thank your kitty for sharing.

“Cats can’t be trained.”

A woman with a Bengal cat on a leash walking along the road in the forest.

True or False: FALSE

Cats can learn tricks and even some behaviors associated more with dogs, like walking on a leash. But the training methods have to be modified and may differ from cat to cat because their temperaments vary so much.


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About the Author

Drew Wood

Drew is an emotional support human to three dogs and a cat. In addition to his love of animals, he enjoys scary movies, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and Legos.

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