Cats are hard-wired to be very territorial of their food, and for all they know, this cucumber may be poised to steal some kibble. A cat sees that cucumber is a threat, and when confronted with a "threatening situation," explain PAWS Chicago, cats respond with fear and anxiety.
"Cats are genetically hard-wired through instinct to avoid snakes," Con Slobodchikoff, animal behaviorist and author of "Chasing Doctor Dolittle: Learning the Language of Animals," said. "Cucumbers look enough like a snake to have the cat's instinctive fear of snakes kick in."
False. Cats are not afraid of cucumbers, but they get scared if they see a sudden change in the environment around them.
“Some people believe that cucumbers look like a snake, which is a predator that has been known to attack and even eat cats,” explains Claudine Sievert, DVM, a Kansas-based veterinarian. “Cats see an elongated green object and think it's a snake, so they run from it.”
Cats should get all the nutrients they need from high-quality, complete cat foods. However, cucumbers aren't toxic for cats, and their low calorie and sugar content means that you don't have to worry about the effects of an occasional piece of cucumber on your cat's weight.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Toxic Vegetables for Dogs and Cats
Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks, Scallions, and Shallots: Cats are more susceptible to their toxic effects than dogs, but both are affected. In addition to gastrointestinal irritation, they can cause red blood cell damage and anemia. Eggplants are toxic to cats!
Unfamiliar Objects, Fruit or People
But it is a good example of cats being afraid of unfamiliar things (people, objects, fruits, etc.). Cats like to feel safe and secure in their home — if something new enters their space, that's probably going to cause some stress.
Some cats don't like belly rubs. Why? Mainly because the stomach area is a very sensitive part of a cat's body. This soft underbelly protects some of their most vital organs, according to the South Boston Animal Hospital.
Although probably not as appetizing as your cats canned protein, cucumbers are safe for cats to eat and provide some specific health benefits. With its mild taste and high water content, cucumbers can be a reasonable easy-eating snack for your cat.
Because of the high fat content, it's also possible for dogs or cats to develop pancreatitis (painful inflammation of the pancreas).” So, while avocado is fairly safe for our dogs and cats to eat, the best bet is to limit their access to just small amounts of the fruit itself.
It has a strange sound
And believe it or not, aluminum foil actually makes high-pitched sounds that humans can't hear but your cat definitely can. “Cats have extremely acute hearing, and the strange crinkly noise that the foil makes when touched can be irritating to their ears,” Dr. Conrad told The Dodo.
An ancient proverb states, "A cat has nine lives. For three he plays, for three he strays, and for the last three he stays." While the origin of this myth is unknown, it's well-known to have been around for a long time. Cats are believed to have nine lives in part because they possess flexibility and agility.
Cucumbers are a favorite food for many humans, and some cats love them, too. It may be good to know that you and they can indulge in them together! Not only will they not hurt your kitty, but they may also add some healthy nutrients to their diet and help stave off thirst and dehydration!
Because of their territorial nature, cats believe they actually own your house. When you close a door, it is no wonder that many cats will try to open, scratch, or attack it in every single way. They may simply find your attempt to close a door as a sign that undermines their absolute reign of the territory.
They're soft, small, and just unexplainably adorable. But there is a reason why most cats don't like their paws touched: their paws are extremely sensitive. Cat paws contain large concentrations of nerve receptors, turning your cat's cute paws into finely tuned sensory organs.
If you trim a cat's whiskers, it often will become disoriented and have trouble moving around. A lost whisker will eventually grow back, but the cat will miss even one. Cutting the whiskers is akin to lopping off the ends of our fingers.
While some cats enjoy being kissed, others will not. Some will feel love, while others will not see kissing as a sign of affection. There are better ways than kissing to show a cat affection that they will understand. Cats are mysterious pets with distinct personalities.
Texture: Sticky paper, aluminum foil, heavy plastic or a plastic carpet runner (knubby side up) can be placed in areas you want to be off limits. Cats hate walking on these surfaces.
A new study finds that your pup can tell — er, smell — when you've been doom-scrolling. A 2015 study found that cats use visual and auditory cues to help determine their human's emotional state.
Can cats eat cheese? According to experts, yes — but only in moderation. If you give your cat cheese at all, just give them a small piece once in a while, about the size of a dice.
Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.
If you know or suspect that your cat has eaten grapes or raisins, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. You don't need to wait until you see clinical signs to seek help. Grape toxicosis is a progressive illness, so the sooner you treat it, the better.