Why
Cucumber is on PetMD's veterinarian-written list of fruits that are safe for cats, which describes it as hydrating and low in calories, making it a refreshing snack. Cucumber is mostly water, so a few pieces add almost no calories, and the crunch appeals to some cats.
Cucumber is not a source of anything a cat needs, though. Cats are obligate carnivores, and PetMD's fruit guide treats fruit as an occasional treat that should stay within 10 percent of a cat's diet. Many cats ignore cucumber entirely, and there is no reason to encourage one that does.
What to watch out for
- Smashed cucumber salad and other dishes dressed with garlic, salt, soy sauce, vinegar or chili
- Pickles and pickled cucumber, which are high in salt
- Large chunks, which can be a choking hazard
- Too much cucumber, which can cause loose stools
- Unwashed skin, which may carry dirt or residue
How to serve it
- Wash the cucumber well.
- Peel it if your cat finds the skin hard to chew.
- Cut it into thin slices, then into small pieces.
- Offer one or two pieces and see whether your cat is interested.
- Keep cucumber plain, with no dressing or salt.
How much?
A few small pieces of plain cucumber are plenty as an occasional treat. PetMD's fruit guide says fruit should be a treat and that all treats together should make up no more than 10 percent of a cat's diet.
Cucumber salad is not plain cucumber
Cucumber salad is how many households eat cucumber, and the dressing changes everything. Smashed cucumber salad is usually tossed with crushed garlic, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil and chili. Garlic belongs to the allium family, which the Merck Veterinary Manual identifies as a cause of red blood cell damage in cats, and cats are particularly sensitive to it.
Cucumber for a cat should come straight from the cutting board, before any seasoning. If your cat ate some garlic-dressed cucumber, note how much and call your vet.
Pickles and pickled cucumber
Pickles start as cucumber but end up as a very salty food. Brined and pickled cucumbers often contain garlic, dill, sugar or spices as well. Too much salt can cause increased thirst and urination, and in larger amounts vomiting, diarrhea and more serious problems, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Pickled cucumber is not worth sharing even as a tiny piece. Fresh cucumber offers the same crunch without the salt.
Why do cats jump at cucumbers?
Cucumber videos, in which a cat leaps into the air after spotting a cucumber placed behind it, made the idea that cats fear cucumbers famous. PetMD's veterinary article on common cat fears notes one theory that a cucumber resembles a snake, but explains that a feline behavior expert at Cornell University's Feline Health Center thinks the reaction is more likely a response to any unfamiliar object appearing suddenly.
Startling a cat on purpose is not a harmless joke. A frightened cat can injure itself or become anxious around its feeding area. If you want to see whether your cat likes cucumber, offer a piece from your hand.
Common questions
Is cucumber good for cats?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Cucumber is on PetMD's veterinarian-written list of fruits that are safe for cats, which describes it as hydrating and low in calories, making it a refreshing snack. Cucumber is mostly water, so a few pieces add almost no calories, and the crunch appeals to some cats.
Is cucumber bad for cats?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: smashed cucumber salad and other dishes dressed with garlic, salt, soy sauce, vinegar or chili.
Are cats allowed to have cucumber?
Yes. Wash the cucumber well.
Can cats eat cucumber skin?
Cucumber skin is not toxic, but it is tougher than the flesh. Wash the cucumber well, and peel it or cut the pieces very small if your cat struggles to chew the skin.
Can cucumber help a cat stay hydrated?
Cucumber is mostly water, but the few pieces a cat should eat add very little. Fresh water, and wet food if your vet recommends it, are much better ways to help a cat drink more.
Sources
- PetMD. What Fruits Can Cats Eat? 19 Fruits Safe for Cats (Teresa Manucy, DVM; reviewed by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP)
- PetMD. What Are Cats Afraid Of? 10 Common Cat Fears and Anxieties (Barri J. Morrison, DVM)
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and Onion (Allium spp) Toxicosis in Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Cornell Feline Health Center. Feeding Your Cat.
If your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian, an emergency animal hospital or an animal poison control service right away, even if your cat seems fine. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home.