The internet made a profound and disturbing discovery last year – cats have a hysterical fear of cucumbers. Don’t believe us? Just take a look at these outrageous videos. So with Wold Cucumber Day on the 14th of June (who knew cucumbers have their own day?), Hendrick’s Gin has stepped in to ensure harmony is restored amongst the planet’s pussy population.
Hendrick’s has enlisted the help of world renowned animal behaviourist, Dr Roger Mugford – previously master trainer to the British Queen’s corgis, to create a fool-proof cucumber exposure programme to help our feline friends cope at this particularly troublesome time.
According to Dr Mugford, the suspicious nature of cats is what leads to the innate fear of the mighty cucumber – the oddness and unusual persona of the green fruit makes them feel uneasy.
Dr Mugford’s cunning cat friendly tips include:
- Storing cats away from cucumbers
- Play some suitably serene music to help cats relax and forget about cucumbers
- Incremental exposure may acclimatise cats to cucumbers – limiting their fear
- Disguise a cucumber for feline use
- Try not to appear frightened yourself when confronted by a cucumber – the more loyal cats out there may jump to your defence
- Rest assured that once the cucumber is submerged in a Hendrick’s and tonic, cats will not experience anxiety of any kind
“Cats have an illogical fear of cucumbers – so as inventors of the cucumber garnish, we have to act responsibly and ensure cats feel at ease as we enjoy our Hendrick’s libations garnished, of course, with a cucumber, on World Cucumber Day,” says David Piper, Hendrick’s Global Brand Ambassador.
He added: “I’ve witnessed a lot of odd things in my time, but I never thought the humble cucumber could provoke such a profound reaction. It is something of a bolt from the green for kitties and the danger this poses is very real. We encourage everyone, everywhere, to take the necessary precautions to ensure curious individuals worldwide can celebrate World Cucumber Day with a slice of the unusual.”
Does the sight of a cucumber send your kitty crazy? Keep them safe this Wold Cucumber Day!