Not really related to the biohazard subject, but has anyone figured out why cats do this? Or even posited a theory? It was a source of amusement on vine way back when that was a thing but I’ve never really seen an explanation for the phenomenon.

I've seen some quotes from animal behaviorists that it's likely related to a hard-wired fear of snakes in the feline brain. Cucumbers have the vague shape and color of certain types of snakes, which can trigger a sudden, violent reaction.

My cat absolutely flipped out at seeing a wrench on his chair a few days ago...

Snakes. Humans have a similar adaptation, our lower periphery is tuned for it, as well as our reflexes override our conscious choice when, say, a snake goes for your face behind glass

I think so too, I even think that the 's' sound is also linked to snakes and slowly creeping dangers in many cultures.