If you own a cat, you are probably acutely aware that they are mad, mischievous mysteries. These curious critters do some incredibly bizarre things that appear to have no immediate explanation remarkably often. Why do they like sitting inside boxes all the time? What’s the deal with them digging their claws into your skin as you diligently pet them? Why do they revel in murderous activity so much?

Scientists have deciphered some of the domesticated felines’ more errant behaviors. We know that they see us as incapable furless kittens and somewhat competent landlords at the same time. They are, generally speaking, quick-to-enrage control-freaks that act without care or moral fortitude, all in a quest to prove that they are, essentially, tiny lions seeking dominance.

Why do cats act so weird? TED-Ed via YouTube

This new animation from TED-Ed goes into the evolutionary back story of the domesticated cats, offering up some possible explanations as to why they’re so thoroughly weird today. Perhaps most remarkably, it explains how their purring may be used to help regenerate damaged tissue.

In any case, there’s a lot we still don’t know about our furry companions. Inarguably, the most tantalizing question that is still yet to receive a definitive answer is: Are they really terrified of cucumbers?