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Cats are notorious for their sudden bursts of energy, and it's not uncommon to see them exhibit zoomies after pooping. This behavior is more than just a quirky quirk - it's a natural response to a specific physiological process.
After pooping, cats often experience a brief release of pent-up energy. This is because the act of defecation can stimulate their muscles and nervous system, leading to a temporary increase in energy levels.
As a cat owner, you might notice that your feline friend is more prone to zoomies after pooping if they have a sensitive digestive system. This is because cats with digestive issues may experience more frequent bowel movements, leading to more opportunities for zoomies to strike.
In many cases, cat zoomies after pooping can be a sign of overall good health. However, it's worth noting that excessive or persistent zooming behavior can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as a gastrointestinal problem or anxiety.
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Causes of Cat Zoomies
Cat zoomies after pooping may occur because cats, like so many of us in the animal kingdom, simply feel good after pooping. Humans and cats both have a vagus nerve, which is stimulated by defecation. This can lead to a feeling of euphoria for your cat after pooping.
The stimulation of the vagus nerve can cause cats to feel energized and want to burn off that energy by running around the house. Your cat might be exhibiting this behavior because it's trying to show off how happy it feels.
Another theory is that cats are trying to avoid the smell of their own poop. They do their business and then run away from the smell, hoping that the rush of air through their fur will remove any traces of stink.
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Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies?
Cats get the zoomies after pooping because of their innate survival instinct, which tells them to get away from the location as quickly as possible to avoid predator detection.
Some cats bury their waste in the litter box, and the sprint might be a way to further avoid predator detection.
This behavior is linked to a cat's natural instinct to fear being tracked by a predator based on the smell of their waste.
Cats might also be experiencing "poo-phoria", a pleasurable sensation caused by the stimulation of the vagus nerve, which runs from their brain stem to their colon.
This sensation can range from feelings of exhilaration to elation, and it might be why cats feel the urge to run around after using the litter box.
Some cats might be trying to shake off excess waste that might cling to their furry little behinds, which could be a simple explanation for this behavior.
The stimulation of the vagus nerve can also be a physiological explanation for why cats get the zoomies after pooping.
This nerve is stimulated by defecation, and it can cause some exhilaration, which might be why cats feel energized and want to burn off that energy by running around.
Cats may run away after pooping because they're trying to avoid the smell of their own poop, hoping that the rush of air through their fur will remove any traces of stink.
In most cases, cats are fine and just enjoying the simple, yet smelly, aspects of life.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Stop Cats Pooping
They Might Be in Pain
Your cat might be experiencing zoomies due to a medical issue. An inflamed colon or anal fissure can make it painful for your cat to poop, which could lead to unusual behavior.
If your cat is in pain, it could cause him to screech after pooping. This is a sign that you should get him checked out by a vet.
A medical condition could be the underlying cause of your cat's zoomies. If you notice that your cat's poop zoomies are a new behavior, it's a good idea to take him to the vet to rule out a medical issue.
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Behavioral Patterns
Cats running around like crazy after pooping is actually a common and normal behavior.
Most cat owners have witnessed this undignified celebration of litter box use, which one expert calls "poo-phoria".
The act of using the litter box can stimulate the vagus nerve in cats, causing a feeling of exhilaration.
Check this out: Changing Cat Litter Brand Make Cat Sick
This is because the vagus nerve runs from the brain to the colon, and defecation can stimulate it, leading to a feeling of euphoria for your cat.
Cats may feel energized by this stimulation and want to burn off that energy by running around the house.
It's their way of showing off how happy they feel after using the litter box.
Some cats may even run away after pooping because they're trying to avoid predators, a leftover behavior from the wild.
In the wild, cats generally bury their poop to mask their scent and throw predators off their trail.
This behavior is not always a cause for concern, and in most cases, your cat is fine and just enjoying the simple aspects of life.
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Post-Pooping Behavior
Cats may run around like crazy after pooping due to the stimulation of their vagus nerve, which can lead to feelings of euphoria.
The vagus nerve runs from the brain to the colon in cats, just like in humans, and the act of going poo can stimulate it, causing some exhilaration.
This euphoria can manifest as a desire to burn off excess energy, often in the form of running around the house.
Cats may also run away after pooping because they're trying to avoid predators, a behavior they've inherited from their wild ancestors.
In the wild, cats bury their poop to mask their scent and throw predators off their trail.
The smell of their own poop can be overwhelming for cats, leading them to run away from it as quickly as possible.
Some cats may even experience a pleasurable sensation while using the litter box, which can put them in a playful mood and lead to post-pooping zoomies.
In most cases, post-pooping zoomies are a normal and harmless behavior, but if your cat is experiencing pain or discomfort, it's essential to take them to the vet.
For your interest: Dog Zoomies after Pooping
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog run away after pooping?
Dogs may run away after pooping due to marking their territory with scent glands in their paws or feeling a sudden burst of energy and freedom. Learn more about the possible reasons behind this behavior and how to address it
Sources
- https://www.meowingtons.com/blogs/lolcats/why-does-my-cat-get-the-zoomies
- https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/10/10/why-does-my-cat-zoom-around-the-house-after-using-the-litter-box/
- https://www.cuteness.com/13711804/why-does-my-cat-run-around-after-pooping
- https://coleandmarmalade.com/2019/03/19/why-does-my-cat-get-the-zoomies-after-he-poops/
- https://iheartcats.com/cat-get-zoomies-pooping/
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