Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies After They Poop? 4 Vet-Verified Possible Reasons

Has your cat been acting strange after they poop? Perhaps they meow loudly and run manically around the house for a few minutes, bouncing off walls, and skidding across the floor before calming down. You might be unsure what’s causing this behavior, and while it’s hilarious, it’s also worrying you. Could something be wrong with your cat?

If after pooping, your cat suddenly runs around the room and then seems to be in a state of euphoria, it is a phenomenon commonly known as a “poop zoomie.” While they may seem strange to us, zoomies are perfectly normal for cats. There are several reasons that they might act this way, so read on!

What Are Cat Zoomies?

So, what are the zoomies? They are a burst of energy that occurs more commonly in kittens, but cats of any age can experience them. Technically referred to as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), these energetic outbursts often serve as a way for cats to release pent-up energy, alleviate stress, or even express relief from something uncomfortable, such as a full bladder or bowels.

While the zoomies can be a little startling (especially if you’re not expecting it), there’s no need to worry. Your cat is just expressing themselves in the best way they know how: by running around!

There are a few different theories about why a cat might get the zoomies and why they may do it every time they go to the litter box or only occasionally. It is good to know a few reasons that this behavior might be happening.

The 4 Reasons For Cat Zoomies After Pooping

1. Just Woke Up

Because cats tend to sleep for very long periods, they store up vast quantities of excess energy during sleep. A cat that has just woken up may make a quick beeline to the litter box to take care of business and then feel the shock of a burst of energy!

They take off running in a burst of feel-good, just-pooped energy. Every cat, but especially a house cat, needs to let out pent-up energy in their way. Some sleepy cats, especially younger ones, can turn into balls of fire at the drop of a hat as a way to get their bodies and metabolisms moving after long periods of rest.

2. They’re Having Fun or Relieving Stress

Zoomies aren’t necessarily to do with pooping at all, it’s just a natural way that cats let out pent-up energy and joy. Pooping can be a relief and that burst of energy after going to the bathroom may simply be their way of celebrating.

Zoomies can also be a way of reducing stress or burning off excess energy. If your cat has been a little wound up, a quick burst of speed after using the litter box can be their way of unwinding. Kittens and younger cats are well-known for dramatic bursts of energy and speed, but even older cats will take a victory lap from time to time.

3. Survival Instincts

Zoomies after pooping could be a manifestation of cats’ survival instincts. When an animal feels threatened, their body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which gives them the energy to either fight or flee the danger. For cats, this often manifests as running around!

The idea is that the smell of fresh poop is a threat to their survival because in the wild, it would have the capacity to attract predators. The instinct is to run as quickly and as far from a poop as possible so as not to be detected by something much bigger and much hungrier than them.

So, if you see your cat sprinting around the house after using the litter box, do not worry—they are just trying to stay alive!

4. Poo-phoria

This is a favorite theory of many that has been applied to humans as well. “Poo-phoria” is a term that has been coined to explain this phenomenon. Joan Morris at The Mercury News explains that the vagus nerve in cats (and humans) runs from the brain to the colon, and the act of going poop can stimulate that nerve and cause exhilaration.

The vagus nerve is the part of the parasympathetic nervous system that controls body systems like digestion, heart rate, and the immune system. When stimulated or soothed, it can produce effects like high anxiety and nervousness or conversely, joy, openness, and connection.

The relief from a completed poo can stimulate this nerve and cause a burst of euphoric and ecstatic feelings that send your cat careening around the house and flying off of furniture. It does not last long, usually less than a minute, but it is amusing to watch (that is if your cat does not track cat litter all over the house!).

When to See a Vet

If the behavior persists or is accompanied by other changes in behavior, it is important to consult with a veterinarian.

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Conclusion

If your cat is experiencing the zoomies after pooping, this is considered normal behavior for cats, and there is no need to be concerned. However, if your cat is acting strange during or after pooping, such as scratching the litter box excessively, taking longer to defecate, vocalizing, or returning to the litter box too often, then a vet visit would be warranted to rule out medical problems.

Featured Image Credit: ELENA PETRUNEVA, Shutterstock