Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies After They Poop? 4 Common 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. Bad Smell

We all know cats are extremely sensitive to smell. If you put on too much perfume or use a citrus essential oil, they will avoid you like the plague. If the litter box is too dirty, they will refuse to keep using it and relieve themselves elsewhere in the house.

One theory for the poop zoomies is that your cat has just had a particularly stinky poo and in a fit of disgust, is rushing away from the box in the hopes of outrunning the smell. This can also be their way of saying, “It wasn’t me!”

If you notice this happening frequently, it might be a good idea to check on the condition of the litter box and your cat’s diet. Perhaps a new food is causing some digestive upset, and these are the signals that your cat is giving to say that something is not quite right in their tummy.

---

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 your veterinarian.

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