Why does a cat “rush” around the apartment after going to the toilet?

5 reasons why cats run after the toilet

There are many potential reasons why cats run away immediately after a bowel movement. It is possible that this behavior is preceded by a combination of several factors. On the Internet, you can find different hypotheses about this – for example, some experts believe that in this way cats brag about the fact that they have become adults and no longer need the help of their mother. However, it remains unclear which of the existing reasons can be considered the most reliable. In this article, we’ve compiled four popular theories that might explain our furry behavior.

He feels euphoric

The cat defecates, this stimulates a nerve in her body, causing a certain feeling of euphoria. This nerve is called the vagus nerve, and it runs from the brain through the entire body of our pets, including the digestive tract. The vagus nerve performs many important functions, such as reducing inflammation and also affecting feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. Some experts suggest that the process of defecation somehow affects this nerve and creates a feeling of pleasure, which cats release through active actions.

He rejoices in relief

Another reason may be that your four-legged friend is simply so good after a bowel movement that he runs around the room showing his joy. In this way, the cat expresses its jubilation and draws your attention to the achievement.

And if your pet is well-rested beforehand, it can increase the feeling of joy and lead to crazy races around the apartment, which English-speaking cat owners call “zoomies”. Such bursts of activity often occur in the evening, if the animal has been dozing all day and has accumulated a lot of energy. If this event coincides with a trip to the toilet, night runs can become an established habit.

It’s his survival instinct

Many experts believe that in the wild, cats have a natural tendency to stay away from the smell of feces, which helps them protect themselves from predators. Perhaps that is why they bury their excrement underground or in a home tray. Our pets may think that other animals smell as keenly as they do, or they perceive the smell of their own feces as other people’s feces.

Do not forget that cats have a very developed sense of smell, and therefore what seems to us a weak aroma, for them can be a very sharp and unpleasant smell. This may well explain the vigorous reaction of pets to the appearance of a foul-smelling object in the room.

He tries to stay clean

Another simple explanation could be that cats are very clean creatures. They never sleep or eat near their poop, and jogging after going to the bathroom helps your pet escape the bad smell.

In addition, this is how our tails can get rid of the remnants of feces – running and jumping help cats shake off bits of litter stuck to the tail and paws and stay clean.

The process makes him uncomfortable.

Perhaps the most unpleasant reason why a cat can run around the apartment after a toilet is problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Perhaps the process of defecation causes pain to your furry companion, and he tends to leave the point of discomfort immediately after the end of the “session”.

Cats who experience discomfort from going to the toilet may “blame” the litter box for their distress. Watch for other signs of constipation in a four-legged dog – perhaps he avoids the toilet or strains himself when using it. Well, if your cat has not defecated for more than three days, this is a serious reason to contact a veterinarian who will help sort out the problem and prescribe an effective treatment plan for your pet.