If you’ve ever noticed your cat racing around the house like a furry tornado right after using the litter box, you’re not alone. These sudden bursts of high-energy beaviour, often called “zoomies,” can seem random and puzzling. But don’t worry—there’s an explanation behind this quirky behaviour. 

What Are Zoomies?

Zoomies, also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), refer to the sudden bursts of energy that many cats (and dogs) experience. During a zoomies session, you might see your cat darting across the room, sprinting up and down hallways, or leaping onto furniture with incredible speed and agility. This behaviour can happen at any time of day, many pet parents notice that their cat gets zoomies immediately after using the litter box—especially after pooping. But why does this happen? 

Why Do Cats Get Zoomies After Pooping?

There are a few possible explanations for why cats have these sudden bursts of energy after a bathroom break. While no one definitive reason applies to every cat, the following are some of the most common theories: 

1. Medical Concern: If your cat suddenly starts doing zoomies after using the litter box and hasn’t before, it could signal an underlying medical issue. Dr. Mike Paul, DVM, explained to Pet Health Network that post-poop zoomies may be caused by discomfort from infections or inflammation in the urinary tract, colon, or rectum. If your cat begins racing around after using the litter box, it’s a good idea to check for signs like diarrhea, unusually hard stool, or blood in the stool or urine. 
2. A Sense of Relief: One of the simplest explanations is that cats may feel a sense of relief after eliminating. Just as humans might feel lighter or refreshed after a successful bathroom trip, your cat might experience a similar sensation. That feeling of lightness and relief could trigger an energetic release in the form of zoomies. 
3. Natural Instincts: In the wild, cats are both predators and prey, and their instincts are still deeply rooted in their behaviour—even domesticated cats. After using the bathroom, especially when pooping, a cat may feel vulnerable to potential threats due to the scent left behind. The zoomies may be a natural way for cats to quickly distance themselves from the area, mimicking the behaviour of wild cats that would want to avoid detection by predators. 
4. Excitement or Euphoria: Some veterinarians suggest that pooping might stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain to the colon. In both humans and animals, stimulating this nerve can trigger feelings of euphoria or excitement. This surge of energy might explain why your cat suddenly takes off running after doing their business. 
5. Marking Territory: Another theory is that cats may zoom around as a way of spreading their scent and marking their territory. After using the litter box, they could be instinctively asserting their presence in their home environment by moving around quickly, leaving their scent in various places. 

Should You Be Concerned About Post-Poop Zoomies?

In most cases, zoomies are a completely normal and healthy behaviour for cats, including after using the litter box. Zoomies allow your cat to burn off excess energy and stay active, especially if they are indoor cats without as much space to roam. 

However, if you notice other unusual behaviours along with the zoomies—such as straining to poop, crying, or signs of discomfort—it may be worth consulting your veterinarian. These could be signs of an underlying medical issue, such as constipation or gastrointestinal discomfort, which might need attention.