If your kitty tends to get the zoomies after using the litter box, there may be a connection to the vagus nerve that goes from brain to colon. Kitty may be feeling a bit lightheaded or relieved or even euphoric after using the litter box.
Warning Signs of Feline Urinary Tract Infections
Painful urination: If your cat cries out while urinating, this is a tell-tale sign that she may be in pain. Licking the genital or abdominal areas: This is a way for cats to soothe the pain of a urinary tract disease.
That euphoric feeling is thanks to the vagus nerve, which runs from our brainstems to our colon. Just like humans, cats have a vagus nerve. Dr. Sheth explains, “The distension of the rectum that comes with the passing of a large mass of stool causes the vagus nerve to fire.
"If a cat sprints out of his or her litter box after urinating, it's best to make sure there are no underlying urinary related medical issues". Dr. Lugones noted that such medical issues could include urinary tract infections, pain, inflammation, bladder stones, or even a blockage.
The good news is that the zoomies are completely normal behavior for cats of all ages! However, if your cat starts to exhibit above average levels of activity, it may indicate an underlying health condition such as hyperthyroidism, which increases energy levels in older cats.
The most common reason cats experience the zoomies is pent-up energy. Cats rest and sleep for a majority of the day to conserve energy for short, very active periods. Without intentional exercise and activity, your kitty will need to find a way to get that extra energy out, resulting in a case of the zoomies.
Should you ignore cat zoomies? For the most part, the cat zoomies really are perfectly normal, and if your cat seems happy and looks to be enjoying the workout, it's fine to let him or her be.
When a cat poops, it stimulates a nerve in their body that gives them a euphoric feeling, which might explain why your cat gets the zoomies. The nerve that's being stimulated is called the vagus nerve, and it runs from the brain throughout the body, including the entire digestive tract, Shojai said.
“Their litter box might be in there, so it could be a room that smells very familiar. Cats also probably know that when we are on the toilet, we are a captive audience — nowadays we are so busy and distracted that many cats are probably looking for an opportunity to have our undivided attention!”
Bathroom Issues
Some cats run like crazy after they've had a bowel movement, particularly if it was uncomfortable. "Such discomfort could be caused by infections or inflammatory processes involving the urinary tract, colon or rectum," explains Dr. Mike Paul for the Pet Health Network.
“Cats will sometimes jump into the litter boxes and often use them while, and right after, their people have scooped them,” says Marilyn Krieger, certified cat behavior consultant. “Cats love clean litter boxes, ones that are freshly scooped and don't smell of excrement.
“It most commonly (and annoyingly) happens at night. They usually don't last longer than 1-2 minutes, but they leave a lasting impression.”
The short answer to why your cat wipes their bum across the floor is that they need to relieve discomfort. Their behind is itchy, irritated, or inflamed. To combat the problem, you first need to know the source. While a common occurrence, when your kitty scoots their bum across the floor it is a cause for concern.
Cats often urinate in unusual places to get their owner's attention when they are feeling unwell. Further, cats often urinate in unusual places in an effort to reassert their claim to territory, this need often arising from psychological stress and psychological stress can easily lead to a disease state.
In a cat with a healthy bladder, the feline can control the sphincter muscles until the appropriate time and location. However, those with underlying disease or infection, may no longer have full control of these muscles.
Cats having a stress response show a lot of the typical signs of distress — wailing, digestive changes, lots of clawing, licking, and peeing — so diagnosing anxiety is mostly about figuring out the specific trigger.
According to PetPlace.com, that habit is your cat's way of claiming you as his own. Pheromones exist in the glands on his face, and he can transmit them to humans, objects and other cats to mark his territory, similar to how a dog sometimes claims property with his urine.
Cats guard you when you pee or go to the bathroom to show affection. Instinctively, they are protective of their territory, and you, their owner—the one who provides them love, care, food, and shelter—are part of it.
To answer you question I will say yes, they know. And they love it. Don't be confused or shy if your cat comes around when you are on the toilet. As gross as it might sound to humans - for cats the best smell is the one that comes naturally out of their human, not their perfume, not their aftershave cream, etc…
Why does my cat follow me to the bathroom? Cats need privacy when using their litter box, but they seem to believe you need company when using yours! You might find it strange that your cat likes to curl up on your lap while you're on the toilet, but this is really your kitty's way of showing how much they like you.
Similar to humans, cats have a vagus nerve that runs through their whole body, including the colon. When a cat poops, the distention of the rectum causes the vagus nerve to fire, which in turn causes a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. This chain of events can result in a type of 'high' or euphoria for a cat.
In most cases, cats will purr when they are in a relaxed environment, sending out waves of calmness. This may also occur when you stroke them, and if this is the case, your feline friend is feeling happy or sociable. However, cats purr to communicate other emotions and needs, too.
Play throughout the day
A great way to encourage your cat to burn off all that excess energy is to have regular play sessions with them. Instead of having one long 15-minute play session in the evening, spread a few short five-minute play sessions throughout the day to keep them entertained.
Zoomies are a natural dog behavior that is most often no cause for alarm, so long as your pup has room to run without injuring themselves. However, constant zoomies may be a sign of a larger behavioral problem, so its a good idea to keep tabs on how often your dog is zooming and for what reasons.