You love your cat. But let's be honest: sometimes they act like little aliens.
One minute they are sleeping like an angel, and the next minute - immediately after using the litter box, they are sprinting across the house at Mach 10, drifting around corners like a rally car. Or maybe you have noticed their obsession with licking grocery bags, or their insistence on joining you every time you need to use the bathroom.
You aren't alone, and your cat isn't broken. These weird quirks are actually ancient survival instincts kicking in.
Key Takeaways
- The Zoomies: Running after pooping is often triggered by a "euphoric" nerve stimulation.
- Plastic Eating: The crinkly sound mimics prey, and some plastics contain animal by-products.
- Bathroom Time: They aren't being creepy; they are protecting you while you are vulnerable.
- Chirping: That weird "ek-ek-ek" sound is a mix of excitement and frustration.
1. The "Poop Zoomies" (Post-Defecation Euphoria)
It is the most classic cat move: do the business, bury it (maybe), and then RUN.
Why does this happen? Scientists call it Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), but there is a fascinating biological reason specifically linked to the litter box.
The Vagus Nerve Connection The Vagus nerve runs from the brain stem down to the colon. When cats defecate, this nerve is stimulated. In humans and cats alike, stimulating the Vagus nerve can create a sudden sensation of relief and pleasure - a "natural high." Your cat isn't just running; they are literally buzzing with a "poo-phoria."
The Survival Instinct In the wild, the smell of waste attracts predators. Sprinting away immediately after doing their business is an ancient way to put distance between themselves and the scent trail.
2. The Plastic Sommelier: Why Lick Bags?
Does your cat come running when they hear a grocery bag rustling? Do they lick or chew on plastic wrapping? This behavior, known as Pica (eating non-food items), has a few surprising triggers.
It Smells Like Food We can't smell it, but many plastics (especially "biodegradable" ones) are made using tallow (animal fat) or cornstarch as slip agents to prevent the bags from sticking together. To a cat's super-nose, that trash bag smells like a steak.
It Sounds Like Prey The crinkle of a plastic bag mimics the high-pitched rustle of a rodent moving through dry leaves or grass. Chewing on it provides a satisfying tactile sensation that scratches their predatory itch.
3. The Bathroom Bodyguard
You close the door. A paw slides under. You hear meowing. You open the door, and they just sit there watching you. Why?
Vulnerability Protection In the animal kingdom, doing your business is dangerous. You are stationary and distracted. Your cat sees you as a member of their colony (a big, hairless, clumsy cat). By following you, they are effectively standing guard to ensure you don't get ambushed while you are vulnerable.
Routine & Curiosity Cats are control freaks. A closed door in their territory is an insult. They want to know exactly what is happening in every square inch of their domain. Plus, bathrooms often smell like you, which makes them feel safe.
4. The Hunter's Chirp (Chattering)
You see it when there is a bird outside the window. Your cat's jaw vibrates, and they make a strange "ek-ek-ek" or clicking sound.
Frustration & Adrenaline Behaviorists believe this "chattering" is caused by a surge of adrenaline combined with the frustration of being unable to reach the prey. It is the physical manifestation of "I want it, but I can't have it."
The "Mimicry" Theory A study from the Amazon forests found wild cats actually mimicking the calls of monkeys to lure them closer. While house cats aren't hunting monkeys, some scientists theorize this chattering might be an evolutionary remnant of trying to trick or lull prey into a false sense of security.
Why do cats run around like crazy?
Scientificially known as FRAPs (Frenetic Random Activity Periods), this bursts of energy are normal. They are a cat's way of burning off excess calories from sleeping all day.
Is it normal for cats to cry after pooping?
No. If your cat sprints away and cries (meows loudly) while or after pooping, it could be a sign of pain (constipation or UTIs). The "zoomie" might be them trying to run away from the pain. See a vet.
What causes cat zoomies at night?
Cats are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk). However, house cats often shift this to night time because that is when their owners are home. Hunting instincts kick in, and with no mice to catch, they hunt "ghosts" in the hallway.
Final Thoughts
Your cat isn't trying to annoy you with their zoomies or their lack of privacy boundaries. They are just operating on software installed thousands of years ago in the wild.
So the next time they sprint out of the litter box like a rocket, just applaud their "poo-phoria." It is a sign of a healthy, happy, and instinctively sharp predator living in your living room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licking is usually okay, but swallowing is dangerous. Plastic can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages. If your cat is obsessed, try switching to paper bags or offering cat grass as a safe alternative.
In cat language, a slow blink means love. A wide-eyed stare usually means curiosity or alertness. If they are staring while you eat or sleep, they are likely just observing 'the big cat' (you) for cues.
