Reasons Why Kitten Runs After Pooping: Possible Causes
The Whys Behind a Cat's Dash After a Poop
1. A Natural "Survival Reflex"
Cats are born with a keen sense of danger. In the wild, they instinctively bury their waste to mask the scent and quickly flee the scene to avoid predators. Pet cats carry on this ancestral behavior, which is why their sprint after a bowel movement is quite normal. It's simply a leftover strategy from their ancestors' daily survival tactics.
2. A Feeling of Relief
After a bowel movement, cats often feel a sense of relief and contentment. This is due to the stimulation of the vagus nerve, the longest nerve in the cat's autonomic nervous system, which connects various organs. When cats go to the bathroom, their vagus nerve is activated, leading to a pleasurable sensation. This explains why cats might dash around after pooping, a sign of their happiness.
3. Asserting Independence
When kittens are young, they rely on their mothers to stimulate bowel movements by舔 their bottoms. Once they can go to the bathroom on their own, they might resist their mothers' attempts to clean them. As a result, they might run away after pooping to assert their independence. This behavior is common in kittens who have just started to toilet train themselves.
4. A Sign of Discomfort
If a cat is experiencing discomfort, such as constipation, it can be quite uncomfortable. Cats often endure this silently, but sometimes they may try to alleviate their discomfort by jumping around. Similarly, if a cat has an infection or inflammation that causes pain, it might dash around after pooping. This behavior indicates a more serious health issue, and owners should take it seriously. If there are any signs of distress or abnormalities, it's advisable to take the cat to a veterinarian promptly.
5. Wanting to Shake Off the "Mess"
Cats are known for their cleanliness. After a bowel movement, they might want to quickly rid themselves of any foreign objects or odors. This is why they might dash around after pooping. If the cat only exhibits this behavior without showing any signs of pain, it's usually not a cause for concern. It's important for owners to keep the litter box clean to avoid the cat's disdain.
It's best for owners to clean the litter box daily and to thoroughly clean it every 2 to 3 weeks to prevent bacterial growth and to avoid strong odors in the home. Otherwise, a dirty litter box can lead to the cat refusing to use it, resulting in inappropriate elimination. This would only increase the workload for the cat's human caregiver.
