Why do cats run for their lives after using the litterbox?

Carolina said:

In the wild, the times that they are the most vulnerable to predators is either when "going to the bathroom", or when they are mating... That is why these things are done quickly, and out of there! That is also why it is good to have the box in a more secluded space, where they feel safer...

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That makes a lot of sense. I thought it was maybe that they are horrified by the smell and are running to escape it...or are surprised that that came out of them.

My lil' girl is "shy". I've never seen her use the litterbox. Or maybe it's that she was/is afraid to do so in front of me as I might be a predator. When she first came out of hiding in a nice, deep, low box I put in her room, after stretching and moving her tail all over the place and letting me pet her a little cautiously, but giving me dirty looks, she seemed to calm down. Then, she started stretching on the litter rug (an old bathroom microfiber rug) and then scratching at it, then pacing, then scratching at it, then again until I finally figured out when she threw me a mean, dirty look that made me wonder what I had done wrong...she wanted to go potty, but wouldn't with me in the room. I left her alone, shut the door, then came back later and found potty. At first, she seemed to quickly flee the room after potty time. Now I don't know anymore...my cat is adorable!!!

Regent is typically quite proud of his achievements and will come strutting up to us. 

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That is a good question I have one that does the same thing.Its like the litter box monster is chasing after her.After doing her business she runs 30 ft all the way to the kitchen before calming down

My silver tabby does this also, even though she's 16 years old. We call it "poo poo sprints."

Noodles usually takes a few laps around the house after she goes #2.  I call it her poop and scoot.   She also only puts 1 paw inside the box for balance but otherwise hovers and keeps her other 3 on the edge.  We used to have a Littermaid box and the edges were nice and wide.  I don't know how she manages now with a normal, plastic box.  I have noticed she doesn't usually do her sprints during the day; but the girls also do most of their business during the night.

hahahahaha..I don't know why but all of mine do it!

It must be so exciting to feel that much lighter after taking a dump, I have not witnessed it yet, must be funny.

Mine too!

auchick said:

I wish mine would do this. They linger what seems like an eternity, digging the side of the box, the papers under the box, the wall near the box...then slowly walk away.

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My cat doesn't just run.  He gets excited and playful.  He runs and chases my other cat and they will chase and wrestle each other for a while after.  It's like a cue for play time.  My other cat didn't used to do it after I got him, but now he has adopted the same behavior.  I swear they get excited when one goes in the litter box.  The other will wait outside the bathroom door till he is done and then all heal breaks loose.

I've had cats bolt out of the box at what seems sub liminal speeds. As if they are saying "Get me outta here! ".

Mine does it from time to time,I think its a victory lap,lol.

I think they must get frisky and just run!  I never had a cat to do this, but it must be fun!  My cat will instead cover up the poop with litter, then she gets out of the box and will scratch the floor, then the wall, then slowly walk away!  

this is a custom in cat religion. it is believed that running after pooping pleases cat god.