Cats have many curious habits. One of the most curious (and often amusing) feline quirks is the tendency to bolt out of the litter box with lightening speed and run around for its life. Not all cats do this, but many cat owners have noticed this habit and wondered what in heaven's name the ball of fluff is doing when it runs around after using the litter box. Several theories have come up that try to explain this puzzling phenomenon.

The prevailing theory among observant cat owners seems to be that their cat simply feels better after relieving itself. People can certainly identify with this reason. As everyone knows, such relief can be a jubilant feeling. To be able to successfully alleviate a weighing discomfort can make us feel on top of the world after leaving the bathroom.

After all, why should it be any different for cats? It's not unreasonable to suppose that cats are simply experiencing a bit of euphoria and expressing their elation in a jaunt about the room. Indeed, they probably feel that a weight is lifted off them and they feel lighter in body and in mood.

But this isn't the only theory that's attempted to explain the behavior. We spoke with Dr. Ilona Rodan, a distinguished veterinarian and specialist in feline behavior, as well as Carole Wilbourn, a cat therapist and author who's been described as the "Kitty Freud." Both agree that there's something to the popular theory, but there can be more than one answer. Wilbourn connects it to how, as kittens, their mothers cleaned up waste by licking it off. Adult cats may enjoy celebrating and flaunting their grown-up independence when they take care of it themselves. Wilbourn also believes that cats like to call attention to their accomplishment, seeking acknowledgement and congratulations from their human guardian.

Additionally, Wilbourn and Dr. Rodan both suggested from personal experience that cats with digestive problems like diarrhea and constipation want to bolt out of the litter box as soon as possible, distancing themselves from the problem.

But yet another theory might satisfy those who appreciate an evolutionary explanation.