Why does my cat get the zoomies

Have you ever witnessed your cat exhibiting brief moments of hyperactivity, racing to and fro and meowing wildly? This is a phenomenon referred to as many as “the zoomies,” but it has a scientific name too: Frenetic Random Activity Periods or FRAP for short. Continue reading to learn more about this behavior and understand what your cat is going through when they are acting so frantic!

What causes the zoomies?

Cats of all ages naturally have lots of energy, especially kittens and younger cats. It is simply an effective way to burn off excess energy for these creatures who sleep much of the day (anywhere between 12 to 16 hours a day). After a long snooze, mad dashes around the house are the ideal way for cats to awaken their mind and body. Furthermore, cats are natural predators and are wont to pursue imaginary prey, even when provided with adequate amounts of food from their owners. You may even catch your kitten taking a lap after a trip to the litterbox, which is simply their celebration of a job well done.

How can I treat the zoomies?

Since FRAP is your cat’s way of releasing pent-up energy, one way to curb this behavior is by dedicating time out of each day to playing with them. These frantic episodes can be prevented by making sure your cat gets to expend a lot of its energy when it is awake. Furthermore, when your cat is experiencing the zoomies, take that opportunity to let your cat chase around its favorite toy. Rather than chasing the imaginary prey in their heads, they will love the chance to pursue a real target.

When do zoomies normally happen?

Contrary to popular belief, cats are not nocturnal but are crepuscular instead! If you are unfamiliar with the term, this means that they are naturally most active at dawn and dusk due to their biological need to take advantage of cooler times of day in order to more effectively hunt. This is why cats so often exhibit FRAP late at night, even if their owners are tucked away in bed. However, domestic cats do not rely on their hunting skills to survive and owners can discourage regular fits of hyperactivity at certain times of day by simply feeding their cats at different hours than dawn and dusk.

When should I worry?

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. If your cat is suffering from some type of irritation stemming from allergies or fleas, then they may race around to escape the unpleasant feeling. Keep in mind that the zoomies are normal for all cats but can be cause for concern if their activity is not consistent with their normal behavior.

If you have any questions about your cat’s behavior, contact us at Bayshore Animal Hospital!  We have served Volusia County residents since 1982 and we are driven by our passion for pets. Our team is here to help your furry friend achieve long-term health and well-being. With every service we offer, we also take the time to talk you through the care process and address any additional questions you may have.

The zoomies. Every cat owner is familiar with the incredible burst of crazy energy that all cats get occasionally. Then, it's on. The cat races around at top speed leaping onto and off furniture and generally tearing around making lots of noise.

For some reason, many cats seem to get the zoomies at night when their owner is trying to sleep. Why does that happen, and is there any way to curb it so you can get some sleep?

Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies?

There are a few reasons cats engage in wild bursts of running around the house, acting crazy. They usually have dilated pupils and act hyper-vigilant. They may do this because:

• They have pent-up energy. Cats are generally hunters that expend energy in big bursts while chasing prey. Indoor cats don't get to do that, so the zoomies are often their way of letting out some natural energy. Zoomies are more common and frequent in younger cats, being most frequent in kittens.
• They have anxiety. If a cat suddenly begins having the zoomies when they never did it before, it could indicate stress or anxiety.

• They have a medical problem. Again, if the zoomies begin in a cat that never engaged in it before, a medical problem could be the culprit (especially hyperthyroidism, fleas, or skin allergies).
• They have a litter box problem. Some cats specifically zoom after being in the litter box. That could indicate they're unhappy with the box's cleanliness or that they have discomfort or irritation associated with urination or defecation.

The vast majority of zoomies in cats have to do with pent-up energy.

But Why So Many Zoomies at Night?

Nighttime is when it's quietest in most people's homes, and a cat that slept most of the day while the owners were gone may be up and looking for something to do then.

Additionally, cats are crepuscular. That means they're naturally most active in the twilight times of dusk and dawn, which is when their rodent prey is most active, so they hunt most successfully. Even though our house cats don't have to survive on hunting, they still have the instinct to be active and "hunt" at those times. Hence, nighttime zoomies.

How Can You Curtail Nighttime Zoomies in Cats?

Here are a few things you can do if your cat has a habit of engaging in zoomies during the night.

Note: this is only for cases of pent-up energy zoomies. If you feel your cat's zoomies may be due to a medical problem, anxiety, or a litter box issue, consult with your veterinarian.

• Engage in a rousing interactive play session before you go to bed. Use a wand toy to impersonate a rodent and get your kitty to let out all that pent-up hunting energy.
• Give the main meal just before you go to bed. After a cat in the wild eats a meal of prey, he takes a nice long nap. You can simulate that with the main meal around your bedtime.
• Provide plenty of enrichment for your cat to engage in during the day. If you're gone most of the day and your cat is alone, be sure you're providing enriching activities to help let out energy and keep kitty from getting bored. Here are some ideas:
• Try an automatic cat toy that turns on randomly throughout the day.
• Put a cat tree near a window with a bird feeder outside.
• Put some kibble inside a puzzle feeder for your kitty to work on throughout the day.
• Break up your cat's daily food allotment and hide it around the home for your kitty to "hunt" all day.

“Zoomies” is a word used to describe seemingly random periods of bursts of energy in cats. Cats with the zoomies might suddenly leap up and race around the living room or even the entire house, running, jumping, climbing and otherwise going crazy with activity.

Some cats punctuate their roomies with growling, yowling or meowing. Cat zoomies often seem to come out of nowhere and disappear after a while.

What Are Cat Zoomies?

Cats are known for strange behaviors, but cats are not the only species that exhibit zoomies. Dogs get the zoomies, too.

Believe it or not, there is even a technical term that veterinarians use for the zoomies: frenetic random activity periods (also known as FRAPs). Watching a cat with the zoomies can be pretty entertaining, but what exactly are they doing? And why do the zoomies seem to start up for no reason?

Why Do Cats Get Zoomies?

As it turns out, the zoomies are not random. There are several different reasons cats get the zoomies; some are related to cat behavior and some reasons are medical.

Let’s break down the most common causes of the cat zoomies:

Sleep-Related Zoomies

It’s no secret that cats sleep a lot. In between the long periods of rest and sleep, cats often experience a surge in energy (in the wild, this is when they would be hunting). That burst of feel-good vibes can sometimes trigger the zoomies in cats.

Hunting Instinct Zoomies

Despite having easy access to food, domesticated cats are still driven by their instincts to hunt and chase prey. Cats sometimes get the urge to act out on these instincts by stalking imaginary prey and suddenly pouncing, which may trigger the further urge to begin racing around the house in a frenzy of activity.

Boredom/Lack of Activity

Living inside is safe for a house cat, but it’s also far less interesting than surviving in the wild. Some indoor cats are desperate for something to break up the monotony, so they make up their own fun time in the form of the zoomies, which can combat their pent-up energy.

Some cats get a crazy look in the eye signaling an episode of the zoomies is about to commence.

Feline Hyperthyroidism

Oddly enough, frenetic random activity periods (also known as FRAPs, or the zoomies) are one sign of hyperthyroidism in cats.

This condition, which is common in middle aged and senior cats, occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive, making too many thyroid hormones. In addition to hyperactivity, other signs of hyperthyroidism in cats include weight loss, increased appetite, increased thirst, excessive urination, vomiting and diarrhea.

If your cat is experiencing the zoomies more than usual, and is also displaying other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, have her checked out by your veterinarian.

Read More: Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, & Causes

Age-Related Zoomies

In senior cats, zoomies are sometimes a sign of dementia and cognitive decline related to conditions such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).

Senior cats suffering from changes in sight, hearing, and their sense of smell may also start displaying frequent bouts of the zoomies—becoming startled by something can sometimes trigger the zoomies.

If your older cat starts showing more frequent zoomies, especially if she hasn’t really been prone to them before, have her checked out by a veterinarian.

Anxiety and Stress

When cats are feeling upset about something going on in their life, they may display behavioral changes, including an increased incidence of the zoomies. Sometimes, strife between one or more cats in a multi-cat household may lead to excessive zoomies. If you’re also noticing your cats having accidents outside the litter box, disharmony in the home may be to blame.

Bathroom-Related Zoomies

Some cats race around the house after using the litter box, especially after they poop. This can be a normal response, as sort of victory lap to the feeling of “lightening their load” so to speak.

However, if it happens often, or if it is combined with inappropriate urination or defecation outside the litter box, you should have your cat seen by a vet to rule out any health issues.

If you want to put the breaks on your cat’s zoomies, redirect her energy with play.

How To Stop Cat Zoomies?

In healthy cats, the zoomies can be normal and behaviorally-appropriate. Some cats just love a good romp and run about the house to burn off excess energy. After all, it’s all in good fun.

As long as you believe that your cat’s needs are being met (she has plenty of cat toys, places to scratch, things to climb, places to perch, and lots of play sessions and other interaction with you) and you don’t suspect that your cat is experiencing a health issue, stress or anxiety, you can just let the zoomies run their course.

Cat zoomies are generally short-lived so you can usually just wait it out and your cat will return to her normal self. Most cats don’t zoom much longer than five minutes or so.

If you’re worried about your cat hurting herself (if she’s leaping from a tall cat tree), or breaking something while she’s zooming, or if her zoomies are simply driving you crazy (especially if they occur in the middle of the night), you wonder how you can turn them off.

If you want to put a stop to the zoomies sooner rather than later, lean into them by playing with your cat. It might sound strange, but engaging your cat with playtime during an episode of the zoomies can help. Try enticing your cat to bat at a feather wand toy, chase after her favorite jingle ball or pounce on a toy mouse.

Also Read: The 5 Best Interactive Cat Toys

The one thing not to do when your cat has the zoomies?

Don’t make the mistake of trying to chase your cat, and don’t try to pick her up and cuddle. Cats with the zoomies are highly aroused. Chasing or trying to pet your cat during a zoomies episode can backfire as your cat might turn her energy toward you and attack your hands or feet.

Even if the zoomies seemed to have ended, wait a little bit before petting your cat. Cats often remain riled up for a little bit after having the zoomies. Give your cat 10 or 15 minutes to settle down before going in for a snuggle.

After all that activity, she will probably be ready for your lap!