Why do cats get the zoomies?

Has your cat spontaneously raced around the house or in frantic circles before coming to a halt? Then you may be familiar with the zoomies, AKA frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). Unlike with dogs, cat zoomies aren’t necessarily caused by bursts of excitement. So just what are cat zoomies, and what should you do when your pet gets these bursts of energy? We spoke to Dr. Shannon Barrett, DVM, to get a veterinarian’s insight on everything you need to know about zoomies in cats.

What are cat zoomies?

The zoomies happen when a cat has a sudden burst of intense energy. Each cat experiences the zoomies differently, but the high energy is universal. Some pets may climb or jump on furniture, while others sprint around your home. Although these frequently happen at night, cats can experience the zoomies at any time of day.

Zoomies can reflect hunting instincts

Zooming behavior is often how cats engage their inner predator. These play periods allow cats to hone their survival instincts — think stalking, pouncing and pursuing. Zoomies can happen when your cat spots a rodent or bird, triggering the urge to hunt. 

How long do the zoomies last?

Most cats can’t sustain the zoomies for more than a minute or so. As cats age, the FRAPs often get shorter and less frequent. “It’s such a high-intensity expulsion of energy and cats are nappers, not sprinters,” Dr. Barrett says. “It most commonly (and annoyingly) happens at night. They usually don’t last longer than 1-2 minutes, but they leave a lasting impression.”

Why do cats get the zoomies at night?

Evenings are most common for cats to zoom if they don’t get enough exercise throughout the day or are eager to play when you come home from work. “We think zoomies happen because kitties love to nap during the day while most pet parents are at work or otherwise occupied,” Dr. Barrett says. “Therefore, they’re wide awake at night and full of energy.  They’ll walk around and be struck by the inevitable zoomies, which causes them to race through your house and inevitably wake you up.”

Why do cats get the zoomies after pooping?

Sometimes cat zoomies are brought on by stressful triggers, like bath time or lifestyle changes. It’s your pet’s way of calming their nerves or showing relief when an uncomfortable situation is finally over.  

For instance, your cat may zoom after visiting the litter box if it’s not clean or if they’re uncomfortable in some way. While some cats are simply celebrating a job well done, it’s best to check for abnormalities in the stool and urine and speak with your vet to rule out constipation and anal gland infection if your cat is getting the zoomies after pooping. 

When to call your vet about cat zoomies

While the zoomies are normal, sometimes they can indicate an underlying issue in cats. “Although it’s perfectly normal for cats of any age to get the zoomies, if your cat’s zoomie behavior does start to increase in frequency or intensity, please tell your veterinarian,” Dr. Barrett says. “This is especially true if this behavior is accompanied by vocalizing or weight loss. These can be signs of hyperthyroidism or diabetes, which can cause restlessness in cats that looks very similar to zoomies.”

Perhaps the most serious medical cause of the zoomies is feline hyperthyroidism. If you have a middle-aged or older cat who suddenly begins staying up late, losing weight, acting jittery or behaving oddly, have them checked by your vet. Arthritic pain, flea and tick bites, kidney and liver disease, toxins and brain tumors can also cause unusual behaviors. 

“Also, if your cat has never had zoomies and suddenly starts to have them, consider their history,” Dr. Barrett says. “Have you added in any new medications or supplements? Have you recently changed their diet? Perhaps added in a new treat? I’m often surprised when I look at the ingredients of some pet treats and see they’ve added lots of essential oils, sugar or other ingredients that could cause strange behaviors. So even though we consider zoomies a natural behavior in most cats, when it starts to happen suddenly or increases in frequency, contact your veterinarian.” 

How can I help my cat release excess energy?

The zoomies aren’t something you can necessarily prevent, and they shouldn’t be discouraged as long as your pet is in a safe space. Instead, be sure they get plenty of stimulation during the day, so they have less need to get out extra energy at night. By providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day, you can lower the likelihood or frequency of your pet’s zooms.

You may also want to consider ways to help your pet relax.  “You can consider pheromone products that calm kitties that are stressed or hyperactive. They come in diffusers, sprays and collars,” Dr. Barrett says. “There are also some non-prescription probiotics that, with your vet's permission, you can sprinkle over your cats’ food to help with gastrointestinal issues and also provide calming properties.”

You can also provide toys that dispense treats for them to play with and even play music or videos geared toward relaxing cats. “Providing enrichment and stimulation to your feline friend can help a lot,” Dr. Barrett says. “If you can decrease their pent-up energy, it may not manifest as a zoomie that keeps you awake at night.”