In this article
What are cat zoomies?
Well, cat zoomies are random bursts of energy during which a cat jumps and runs around the house for seemingly no reason whatsoever. These zoomies last a few minutes at the most, but when they happen at night, those minutes might feel an eternity. During these hyperactive episodes, your cat may also jump on furniture parkour-style or pounce at imaginary prey.
Are zoomies normal?
Yes, they are. Zoomies are in fact so common in cats, that there is a scientific name for them: FRAPs – which stands for Frenetic Random Activity Periods. All cats experience them, but if you have a cat that lives mainly outdoors, you might never have noticed one of these random energy bursts.
What causes zoomies in cats?
There is no scientific evidence on why exactly cats get the zoomies. One of the suggested theories is that cats may get the zoomies out of boredom. However, even active outdoor cats have these hyperactive episodes, so this hypothesis doesn’t seem very logical. Zoomies might just as well be caused by overstimulation, or by a change in the cat’s environment such as getting a new toy or furniture having been moved around.
When should I worry about my cat’s zoomies?
As long as your cat’s zoomies are not causing any damage to your home or harm to your feline, there is usually no need to worry about those energy bursts. In fact, zoomies can be a sign that your cat is happy, healthy, and full of energy. However, if your cat is suddenly exhibiting zoomies rather often and has never done so before, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as skin irritation, hyperthyroidism, or stress. If you are concerned about your cat’s zoomies, it’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian. They can help you to determine whether your cat’s behavior is normal or whether there may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
