Cats come complete with some pretty baffling behaviours that tend to keep feline parents on their toes. One of the strangest? Witnessing your fur baby go from sleepy to sprinting across the house in 0.2 seconds, often bouncing off a few walls and pieces of furniture along the way. Frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs) — more commonly known as the “zoomies” — are usually short bursts of energy and activity that occur suddenly and without warning, day or night. They often catch cat owners by surprise.

Here, experts explain why cats get the zoomies and how ensuring that cats get exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day can play an important role in zoomie management.

What causes cat zoomies?

Just like zoomies in dogs, cat zoomies are considered normal behaviour and are usually good signs of an active, healthy cat. But there are a few scenarios that can also indicate your cat’s zoomies are being caused by discontent.

Here are a few of the most common reasons cats get the zoomies and what you should do when these sudden bursts of activity strike.

1. Pent-up energy

Cats tend to nap for long periods, and they love to play and be active when they’re awake. Zoomies often occur more frequently in adolescent cats because they naturally have more energy they need to expend. Cat owners may notice their pets zooming more often in the morning or evening, as their own days begin and end: this common occurrence indicates cats’ need to let off steam. This tracks with cats’ tendencies to be more active at dawn and dusk, and the natural hunting instincts and biorhythms that drive their own internal schedule.

2. Playfulness

Zoomies are a way for cats to instigate play by themselves and brush up on their hunting skills. Cats love hunting, making play a key part of their daily routine — and if their carers aren’t supplying that source of entertainment, they can be sure their pet will find a way to make fun for themselves.

Carrying toys in their mouth while running, zooming during a game of chase with other pets and climbing up and down the cat tower are all normal cat play behaviours.

To manage this type of zoomies, it’s worth giving your cat access to fun toys and items it can use to sniff, chew, climb and scratch to its heart’s content during the day when you’re not at home to play with it. When you are home, make sure you’re making plenty of time to interact with your cat. Stimulating games and puzzles that involve things like laser pointers are a great way to help them release energy — one of your key responsibilities as a cat parent that mustn’t be underestimated.

Whatever they do, cat owners should always try to channel their cats’ energy positively into appropriate play activities and avoid punishing or reprimanding them for having the zoomies.

Cats’ natural instinct to respond to stimuli as both predator and as prey can make them extra responsive to the sight or sound of moving objects. Even a shadow might spark a burst of unexpected energy. Social interactions like play-fighting, chasing and being chased by other pets or playmates are another potential catalyst for a case of the zoomies.

While it’s normal for cats to react to this type of stimuli in this way, don’t rush to get in on the action when your pet is in peak zoomie mode. Putting yourself between your cat and the object of its attention might give them a fright, and you could come away with an accidental bite or scratch.

Human beings are no strangers to feeling overwhelmed in our busy world — and the same goes for cats. Consider creating little temples of relaxation around your home for cats who may get overstimulated in these types of situations to help manage their zoomies. A soothing space to hide or perch can help take the heat out of a high-energy moment.

4. Stress release

If your cat is getting daily enrichment and exercise and still continues to regularly zoom round the room, it’s possible it’s experiencing stress that it’s trying to relieve however it can. This can be more common in a house with a few cats around. Scan the environment for possible sources of stress or anxiety, and think outside the box and consider events and changes in your cat’s life that may be making them anxious or unhappy. Here are a few common cat stressors:

Bringing an outdoor cat indoors
New pets, guests or people in your home
Disruptions like building works or stressful events like storms
Changes in their environment, such as moving house or doing renovations
Introducing a new cat or pet

5. Cat zoomies and toilet trouble

Perhaps the oddest, yet one of the most common, times that cats get the zoomies is after going to the toilet. But despite what it may look like, this is likely not a celebration of a successful trip to the litter tray. It’s actually due to having trouble eliminating waste.

Zooming away from the litter tray may be a sign that the cat feels discomfort when using their litter tray or eliminating waste. It might be worth exploring a new toilet area set-up for your pet.

Why do cats get the zoomies at night?

As any cat owner can attest, zoomies at night when you’re trying to sleep are far less fun than witnessing your pet sprint around the house during the day. But if you’ve got a night zoomer on your hands, there is hope. With time and effort, you can get your cat to adapt to a schedule that suits you.

Tips for managing cat zoomies at night

Schedule feedings during the day

Eating little and often might be a good way for cats to adapt to your schedule. Set out a few small meals instead of a big bowl of food. Puzzle feeders are a smart way to replicate the sense of “hunting” for food, helping to keep your cat stimulated and entertained.

Stay consistent to control the zoomies

Consistency is the key to a happy cat. These creatures of habit enjoy nothing more than a regular sleeping and feeding schedule — so make sure to set one up for them.

Separate sleeping spaces

The bedroom isn’t the best place for cats if they’re feeling lively while you’re trying to sleep. This particularly applies to cats who tend to zoom at night. Consider closing the bedroom door so you can get some shut-eye.

What to do when a cat gets the zoomies

One of the best things you can do when your cat has the zoomies is let it happen — providing there’s nothing in the way that could endanger or harm or your pet. Look around the environment and make sure there’s nothing your cat could break or get trapped or tangled in while playing. This will take the stress and any dangers out of the equation.

Once the space is safe, with a little care and caution you can get in on the fun by introducing your cat’s favourite toys and playthings.

When to talk to your vet about cat zoomies

Experts agree that cat zoomies are typically not a cause for concern unless there is a change in your cat’s behaviour that deviates from their normal energy outbursts, which can be an indication of a health concern. Here’s what to look out for:

Increased zoomies

Bursts of energy, hyperactivity or restlessness in cats who don’t typically get the zoomies could be a clinical sign of conditions such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypertension (high blood pressure).

Decreased zoomies

Cats who show signs of slowing down and skipping their daily play activities may be suffering from a condition such as osteoarthritis. Look out for less frequent cases of the zoomies or a cat who seems to enjoy jumping and climbing less than they used to do.

Ultimately, any sustained and notable change in zoomie behaviour calls for a trip to the vet so the experts can use all the diagnostic tools at their disposal to get to the bottom of what’s really going on with your pet.