Cat Zoomies: What They Are and Why Cats Get Them

Photo by Lars Van Poucke on Unsplash

We’ve all seen the hilarious videos of cats running and sliding on slick floors, careening around corners, or even colliding with their feline friends…or walls. This adorable yet crazy behavior is lovingly called “the zoomies.”

But what does that mean, and what’s really behind these random bursts of energy? Here, we’ll dive into what the zoomies are, what causes them in cats, and what you can do to manage them. Let’s get to it!

The Takeaways

1. The zoomies, formally called frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), are defined as short bouts of energy in animals, including cats.

2. When cats get the zoomies, they’ll frantically run, pounce, or climb (or a combination of the three).

3. The zoomies can happen as a result of age, pent-up energy, boredom, hunger, instinct, potty breaks, and excitement.

4. Signs of the zoomies include your cat’s ears in a forward or neutral position, their tail swishing or upright, and playful chirping or meowing.

   
   

Table of Contents

• What Are Cat Zoomies?

• Signs of the Zoomies in Cats

• Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies?

• Managing Your Cat’s Zoomies

What Are Cat Zoomies?

Photo by Megan Stallings on Unsplash

Technically known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), the zoomies are defined as short bouts of energy that seem to come out of nowhere. What does that look like? Your cat going from 0 to 100 in an instant!

They might start frantically running, pouncing, or climbing. You may even see them slipping and sliding around corners or running into walls. Your cat might also try to climb up your curtains or pounce on your feet. There’s no limit to the chaos that can ensue when the zoomies start!

Unlike regular play, the zoomies don’t require toys, humans, or other cats. It’s just your cat and their major burst of energy.

If you see this happening, there’s usually no reason to worry. The zoomies are perfectly normal! And, interestingly, cats aren’t the only animal group to experience them. Dogs get the zoomies, too, as well as lions, elephants, and rabbits, among others.

(We’d hate to be in the path of an elephant with the zoomies!)

Signs of the Zoomies in Cats

When your cat has the zoomies, they’ll of course run around and around, but you’ll also notice a few tell-tale signs that FRAP is the cause.

Their ears will be in a forward or neutral position, and their tail will likely be swishing or upright. You might also hear your cat playfully chirping or meowing. Overall, they’ll appear relaxed and happy while zooming.

However, if your cat experiences behavior similar to the zoomies but seems anxious, there could be something else going on. Look for dilated pupils, flattened ears, their tail puffed up or flicking, and a generally tense posture.

Additionally, if your cat doesn’t usually get the zoomies but suddenly starts having them often, it might indicate a health problem. In either of these cases, talk to your veterinarian right away.

Why Do Cats Get the Zoomies?

Photo by Hongwei FAN on Unsplash

Age

This might come as no surprise, but kittens are much more prone to the zoomies than adult cats. Though they’re not as rambunctious as puppies (usually), kittens still feel the need to run, play, and pounce.

Some older cats will occasionally experience the zoomies, but it tends to happen less and less often as cats age.

Pent-Up Energy

Cats are notorious for lounging lazily for hours at a time (they just can’t be bothered!), especially if they live mostly indoors. Well, just like humans, cats need to stretch their legs after a long day of napping.

The zoomies are a natural response to your feline friend’s need to release all their stored-up energy.

Boredom

Sometimes, cats get the zoomies simply because they’re bored. If you’re a proud feline parent, then you know that everything a cat does is on their own time. They’re the boss!

So, when they’ve had enough of lying around doing nothing for a while, they might start zooming.

Hunger

Believe it or not, some cats get the zoomies when they’re hungry. It’s thought that this happens because hunger makes cats restless. And how do they attempt to cure that restlessness? By recklessly running, pouncing, and climbing!

So, if it’s close to dinner time and your cat takes off around the house, you know why.

Instinct

The zoomies are likely related to cats’ hunting instincts. Your kitty’s ancestors were predators, chasing and pouncing on their prey. Quickly sprinting and turning during the zoomies mimics this hunting behavior.

And because cats are naturally their most energetic at dawn and dusk, that’s probably when they’ll zoom!

Potty Breaks

Another interesting tidbit: relieving themselves can sometimes give cats the zoomies. It has to do with the fact that defecating stimulates your feline’s vagus nerve, which gives them a sense of relief.

Excitement

Often, your kitty gets the zoomies simply because they’re excited. Maybe they’ve been playing with you or another cat, or maybe you’ve been showing them extra attention. Or maybe they’ve had some catnip!

Whatever the case, their excitement can manifest as the zoomies.

Managing Your Cat’s Zoomies

As we mentioned, the cat zoomies are usually nothing to be concerned about, but they can sometimes lead to broken lamps or shredded curtains. If your cat’s zoomies are becoming a problem, you might want to consider ways to decrease their need to release energy.

That might mean having interactive cat toys on hand, stocking up on things for your cat to climb and play on (like boxes, perches, or climbing towers), and making sure you give your kitty scheduled play time every day.

When your feline companion is able to use up some of their energy throughout the day without tearing your house apart, they’ll be happier and so will you!

Can’t Stop the Zoom

The zoomies are completely normal. Most of the time, it’s just your kitty playfully releasing their pent-up energy. So sit back, get your camera ready, and enjoy the show!

And when you need a break for a few nights, consider boarding your kitty with Around the World Pet Resort. When your pet stays with us, they get spacious accommodations, extensive playtime, and a well-trained staff. All this leads to "Your Pet's Adventure While You're Away!"

Reach out to us today for more information!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the zoomies mean cats are happy?

Yes! Most of the time, the zoomies mean your cat is in a happy, playful, and energetic mood. They might be excited about something in particular, or they might just need to release some energy.

However, if you notice your cat zooming around but they appear anxious or stressed, there could be something else happening and you should get in touch with your vet.

Should I ignore my cat’s zoomies?

Since the zoomies are perfectly normal for cats, yes, you can ignore them. But that might be hard to do because they’re so hilarious. Instead of ignoring them, we’d suggest getting your camera ready to capture the action!

How long do cat zoomies usually last?

Usually, the zoomies only last around 10 minutes for cats, but they could go on for 30 minutes or more, depending on how much energy your kitty needs to release. Your cat might also experience multiple short zoomie sessions within a single hour.