Cat zoomies can be sudden, quick, and downright hilarious. One moment, your feline is lounging peacefully; the next, they’re darting across the room at full speed. While it may seem like they’re being chased by an invisible force, these energetic bursts are completely normal. But what causes cat zoomies, and should you be concerned? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this quirky feline behaviour.

Some call it the witching hour, others know it as the nighttime “crazies,” and scientists define it as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). But for most cat owners, it’s simply known as the cat zoomie, a sudden burst of energy that leaves many baffled. These energetic episodes often involve frantic running, leaping, pouncing, and even unexpected meowing, seemingly out of nowhere.

Cats aren’t the only animals that experience zoomies. While dog and cat zoomies are common, many mammals, including rabbits, ferrets, horses, and even elephants, have been observed displaying similar burst activity. These bursts of excess energy can happen at any time of day, but they’re especially frequent in the early hours of dawn and dusk, when cats are naturally most active.

So when your indoor cat suddenly dashes around after a play session, races out of the litter box, or starts zooming late at night, one question naturally comes to mind: Why do cats experience cat zoomies?

Cats get the zoomies due to a sudden release of excess energy, often after long periods of rest. This burst of activity can be triggered by a play session, using the litter box, or their natural instincts to be most active at dawn and dusk. Indoor cats may experience zoomies more frequently if they lack mental stimulation or exercise. While zoomies are normal, frequent episodes could indicate your feline friend needs more playtime or engagement in their daily routine.

If your cat seems restless or frustrated, there are a few simple ways to help them burn off that excess energy and stay engaged.

Unlike humans, who tend to have larger meals, cats prefer to eat three or four smaller meals throughout the time of day, helping to maintain stable energy levels and prevent sudden bursts of excess energy. Using a puzzle feeder is a great way to make mealtime more engaging, offering both mental stimulation and physical activity. There are plenty of great puzzle feeders available that can keep your feline friend entertained while they eat, reducing the chances of cat zoomie's completely taking over your home!

Play sessions are a great way to prevent frustration in your feline friend, but some cat toys can actually make cat zoomies worse. Cats enjoy playtime most when they can successfully catch and "kill" their favorite toy, as this releases feel good hormones called endorphins. While laser pointers and videos of mice or fish on a screen may grab their attention, they can also lead to frustration, since your cat can’t physically catch what they’re chasing. This built-up frustration can trigger cat zoomies, so to keep your indoor cat happy and engaged, choose toys that allow them to pounce, grab, and "defeat" their prey, like a flying bird cat toy for an interactive and satisfying play experience.

A great way to help your feline friend burn off excess energy and reduce cat zoomies is by incorporating regular play sessions into their routine. Instead of one long 15 minute session in the evening, try several shorter play sessions of around five minutes throughout the time of day. Varying their favorite toys, such as feather cat toys, cat tunnel toys, and whack a mole cat toy, keeps them engaged and prevents boredom, making them less likely to race around in a frenzy of cat zoomies.

To keep your feline friend relaxed and happy at home, consider providing them with cat grass and other cat friendly plants to explore. Find out why do cats eat grass?. Additionally, offering plenty of hiding spots can help reduce stress, cardboard boxes are always a favorite! Cats love curling up inside as it makes them feel secure. Find out Why do cats like boxes? Having a few empty shelves or cat window bed to perch on can also help keep them calm, allowing them to observe their surroundings from a safe vantage point. For extra comfort, try using a plug-in pheromone diffuser to create a soothing environment.

If you have an indoor cat, they may become frustrated when they see other cats outside but can’t chase them away from their territory. This built up frustration can lead to cat zoomies as they try to release their excess energy. To prevent this, try covering the lower part of your windows with paper or frosted film to block their view. Also, ensure other cats have no way of entering your home, installing a microchip cat flap is a great way to keep unwanted visitors out while allowing your feline friend secure access when needed.

A great way to provide your feline friend with mental stimulation and help reduce cat zoomies is by training them to perform tricks. That’s right training isn’t just for dogs! Teaching your indoor cat to follow commands can help burn off excess energy and keep them engaged. Always use positive reinforcement, rewarding them with treats or affection when they succeed. Avoid punishment, as it can cause stress and frustration. Check out our guides on how to train your cat to roll over, sit, or lie down on command for a fun and interactive way to keep them active.