Cats are known and loved for their eccentric ways, and there’s no better example of their light-hearted personality than when they catch the cat zoomies! Owners are amazed and perplexed by this common and perfectly normal behaviour, which is characterised by sudden bursts of energy and “zooming” around your home at top speeds. The zoomies also refer to your cat chasing their tail, darting around, making strange noises and running in circles. Why do cats get the zoomies? Once you understand the body language behind the zoomies and why they happen, you can easily manage these bursts of vitality better and avoid any accidents, so let's jump in!
Why do cats get the zoomies?
There are a multitude of reasons why cats get the zoomies and feel the need to start acting like gremlins inside our homes. As amusing as this common behaviour is, it can also cause problems, especially in smaller living areas. Understanding what triggers the zoomies can help you plan for damage control.
Pent-up energy
Why do cats get zoomies? The most common and well-known reason for cat zoomies is a burst of pent-up energy. It's normal for cats to experience sudden bursts of energy as they sleep 12-18 hours per day, leaving them energised and ready to play during the rare hours they are awake. Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk. That is why playtime is such an important part of your daily routine with your pet, helping them burn off excess energy before it turns into the zoomies.
Litter box behaviour
Have you ever noticed that your pet gets the zoomies right before they head to the litter tray? This is because they may feel some pressure or discomfort from the need to relieve themselves, this will usually settle down after they have finished toileting, so it is nothing to worry about.
Hunting instincts
The zoomies also mirror a cat’s hunting instincts and can be a manifestation of their natural hunting behaviours. As your cat runs and leaps around they’re trying to mimic the act of chasing prey, even if this prey is imaginary! This need to unleash their hunting instinct can also turn into your cat trying to hunt you. Keeping them mentally and physically stimulated so they are less interested in attacking your slippers as you walk around the house can help, but sometimes cats just need to have fun too!
How to manage and reduce cat zoomies
Why do cats get the zoomies so much? It is normal for your cat to get the zoomies now and then but sometimes the zoomies can veer into destructive or disruptive territory, so we have put together our top tips for reducing your cat’s need to zoom around the house - if it's something you'd like them to do less often.
Play sessions
You can reduce the drama of cat zoomies by maintaining a fulfilling playtime routine that keeps your cat mentally and physically stimulated with a variety of different cat toys. We suggest using treat puzzles and interactive toys. Break-up play sessions throughout the day to help release all that pent-up energy efficiently and reduce your cat’s need to zoom around the house.
Feeding routine
A regular feeding schedule can also help calm the zoomies by providing stable energy levels during the day, this can be achieved easily by feeding your cat multiple small meals throughout the day. If your cat eats too quickly you can also utilise puzzle feeders which help slow down fast eaters and provide them with some mental stimulation at the same time.
Calming environment
The benefits of a calming environment cannot be overstated for cats and we advise that you enrich their space to ensure it’s a calming and happy space for your cat to be themselves. Cats are territorial animals which means they value a safe, private space of their own, so make sure they have lots of cat trees, shelves, boxes, hiding spots and beds to retreat to. This will minimise their stress levels. Pheromone diffusers can also help calm your cat’s nerves, helping you create a more zen home for you and your cat.
Training and tricks
Did you know you can train your cat to do tricks, such as sitting down for a treat or even rolling over? Training your cat to do tricks using positive reinforcement is as fun and enriching for you as it is for your pet. Cat training helps to keep them mentally engaged and physically stimulated, it also helps calm the zoomies, too.
Do cats grow out of the zoomies?
Do cats get zoomies when they are older? Yes, age and developmental aspects affect your cat’s energy levels and as cats enter their senior years they become much less active, which means fewer zoomies. Kittens and younger cats tend to have much more energy to burn so they will benefit from a fulfilling daily play routine the most.
Ultimately, a case of the zoomies isn’t something any cat owner needs to worry about unless your pet is becoming particularly destructive, in which case it is a good idea to cat-proof the problem areas. Cat zoomies are fuelled by an urge to release pent-up energy, toilet urgency or your cat’s primal instinct to mimic hunting. Enriching your cat’s environment and keeping your daily play routine engaging is the best way to help tire out energetic cats who might cause a few accidents when they zoom around the house.
Cat zoomies - FAQ
Do zoomies mean a cat is happy?
Yes, if your cat has the zoomies it means they are happy and excited as they release their pent-up energy. Cat zoomies are also fuelled by toileting urgency or your cat’s primal instinct to mimic hunting. Enriching your cat’s environment and keeping your daily play routine engaging is the best way to help tire out energetic cats who might cause a few accidents when they zoom around the house.
Why is my cat running around like a maniac?
There are a multitude of reasons why cats get the zoomies and feel the need to start acting like gremlins inside our homes, but generally, they are just releasing a build-up of energy after a long day of sleeping. Cat zoomies are also fuelled by toileting needs or your cat’s primal instinct to mimic hunting. They can also be triggered by excitement, for example when you come home after a day at work. Enriching your cat’s environment and keeping your daily play routine engaging is the best way to tire out energetic cats.
How long do zoomies last for a cat?
Cat zoomies usually only last a few minutes, but this heightened state can last longer and zoomies may repeat a few times within 15 to 30 minutes. However, more intense outbursts of energy could go on for up to an hour. Zoomies mean your cat is happy and feeling playful but it is still a good idea to maintain an engaging daily play routine with your cat so that they don’t get bored and become destructive.
Is it good that my cat gets Zoomies?
Yes, if your cat has the zoomies it means they are feeling happy and playful as they release their pent-up energy! Cat zoomies are also fuelled by toileting needs or your cat’s primal instinct to mimic hunting. Enriching your cat’s environment and keeping their daily play routine engaging is the best way to tire out energetic cats who might cause a few accidents when they zoom around the house. Have you fed your cat some catnip recently? It’s also known to trigger the zoomies in cats!
