- Cats are naturally active at dawn and dusk, and sleeping all day gives them energy to play at night.
- If cat zoomies keep you awake, small chunks of playtime during the day may help them sleep at night.
Imagine this: You're lying in bed after a long day, but just as you close your eyes, you hear a big thump and sounds of scampering from the living room. You go out to investigate, only to find your cat racing in circles, using your furniture as an obstacle course.
Rest assured, your cat isn't possessed by demons. They just have a case of the zoomies.
What are the zoomies?
Most house cats don't need to do much to survive beyond lying around in cute poses. They generally don't need to run from predators, search for shelter, or chase down prey like their wild ancestors did. In other words, many cats lack an outlet for their natural instincts.
Zoomies are basically your cat's way of releasing all this pent-up energy. They may run around, climb onto furniture, or pounce on unsuspecting ankles. They're often extremely playful during these episodes.
Note: The scientific name for zoomies is frenetic random activity period, or FRAP — and dogs get them, too.
"Zoomies are a perfectly normal behavior, and in most cases aren't something to worry about," says Patrik Holmboe, head veterinarian at Cooper Pet Care.
What causes zoomies?
Holmboe says zoomies tend to be an indoor-cat behavior, as outdoor cats have more opportunities to express their natural instincts. Zoomies are also more common in younger cats, as they often have a lot of untapped energy.
Cats are crepuscular creatures, meaning they are naturally most active at dawn and dusk. Logically, this is when they tend to get the zoomies as well. They may act playful all throughout the night, not realizing the humans in their household are desperately trying to sleep.
You may actually be reinforcing this behavior without knowing it, if you chase your zooming cat out of the room or try to calm them down with food. Your cat may then learn that midnight zoomies get them attention and treats.
Keep in mind, too, that while it's normal for cats to have zoomies on occasion, nightly zoomies could suggest your furry friend feels chronically bored.
Maybe they sleep the day away while you go to work and find themselves brimming with energy when you're ready to wind down. Or perhaps they pace around the same room all day, frustrated at the lack of play and hunting opportunities.
What to do about them
While it's important for your cat to express themself, it's also important for you to get your nightly sleep without listening to your cat pretend to be a race car.
Here are some tips to handle zoomies so that both you and your cat are satisfied:
- Spread out playtime: Instead of one long play period in the evening, try to do shorter sessions throughout the day so your cat has a reason to stay awake during the day. For example, you could play for five minutes before work, then do another session as soon as you get home.
- Mix up the toys: Cats can get bored, just like humans, if they do the same thing over and over. Make sure your cat has multiple kinds of toys, such as fishing rods, ping pong balls, and laser pointers.
- Small meals: Consider feeding your cat three or four small meals throughout the day so their energy stays level, rather than spiking at night after a big dinner. Puzzle feeders can also offer them entertainment as they eat, since they need to use their brains to get the food.
Note that while these strategies may help calm your cat down, they may not prevent 100% of nighttime shenanigans. Holmboe says even if you play tons with your cat, they might still have zoomies now and then, and that's OK
When to check in with your vet
"In rare cases, zoomies might be a sign of underlying stress or anxiety," Holmboe says.
In those cases, you'll probably see additional anxiety symptoms like:
- Aggression toward other household animals or people
- Eating non-food items, also called pica
- Hiding for long periods
- Overgrooming
- Urinating or defecating outside the litter box
Zoomies can also be a sign of hyperthyroidism, a condition where your cat's thyroid glands malfunction and put their metabolism into overdrive. In addition to hyperactivity at night, a cat with hyperthyroidism may also:
- Act irritable and short-tempered
- Develop increased thirst and appetite
- Experience periodic vomiting or diarrhea
- Get unusually vocal at night
- Lose weight despite eating more
A vet can help treat your cat's anxiety or hyperthyroidism. They may prescribe medication or a specialized diet for you to give your cat at home.
Insider's takeaway
Cats tend to get the zoomies when they're feeling playful and frisky. Zoomies are a natural way for your cat to burn off energy, and they're usually nothing to worry about.
If your cat's zoomies have become too much for you, often the simplest way to handle them involves interacting with your cat more during the day. Playtime, feeding, and affectionate attention can go a long way to calming your cat down — and the more you stimulate your cat during the day, the less likely they'll be climbing the walls at night.
As always, you should take your cat to the vet if they show signs of severe distress or health issues. A veterinary professional can help you understand the root of your cat's behavior and address any medical concerns.