I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if your cat suddenly explodes into a high-speed hallway sprint at 3 a.m., then you’re not alone. You’re just witnessing one of nature’s most chaotic little mysteries that we all call the zoomies.
And while they might seem totally random, there are actually some good reasons behind them. Let’s break it down.
Content:
What Are Cat Zoomies
“Zoomies” is the internet’s favorite name for FRAPs, or frenetic random activity periods. It's that moment your chill, sleepy cat suddenly turns into a rocket-powered little gremlin. They’ll sprint, jump, and run for no obvious reason.
You’ll usually see zoomies after a nap, after pooping, or during that classic 9 p.m. freak-out session. If you’ve got a Petcube Cam 360, you can catch your cat doing parkour from your phone and laugh without leaving the couch.
Why Do Cats Get Zoomies
Many animals get some form of the zoomies, especially when they’re young. But they are most obvious in cats because of their athletic ability and because they’re inside the house. But why does it happen?
1. Extra Energy to Burn
Cats, especially young ones, spend hours sleeping, which means they store up a lot of energy. Zoomies help them burn it off. As Dr. Bonnie Beaver, DVM explains:
“In young cats, play behaviors may involve a lot of running, especially in sporadic bouts. The channeling of this energy into a play bout before bedtime can allow owners a night without the kitten bouncing over them.”
2. Natural Activity Cycles
Cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk, just like their wild ancestors. So if your cat starts sprinting laps at sunrise or at night, that’s just their built-in rhythm doing its thing.
That said, cats also follow their own weird little sleep patterns. If your cat’s “dusk” happens to be 3 a.m.? Well… enjoy the show.
3. The Post-Poop High
Yes, this is a real thing. Some cats get the zoomies right after using the litter box. One Redditor put it perfectly:
“Seems like pooping can stimulate the vagus nerve, which makes them feel a sense of euphoria and then comes the zoomies!” via Reddit
The idea is that “poo-phoria” is likely caused by vagus nerve stimulation, which triggers a feel-good rush. The vagus nerve is associated with the part of the nervous system such as excitement, relaxation and digestion. It’s the longest nerve in the body, so it is possible that stimulating this nerve may make a cat feel good enough to get the zoomies, but it’s not proven.
Other theories include that they’re escaping the scent, avoiding predators (even imaginary ones), or just celebrating the victory. Cat’s will often get the zoomies simply because they got fresh litter, so it’s possible it's just a sign that they’re feeling good and energetic, or a bit happy about something.
4. Environmental Triggers
Sometimes a new toy, a changed scent, or even the sound of running water (like from the Petcube Fountain) can set them off. Cats are sensitive little creatures, and excitement, whether good or bad, can explode into zoomies.
FAQs
Why do cats get zoomies after pooping?
It’s probably vagus nerve stimulation. Basically, the act of pooping makes some cats feel good, and they run it out. It might also be instinct to get the heck away from the poop zone before predators come sniffing. The truth is no studies show conclusively why this happens.
Why does my cat get the zoomies at night?
Cats are crepuscular. That means early morning and evening are their prime hunting hours, and they are often most active at night, when a lot of their natural prey is more active too. Cats are also often more active when it’s cooler, often preferring to sleep in the sun during the day. This means they often wake up from a late afternoon nap invigorated, leading to a great time for zoomies.
How do I stop nighttime zoomies?
The best way to deal with cats who get nighttime zoomies is to tire them out. Play with a wand toy, toss a few treats around for a mini chase, or let them watch the fountain water bubble. The more bored your cat is, the more pent-up energy they have, and the more likely they are to get the zoomies.
How long do cat zoomies last?
Zoomies usually only last a few minutes, sometimes less. If they’re going on for a long time or your cat seems distressed, check in with your vet. But most zoomies are harmless, hilarious and completely normal.
Final Thoughts
Zoomies are normal, healthy, and a sign that your cat feels safe enough to go absolutely feral in your home. They might be funny, annoying, or loud, but they’re just your cat being a cat.