All cat moms have been woken up by their fur baby zooming around the room in the middle of the night,
and all dog dads have watched as their pup sprints laps around the dining room table. These sudden bursts of energy,
known as the zoomies, are very common in cats and dogs and can be both cute — and frustrating — to pet parents.
So, why do cats and dogs get the zoomies? And are they cause for concern? Here’s everything you need to know about
these spurts of energy, including some ideas for preventing them.
What Are The Zoomies?
The zoomies are a type of Frenetic Random Activity Period (FRAP), when your fur baby suddenly explodes with energy.
Your dog might run endless circles around the dining room table, or your cat might chase itself around your room at
night.
Usually, zoomies occur in short bursts and manifest as repetitive behavior, like running in circles or sprinting
back and forth.
What Causes The Zoomies In Cats And Dogs?
Think of the zoomies like an energy volcano. Anytime your fur baby can’t release their energy, the energy builds and
builds … until it eventually explodes like a volcano.
Zoomies can happen after periods of physical stagnation, like being crated or groomed, or after periods of stress,
like when they’ve tolerated an uncomfortable situation. When your fur baby finally gets the chance to release that
pent-up energy, they get the zoomies!
In cats, the zoomies are a way of expressing their hunting instincts! Your fur baby is an innate hunter with a
predatory instinct, so they might appear to pursue imaginary prey as they zoom around. For fun, toss their favorite
treat down the hallway to get a sense of their hunting skills.
When Do Zoomies Occur?
For dogs, zoomies usually happen in the morning after resting or after being crated. Unsurprisingly, zoomies are
more common in puppies, but dogs of all ages will get the zoomies if they can’t express their energy naturally!
Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they’re most active at dawn and dusk. As such, they’re most likely to have
the zoomies in the morning or at night — often with no regard to your sleeping schedule.
Are Zoomies Normal? Should I Worry?
Yes! Zoomies are a normal expression of energy. The best thing to do is let your fur baby get their energy out. You
can engage with them while they zoom around, or let them do their own thing.
If your cat or dog is getting the zoomies more than usual, it may be a sign of a behavioral or health issue. In
dogs, keep an eye out for compulsive dog behaviors, like excessive tail chasing or fly snapping. If your pet’s
zoomies are accompanied by weight loss and restlessness, we recommend consulting a vet.
If you’re worried about the frequency of your pet’s zoomies or if their zoomies are accompanied by other symptoms,
again, contact a trusted veterinarian.
How Do I Prevent Zoomies?
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Play more! Stimulating your fur baby physically and mentally will keep the zoomies at bay — and you’ll get some
quality time with your fur baby. Use engaging toys like treatsters and indoor games
to keep your pet from boredom.
We recommend playing treat scavenger hunt. Hide a few healthy treats around your home
in folded towels, underneath
cardboard, or in corners. Help guide your pet to the treat’s area and let them uncover the treasure!
Otherwise, it’s best to just let the zoomies run their course. If you sense the zoomies coming on, make sure your
pet has a safe place to run. Move obstacles out of the way, move coffee table trinkets high, or let them out in the
backyard.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s zoomies, consult a veterinarian as they know your fur baby best. But, in most
cases, the zoomies are a very normal way for your fur baby to express their energy. By playing with your fur baby a
little more, you can help reduce some of that pent-up energy — and strengthen your pet-parent bond along the way!
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