Cat Zoomies: What is the Reason?
Cats are full of hilarious and interesting behaviors, and this is partially why cat videos are so popular on the internet. “Cat Zoomies” are one of these behaviors that are endlessly funny and leave cat owners scratching their heads.
Most of the time cats get the zoomies when they are playing or practicing their hunting instincts. This means that a cat with the zoomies is usually a healthy and happy cat. However, sometimes cats will also get the zoomies after using the litterbox.
In this article, we will be explaining all that cat owners need to know about the zoomies in our feline friends. This will include describing all of the reasons why cats get the zoomies, what the zoomies are, and if you need to worry about this behavior in your cat. We will be answering a few other commonly asked questions about this behavior in cats as well. Let’s get right into it!
What Are the Zoomies?
The zoomies refer to when cats take off running, jumping, and climbing like crazy all around the house. Dogs experience this behavior as well, and it is officially called Frenetic Random Activity Periods, or FRAPs.
Most veterinarians agree that the zoomies are simply a release of energy in our cats and dogs, and it is a pretty normal behavior that most pets experience. Usually, pets with the zoomies are releasing this energy because they are very happy or excited. Though occasionally the zoomies in cats can be a sign of issues using the litterbox.
5 Reasons Why Cats Get the Zoomies
There are five main reasons why cats get the zoomies. Most of the time cats will start running around like mad simply because they are well rested or are playing. However, some cats will also get the zoomies right after using the litterbox, and it can sometimes be a sign that a cat is having bathroom troubles. Here are the five main causes of the zoomies in cats.
Your Cat is Well Rested
Cats will often have the urge to expel energy after a very long nap. This is why many cats have a sudden outburst of energy after lazing around the house all day. Cats engaging in this type of zoomies are usually completely healthy and happy, so there is nothing that cat owners need to worry about.
Your Cat is Playing
Cats may get the zoomies if they get a bit overstimulated during playtime. Most of the time this is completely fine, and it is just a sign that they are having fun! It is important to mention that many cats may get the zoomies more often when playing if they have had a bit of catnip.
Your Cat is Practicing Their Hunting Skills
Some cats will also get the zoomies when they are practicing their hunting skills. This could suddenly cause a cat to have the zoomies out of the blue, and many cats will get this when they see a bird or rodent outside. The cat has the urge to chase and hunt the animal but is not actually able to. As a result, they start running around the house. This is a completely normal behavior in cats, and you do not need to worry about it.
Your Cat Just Used the Litterbox
Some cats will get the zoomies just after having a bowel movement. Although this is not necessarily a sign of a cat having issues using the litterbox, it can be. As a result, it may be a good idea to get your cat evaluated by a vet if they do this.
However, if your vet has given your cat a clean bill of health, then this is likely just a funny quirk that they have. It is not extremely common in cats, but it is also relatively normal.
Your Cat is Having Constipation Issues
Sometimes cats will get the zoomies after having a bowel movement because they are constipated or have another issue that makes using the litterbox painful for them. This is why it is a good idea to see a vet if your cat gets the zoomies after using the litterbox.
This is particularly a concern if your cat is suddenly getting the zoomies after using the litterbox when they never used to before. Additionally, other signs of constipation aren’t a good sign. Here are some symptoms of constipation in cats to look out for.
- Strained defecation
- Infrequent defecation or absence of defecation
- Small, hard stools
- Small amounts of diarrhea
- Blood in stool (sign to see the vet immediately)
Do Cats Get the Zoomies More Often at Night or During the Day?
Cats are most active from dusk until dawn. This means that most cats will get the zoomies at night and very early in the morning. However, it is not impossible or uncommon for cats to get the zoomies during the day as well.
Should You Worry About Your Cat Having the Zoomies?
Most cat owners do not need to worry about their cat getting the zoomies. This is because most of the time cats just get the zoomies because they are playing or are expelling pent-up energy. The only time that the zoomies in cats should cause concern is if they do so after using the bathroom and are showing signs of constipation, illness, or a medical condition.
When to See a Vet About the Zoomies
It is a good idea to take your cat to the vet for a checkup if they are getting the zoomies after using the litterbox. While this is not necessarily a sign of a problem on its own, it can be the only sign of a health issue that cat owners notice. This is because cats are notorious for hiding symptoms of illnesses and medical issues. If you notice any signs of constipation or other worrying symptoms, then it is a good idea to have your cat evaluated by a vet as soon as possible. Meanwhile, if you notice blood in your cat’s stool or believe that they may have a bowel obstruction, taking them to the emergency vet is advised.
Shawsheen Animal Hospital is located in Tewksbury, MA and is here to help with any feline-related questions. If your cat is running around all the time and you’re concerned, or if their behaviors change, then a visit to the vet may be in order. Call us today at (978) 851-5558, or Request an Appointment online.
