Has your cat ever had the zoomies? She suddenly starts running around like crazy, as fast as she can, up and down the stairs or doing laps around the room while jumping over the couches. This behaviour is called the zoomies, and most cats get them at some time in their life. Cat zoomies, also known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPS), are a normal and fun activity for cats.
March 29, 2019
Zoomies or ‘frapping’ usually seems to happen out of nowhere. Sometimes it seems like your cat has ‘seen’ something invisible and starts running, or she may be in a playful mood and it can escalate from play. Cats also practise their stalking, hunting and chasing behaviour and this can lead to zoomies.
It could be as simple as your cat needing more exercise. Make time every day to play with her, and provide her with some enrichment toys and food puzzles. Swop out her toys regularly so she doesn’t get bored with the same toys.
There are some medical reasons your cat may start displaying this behaviour. If your older or usually lazy cat suddenly becomes abnormally active, restless or behaves oddly, your vet can test for any underlying health problems, such as feline hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Behavioural issues may be anxiety- or stress-related, where your cat can become hyper-sensitive to stimuli in her environment and react by zooming around. Even flea or insect bites might drive her to run to get rid of the irritation or severe itching, so check her fur for these nasty parasites.
If your cat displays any sudden change in behaviour, it is a good idea to take her to your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues. If the behaviour seems distressing to your cat in any way, and there is no medical explanation, consult a qualified cat behaviourist for help.
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