Zoomies

Zoomies are sudden, often wild dashes around the home, with leaping, skidding and ricochets off furniture. The scientific-sounding label is frenetic random activity period. The cat might race along a hallway, up a tree or across the bed with fluffed fur and wide eyes. The episode lasts a minute or two, then the cat stops and looks calm, as if nothing had happened.

Kittens and young cats are most prone, though active adults do it too. Typical triggers are a visit to the litter box, a meal, a bath or simply a build-up of unspent energy. Cats tend to be most active at dawn and dusk, see crepuscular, which is why zoomies turn up at odd hours.

It is normal and healthy. Clear slippery or breakable items from the route, use rugs or non-slip floors, and give regular play sessions to burn off energy. A short play session before bed often cuts the night-time bursts. See your vet if the episodes are frantic, if the cat seems frightened or dazed, bites at its tail or back, or the skin rolls and twitches, or if an older cat has begun to do it.