What can cause sudden bursts of running known as cat zoomies?

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Young boy in a red shirt smiles while hugging a fluffy tabby cat, their faces close together. — cats as pets A boy hugging a pet cat.

"Cat zoomies," technically known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), are sudden bursts of hyperactive racing or high-energy play. While often amusing, these episodes can be triggered by several factors:1

Energy Expenditure: Cats may perform this behavior simply to burn off excess energy.1
Lack of Stimulation: A lack of sufficient exercise or environmental stimulation can contribute to these bursts.1
Biological and Emotional Factors: Zoomies can occur due to anxiety, catnip intoxication, or even immediately after a cat has defecated.1

To help manage or reduce the frequency of these episodes, especially if they occur at inconvenient times like 2:00 AM, providing additional play sessions at dusk—when cats are naturally most alert—can be an effective strategy.1