Written by Nicola van Ass – Qualified Dog Trainer, Groomer and Feline Behaviourist
If you’ve ever watched your dog suddenly bolt across the living room like it’s being chased by an invisible squirrel, or your cat tear around the house at 2am as if haunted by feline ghosts, you’ve witnessed the glorious phenomenon known as the zoomies.
Formally called FRAPs (Frenetic Random Activity Periods), zoomies are bursts of hyperactive behaviour common in domestic animals like dogs and cats – but they’re not exclusive to the household variety. Even wild animals show similar spurts of energy. So, what triggers this sudden madness? Let’s dig in.
1. Built-up energy or excitement
For dogs especially, zoomies are often a release valve for excess energy. Think of it as an emotional pressure cooker finally letting off steam.
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Dogs: After a long nap, a bath, or being cooped up indoors, many dogs will launch into a round of zoomies to burn off energy. It’s their way of saying, “Let’s gooo!”
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Cats: Cats might zip around after using the litter box, which is likely tied to instinctual behaviours like escaping from predators, post-poop (yes, it’s a real theory).
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Wild Animals: Even cheetah cubs and emus are known to have playful, erratic sprints –nature’s way of practising for life.
2. Joy and emotional expression
Zoomies can be pure, unfiltered happiness in motion.
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Dogs might burst into zoomies when you come home, or when they see the leash come out tail wagging like a helicopter rotor.
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Cats sometimes get the zoomies after a good play session or as part of their solo playtime antics (bonus points if they take a detour across your laptop).
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In the wild, young animals often play-chase each other as social bonding and skill development. It’s joyful and educational. Like hide-and-seek with homework.
3. Post-stress relief
Zoomies can be a release after a stressful or overstimulating event.
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A bath, grooming, or vet visit can all lead to a “frap attack” afterwards as the animal shakes off that anxiety (and possibly a bit of revenge on the bathmat).
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It’s like an animal’s version of punching a pillow after a tough day… but cuter and usually less destructive.
4. Instinct and evolution
For both domestic and wild animals, zoomies may be part instinctual, part evolutionary.
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In the wild, practising quick movements and directional changes could mean the difference between life and death.
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Domesticated animals still have those instincts hardwired. Zoomies might just be a way to exercise those survival skills in a much safer setting – like your lounge.
When to be concerned?
Zoomies are totally normal in healthy pets. However:
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If zoomies happen excessively or your pet crashes into things often, it’s worth checking in with a vet. Something could be triggering a flight response in them, or they may not be able to process a build-up of emotions, and it can become an obsession.
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Bumping into things, while sometimes normal, like slipping on a carpet or not having the stability to take a turn on a tiled floor, excessive falling or running into things could be a sign of an underlying condition.
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Older pets that start zooming suddenly might have an underlying issue like pain, cognitive changes, or anxiety.
Wrapping it up: let ‘em zoom
Zoomies are part exercise, part play, and part emotional expression. They’re not just entertaining – they’re a sign that your furry friend feels safe, happy, and ready to let loose. So next time your pup does a turbo lap around the garden, or your cat goes full ninja mode across the furniture, don’t panic – cheer them on. It’s just nature’s way of saying, “I feel good!”
And if you’ve got hardwood floors? Maybe invest in some non-slip socks – for both of you.
