What is zoomies?
Updated By PetymFacts checked against official sources on
Quick answer
Zoomies, or frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), are short bursts of wild running, circling and spinning that dogs and cats do out of the blue, often after a bath, a nap, a meal or time in a crate. They are normal, usually a release of pent-up energy. The main risks are slippery floors and clutter.
Also called FRAPs, frenetic random activity periods, midnight crazies, puppy zoomies, cat zoomies at night.
Key facts
- Zoomies, also called frenetic random activity periods, are sudden bursts of running, circling or spinning. Toronto Humane Society
- They often follow a build-up of energy, such as a nap, a bath or a stressful moment, and some dogs have a routine, such as after meals or in the evening. Toronto Humane Society
- Zoomies are normal and often a sign a dog feels comfortable moving freely. Toronto Humane Society
- Unusually frequent zoomies, or zoomies linked with anxious behaviour, deserve a closer look; they can point to a need for more exercise, mental stimulation or routine. Toronto Humane Society
- Indoor cats need to express as much of the hunting sequence as possible through play. AAFP and ISFM (Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2013)study
Why do pets get the zoomies?
Mostly to burn off a build-up of energy or excitement, and sometimes to shake off a mildly stressful moment.
Classic times are straight after a bath or a grooming session, when a dog is let out after a long rest or a stint in a crate, after a meal, or in the evening when the family comes home. Puppies and young dogs do it most. Many owners notice that a dog that gets too little exercise or mental work on a given day zooms more, which is a useful hint to add a walk, a sniffing game or a training session.
Cats are famous for night-time zoomies, racing up and down the flat at dusk or in the small hours. Cats are natural hunters, and an indoor cat with little chance to stalk, chase and pounce may release that drive in a burst. Several short play sessions with a wand toy, especially in the evening, and puzzle feeders give that energy an outlet.
When are zoomies a concern?
If Short bursts after baths, naps or meals, in a happy, relaxed pet
Normal. Clear a safe space and let it run its course. Toronto Humane Society
If Zoomies many times a day, with destructive behaviour or restlessness
The pet probably needs more exercise, mental work and a steadier routine. Toronto Humane Society
If Running linked with signs of fear, such as hiding, trembling or panting, or right after a trigger
Look for the stressor and pair it with something the pet enjoys; ask a reward-based trainer or your vet if it continues. Toronto Humane Society
If Spinning or tail chasing that is hard to interrupt and gets in the way of normal life
See your vet: repetitive behaviour that interferes with normal function may be a compulsive disorder. Merck Veterinary Manual
How do you keep zoomies safe at home?
Most injuries come from slipping on smooth floors or crashing into things, not from the running itself.
Do
- Move fragile objects and clutter out of the way. Toronto Humane Society
- Lay rugs or runners on marble and tile floors where your pet usually zooms.
- Close balcony doors and gates, and keep windows with grilles or nets shut during a cat's night-time races.
- Give daily exercise and play so energy has a regular outlet. Merck Veterinary Manual
Don’t
- Do not chase the pet to stop it; that turns zoomies into a chase game and risks collisions.
- Do not let a dog zoom near stairs, roads or busy society corridors; call it to you with a treat.
- Do not punish zoomies; they are normal behaviour. American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
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Questions owners ask
Why does my dog get zoomies after a bath?
- Baths build up energy and mild stress, and many dogs release it with a burst of running and rolling once they are free. It is normal. Towel the dog well, clear the area of anything breakable, and keep it away from slippery floors and open doors until it calms.
Are zoomies a sign my dog is happy?
- Often, yes. Zoomies are normal and are usually a sign the dog feels comfortable and safe enough to move freely. If they happen many times a day or come with anxious behaviour, look at whether the dog needs more exercise, mental work or a steadier routine.
Why does my cat run around the house at night?
- Cats are hunters, and an indoor cat may release its drive to stalk and chase in bursts, often at dusk or at night. Play with a wand toy for a few short sessions in the evening, use puzzle feeders for some meals, and give climbing and hiding spots.
Should I stop my dog's zoomies?
- Usually not. Let them run their course in a safe space. If the dog is zooming somewhere unsafe, near stairs, traffic or breakables, call it with a treat or toss a toy in a safe direction rather than chasing, which only makes the game more exciting.
Keep reading
Related terms
More in behaviour
- Calming signalsCalming signals, also called appeasement or displacement behaviours, are small body-language cues such as lip or nose licking, yawning, turning the head away, blinking, sniffing the ground or lifting a paw. Dogs often show them when they feel uneasy or in conflict. Noticing them lets you give a dog space before fear escalates to growling or snapping.
- Cat scratchingCat scratching is the normal habit of dragging the claws down a surface. Cats scratch to keep their claws healthy, stretch the legs and spine, and leave scent and visible marks from glands in their paws. It should not be stopped, but it can be moved from the sofa to a well-placed, sturdy scratching post with patience and rewards.
- Destructive chewingDestructive chewing is when a dog chews things it should not, such as shoes, furniture, door frames, wires or cushions. Chewing itself is normal: puppies chew to ease teething and all dogs chew to explore. It becomes a problem through boredom, too little exercise, hunger, frustration or separation anxiety, and is fixed by redirection, not punishment.
- KneadingKneading, often called making biscuits, is when a cat rhythmically pushes its front paws into a soft surface such as a blanket, cushion or a person's lap, often purring. It starts in kittenhood, when kittens knead their mother to keep milk flowing, and many adult cats keep the habit when relaxed. It is normal and needs no treatment.
- Litter box aversionLitter box aversion is when a cat stops using its litter tray and pees or poos elsewhere in the home, because something about the tray, its place or its use has become unpleasant or frightening. Illness is a common cause, so a vet check comes first. Then fix the trays: enough of them, clean, quiet, with litter the cat likes.
- Noise phobiaNoise phobia is an intense, lasting fear of loud or sudden sounds such as fireworks, thunder or gunshots. Affected dogs tremble, pant, hide, pace, try to escape or soil indoors, and some take days to recover. It is common: about a third of dogs in one large survey were noise-sensitive. A safe den, preparation and gradual training help.
- PicaPica is eating things that are not food, such as fabric, wool, plastic, paper, rubber, stones or soil. In cats it often starts as wool or fabric sucking, especially in Oriental breeds; in dogs it can be a habit, a compulsive disorder or a sign of illness. Swallowed objects can block the gut, so a vet check comes first.
- Reactive dogA reactive dog overreacts to everyday triggers such as other dogs, strangers, bikes or autos, usually by barking, lunging, growling or pulling, most often on the lead. Fear is the most common driver, with frustration and pain also playing a part. It is managed by keeping distance from triggers and changing the dog's feelings with reward-based training, never by punishment.
- Resource guardingResource guarding is a dog protecting something it values, such as food, a chew, a toy, a bed or even a person, from people or other animals. It is normal, often fear-based behaviour, ranging from eating faster or freezing to growling and biting. It improves with management and reward-based training that teaches the dog an approaching person brings good things.
- Separation anxietySeparation anxiety is a fear response in which a dog panics when left alone or apart from the person it is attached to. Signs include howling, destruction near doors, toileting indoors, drooling and escape attempts, usually worst in the first 30 minutes. It is treated with gradual, reward-based training, sometimes alongside medicine from a vet, never with punishment.
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Sources
Each source was opened and read on the date shown. How Petym checks its sources
- Toronto Humane Society: Why do dogs get zoomies and what do they mean? (17 July 2026) (opens in a new tab)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Behavior problems of dogs (opens in a new tab)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Behavior problems in dogs (opens in a new tab)
- American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior: Position statement on humane dog training (2021) (opens in a new tab)
- AAFP and ISFM (Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2013): Feline environmental needs guidelines (opens in a new tab)