Does your cat sometimes startle you by unexpectedly racing across the room at top kitty speed? We suspect that, for most of you, that would be a yes. Our feline buddies do get pretty zoomy at times. What’s that all about? An Aurora, CO vet ponders this adorable—and purrplexing—habit below.
Causes For Zoom
Why do cats get the zoomies? In some cases, kitties get sudden bursts of energy after waking from one of their 53 daily naps. This may be Fluffy’s version of an early-morning workout. It could also be a feature of her built-in hunting instincts. Granted, your furball may only be hunting catnip mice, bottlecaps, and the occasional dust bunny, but she still does have a deep-seated need to keep her skills sharp. There’s also the chance that Fluffy may have just realized that, according to the kitty rulebook, she was supposed to be in the bedroom a half-second ago. It’s also worth noting that zoomies are more common in kittens, though senior cats can get them too.
Curbing The Zoomies
Generally, kitty zoomies are adorable and harmless, as well as highly entertaining. However, you may not be as amused by Fluffy’s antics if she’s batting a noisy toy down the hall in the middle of the night or pouncing on you as you’re sleeping. If your pet is a bit too frisky after hours, wear her out with a fun play session before bed. A vigorous round of Catch The Red Dot will definitely help burn off some of that zing! Add a late-night dinner, and you’ve got a tired furball on your hands. As you can probably guess, tiring Fluffy out will significantly increase the odds of your feline pal foregoing her next sprint for a nap.
Cause For Concern
For the most part, zoomies are a normal kitty behavior. (Normal for cats, that is.) However, if Fluffy seems to do this just after using the litterbox, consult your vet. This could be a sign of health or digestive issues, such as constipation. Zoomies can also be a cause for concern if they’re accompanied by itching. This could be an indication that your feline buddy is reacting to pain or discomfort from a flea bite. Ask your vet for more information.
Do you have questions or concerns about your furry friend’s health or care? Contact us, your Aurora, CO vet clinic, today!
