Published : 12 Sep 2026, 09:09 PM
Updated : 16 Sep 2026, 11:49 AM
If your cat has ever bolted out of the litter tray as though it were late for something important, or your dog has suddenly launched into frantic laps around the living room for no apparent reason, you have witnessed the zoomies.
Formally known as frenetic random activity periods, or FRAPs, zoomies are short, intense bursts of high-energy behaviour — running, spinning, jumping and rolling — that can seem to come out of nowhere, The Independent reports.
Rabbits have their own version, known as binkies. But for most cat and dog owners, “zoomies” is the familiar term.
So what is actually going on?
Experts say the trigger is usually excitement or a sudden spike in stimulation.
In cats, one common trigger is the litter tray.
The behaviour has been linked to what researchers informally call “poo-phoria”, where a bowel movement may stimulate the vagus nerve and produce a brief feeling of wellbeing, according to The Independent.
More broadly, zoomies share many characteristics with play behaviour, suggesting they are intrinsically enjoyable — in other words, the animal may simply be having a very good time.
“If the zoomies are occurring as part of your animal's regular play routine, this indicates your animal is happy and enjoying themselves,” researchers note.
Owners can also watch for signs that their pet wants company during a zoom session.
Dogs often signal this with a play bow, lowering the front of the body as an invitation. Cats may roll over or nudge their owners.
If your pet appears to be inviting you in, there is no harm in joining the chaos.
Unless your pet is zooming near a road or another hazard, there is usually no need to intervene.
Cats and dogs are generally adept at avoiding obstacles even at speed.
Scientists say there is still much they do not know, including whether zoomies are more common at certain times of day or in particular breeds, The Independent reports.
But the general consensus is that a zooming pet is usually a happy one.
Humans may not be entirely immune either.
That sudden urge to jump, shake or do a little spin after a rush of excitement? Researchers say it may be more similar to the zoomies than we might like to admit.
