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Sudden Crazy Cat Runs: Possible Causes Explained

19. December 2024
Do all cats exhibit such behavior? When it comes to the phenomenon of "cats suddenly running wildly,

Do all cats exhibit such behavior? When it comes to the phenomenon of "cats suddenly running wildly," it's not just a domestic issue. On Reddit, an international forum, there's a dedicated group on animal behavior where over a million members discuss topics related to animals suddenly displaying erratic behaviors.

Curiosity about the enigmatic antics of cats knows no borders, with both domestic and international internet users showing a keen interest in understanding these sudden outbursts.

There's even a specific term to describe the sudden, wild running of cats and dogs: Frenetic Random Activity Periods, or FRAPs for short. This refers to a burst of intense activity that animals engage in over a short span of time. In simpler terms, it's what we might call "zoomies," "scrumbling," or "midnight crazies." In German, it's known as "Wilden fünf Minuten," or "Wild Five Minutes."

But why do cats exhibit this behavior? It turns out that almost all wild animals display similar behaviors, with FRAPs varying among species. For instance, cats tend to have shorter FRAPs than dogs, and these periods can also differ based on age, with younger animals experiencing them more frequently. It was initially observed and recognized in canines.

Animal behavior expert Jill Goldman suggests that dogs engage in this behavior to release pentup energy, essentially meaning that they are so full of vitality and excitement that they need an outlet.

Cats also have a similar reason for their wild runs: with 16 hours of sleep each day and multiple free meals, they accumulate a lot of energy. Once this energy is built up, it needs to be released.

Thus, these frenetic runs often occur after cats have been sleeping or eating for extended periods, like when they suddenly start sprinting around at night.

Cats tend to prefer a burst of energy in the moment.

Within the feline family, whether it's lions, cheetahs, tigers, or domestic cats, they are all accustomed to erupting with immense energy in short bursts to hunt. This is an evolutionary hunting ability developed for survival. Therefore, "shortterm intense activity" is naturally in line with a cat's exercise habits. When cats have accumulated enough energy from eating and sleeping, they naturally burst out with the excess energy stored within them.

It's perfectly normal for cats to have sudden bursts of sprinting. At such times, pet owners should ensure their homes are safe by removing any sharp or fragile items, adding toys and cat trees, and creating a better environment for their pets to exercise.

Things to Watch Out For

Some behaviorists believe that in addition to the need to release energy, cats might also run wildly due to stress or boredom. If this behavior is accompanied by excessive grooming, loss of appetite, or a lack of energy, pet owners should be vigilant about their cat's health.

If a cat runs wildly after defecating and is accompanied by yowling, it's also important for owners to pay attention to any abnormalities in their cat's bowel movements or signs of pain during elimination.

In multicat households, it's not uncommon for one cat's sudden "fit" to trigger a chain reaction in others. As long as there are no intense conflicts, this is usually just a minor issue. Pet owners can simply pick up their phones, smile, and watch the show.

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