How to Stop Cat Zoomies at Night and Prevent Nocturnal Chaos

Cats are natural predators and have a strong instinct to hunt and play at dawn and dusk, which can sometimes manifest as zoomies at night. This is due to their internal circadian rhythm.

Most cats need at least 16 hours of sleep per day, and it's common for them to be most active at night when their owners are trying to sleep.

Some cats are naturally more energetic than others and may exhibit zoomies more frequently.

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Zoomies are a real phenomenon that cats exhibit, and they're not just a cute quirk - they have a technical name: Frenetic Random Activity Periods or FRAPs.

Cats can go from sitting peacefully to jumping up and sprinting around the house in an instant.

They're not the only ones who get the zoomies - dogs can experience them too.

It's as if a switch flips on in your cat and then right back off again, ending their bout of zoomies just as suddenly as it started.

Cats get the zoomies for different reasons. One of the most common causes is excess energy, which can be a result of pent-up physical activity or a lack of mental stimulation.

Cats can also get the zoomies due to boredom. If your cat is not getting enough playtime or mental stimulation, they may resort to zoomies as a way to release pent-up energy.

The technical name for zoomies is Frenetic Random Activity Periods or FRAPs, which suggests that these episodes are characterized by sudden and random bursts of energy.

Cats who get frequent zoomies likely need more exercise, so make sure to give them plenty of playtime during the day. This can help wear them out before bedtime.

Reserve at least two 15-minute periods each day to play with your cat, and choose toys that simulate hunting and stalking prey, which engages their mind and body. Interactive toys are perfect for this purpose.

Setting out a toy just before bed can help wear your cat out, allowing you to get a good night's sleep.

Cats are naturally drawn to quiet, dark spaces, so consider setting up a cozy retreat for your feline friend.

A room with minimal noise and few distractions can help your cat relax and unwind, reducing the likelihood of zoomies.

Provide a warm and comfortable place for your cat to snooze, such as a soft blanket or a heated cat bed.

Some cats prefer a certain type of lighting, like a dim red bulb, which can help create a calming atmosphere.

A peaceful environment can be as simple as playing calming music or white noise to mask other distracting sounds.

A clutter-free space can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, making it easier for them to relax and avoid zoomies.

Playing with your cat before bed can help prevent those middle-of-the-night zoomies. If your cat gets frequent zoomies, they likely need more exercise, so reserve at least two 15-minute periods each day to play with your cat.

Interactive toys are a great way to wear your cat out, as they engage both their mind and body. Play that simulates hunting and stalking prey is particularly effective for wearing cats out.

If you set out a toy just before bed, you can wear your cat out so that you get to sleep all night. This is especially helpful if your cat sleeps all day and zooms through the night.

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To prevent cat zoomies, it's essential to establish clear boundaries and routines for your feline friend.

Setting a regular sleep schedule can help reduce excess energy in your cat.

Cats need at least 16 hours of sleep per day, and a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate their energy levels.

Exercise is crucial for cats, but over-exercising can lead to zoomies.

Aim for 30 minutes of playtime per day, divided into short sessions to prevent over-exhaustion.

Providing enough vertical space for your cat to climb and play can help burn off energy.

Cats need mental stimulation, so engage your cat's problem-solving skills with puzzle toys.

Some cats may have underlying medical issues that contribute to zoomies, so consult a veterinarian if the behavior persists.

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Confining your cat to a smaller area can bring peace and quiet, while also protecting your valuables if their nocturnal sprints are significantly disrupting your sleep or wreaking havoc on the house.

Providing new toys or one of the new devices that makes your cat work to get a treat can sometimes calm the nighttime zoomies by encouraging your pet to exercise a bit more in the daytime.

Encouraging your pet to get some daytime exercise can sometimes calm the nighttime zoomies, as they're just a random burst of energy in a cat that spent too much time lounging during the day.

If you're concerned about your cat's behavior, give us a call to discuss their behavior and we can help you identify solutions that will work for you.

A unique perspective: How to Calm down Puppy Zoomies

Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning they're most active at twilight and in the early morning hours.

Their internal clock is regulated by the production of melatonin, a hormone that increases at night, making them feel drowsy.

Cats have a unique circadian rhythm that allows them to be most active at night, with some studies showing they can be up to 50% more active during this time.

As a result, they often exhibit high energy levels and intense playfulness, leading to zoomies.

Their nocturnal nature is likely an inherited trait from their wild ancestors, who hunted at night.

Cats who get frequent zoomies most likely need more exercise, so make sure your cat gets plenty of playtime during the day.

Reserve at least two 15-minute periods each day to play with your cat, using fun and engaging toys that simulate hunting and stalking prey.

Interactive toys are great for wearing cats out, as they engage both the mind and the body.

If your cat gets zoomies because of a medical condition, treating the medical condition can stop or reduce those zoomies.

Cleaning your cat's litter box frequently keeps post-poop zoomies at bay.

If your cat's crazy time happens in the middle of the night or if they bite or scratch when they're wired, it can feel disruptive.

Playing with and calming your cat earlier in the day can help them burn off some energy before they exhibit loud behaviour.

If your cat's behaviour is consistently aggressive or destructive, it might be a sign of a problem, especially if they don't calm down after playtime.

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