There are several reasons why cats zoom at night, and not all of them are related to toilet training. Some cats get a nightly zoom when they’ve just finished using the litter box, and this can be an indication that they are unhappy with the cleanliness of the area or are irritated with a new scent. But the majority of zoomies in cats are caused by pent-up energy. After all, nighttime is the quietest time of day in most homes, so it makes sense that cats are looking for an outlet for their pent-up energy.
After eating
If your cat does the zoomies at night, you may want to consult with a veterinarian. Though some cats do it for entertainment, others do it as a form of mental stimulation, and you should take your pet to a veterinarian if you suspect that it may have a medical issue. After eating, cats are naturally active, and they require playtime in order to relieve pent-up energy. To help them stay active and entertained, try playing with them more often and offering them toys.
Stress
While cat zoomies are considered normal cat behavior, they can also be caused by various medical conditions. The most common medical condition responsible for cat zoomies is feline hyperthyroidism, which can cause restlessness and strange behavior. Other causes of cat zoomies include liver disease, brain tumors, and cushing’s syndrome. To determine whether zoomies are caused by stress, it’s best to understand your cat’s normal behaviors.
Pain
Cats may exhibit the “zoomies” when they have a heightened sense of pain. Some cats zoom when they are itchy, rubbed by fleas, or have an intense fear of being alone. In addition to being a nuisance, zooming can also signal that your feline friend has a medical issue. Pain can be a warning sign of a more serious issue. Your veterinarian can help you determine the cause of your cat’s abnormal behavior.
Dementia
Your cat may be experiencing dementia and will be showing signs of cognitive decline. Dementia in cats is more than just old age. Cats with dementia will become poor groomers and may seek your attention or comfort from familiar objects. In addition, they may be excessively licking themselves and scratching themselves, which could indicate pain. To determine whether your cat is experiencing dementia, consult your vet. You can also use a GPS cat tracker to monitor your cat’s activity at night.
Disarmony in the home
If your cat is experiencing excessive zoomies, this may be a sign of disharmony in the home. Some cats do this naturally and will sprint through the house. Other cats zoom around after they poop or use the litter box. When disharmony is present in the home, a cat may zoom out of the litter box or around the house after he or she has used it.
Medical conditions
When a cat’s senses change, it may display the “zoomies” behavior. It may start running away from what it perceives as an imaginary danger. For example, a cat suffering from fleas may run to get away from the problem. Other causes of these behaviors include arthritis, liver disease, and brain tumors. Cats with any of these conditions may be irritable and scratch themselves excessively.
Exercise
When your cat exhibits the zoomies, you might be wondering why it’s doing it. It may be due to a change in its senses, such as a new flea infestation, or it could be because it’s experiencing pain from a brain tumor. If you’re unsure, you should contact your veterinarian for further diagnosis. In the meantime, you can coach your cat out of its nighttime habit by giving it regular playtimes. But keep in mind that scolding will only make matters worse.
Clean litter box
Your cat’s habit of zooming away from the litter box after using it may be a sign of a clean litter tray. While your cat may run around the room in a happy display, it’s more likely to do so when they’re relieved of an unpleasant smell. Keeping your litter box clean is a great way to prevent urinary tract infections and bacterial infections. A clean litter box will also keep your feline friend in the litter box.
