Frenetic random activity periods

"Zoomies" redirects here; not to be confused with Zoomie.

Frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), also colloquially known as zoomies, scrumbling, midnight crazies, ^[1] or mad half-hours, ^[2] are random bursts of energy occurring in dogs and cats in which they run frenetically, commonly in circles. They usually last a few minutes or less. ^{[3] [4] [5]} It is not known what causes animals to engage in FRAPs. ^{[6] [7]} Some veterinary experts have noticed that FRAPs are often associated with times of transition, such as the return of an owner. ^[8] Other non-domestic animals are also known to experience FRAPs, such as polecats and elephants. ^[9]

Although little data exists regarding the safety of FRAPs, ethologist Marc Bekoff has suggested that dogs should be allowed to freely engage in them as long as the dog is in a safe area and will not harm others or themselves. ^[10] Likewise, FRAPs are normal and healthy behavior for cats as well. ^[7]

Description

FRAPs are characterized by an abrupt onset of rapid, seemingly random movement. Typical features include running at top speed, rapid turns and spins (sometimes in tight circles), jumps and sudden stops, and brief vocalizations or tail-posture changes. Episodes usually last from a few seconds up to several minutes and end as abruptly as they began. FRAPs most often occur when an animal is in a familiar environment (indoors or in a fenced yard) and appear to be self-terminating (the animal often lies down or settles immediately afterwards). ^[11] FRAPs are common in puppies and kittens but occur in animals of all ages. Recurring contexts in which FRAPs are commonly observed include immediately after elimination, following bathing, at dawn or dusk, during or after play, when an animal has just been released from confinement, or upon the return of an owner. These associations are observational rather than causal, and the proximate triggers for individual episodes are not fully understood. ^[12]

Hypotheses

• Energy discharge: FRAPs may be a rapid release of pent-up physical energy after a period of rest or confinement. ^[12]
• Emotional expression (positive arousal): Some ethologists suggest FRAPs express excitement, joy or a positive arousal state (for instance after greeting an owner or successful play). Marc Bekoff, among others, interprets many such episodes as play-related and pleasurable. ^{[10] [13]}

• Ontogenetic / practice function: In young animals, frantic bursts of activity may be part of normal motor and behavioural development, allowing practice of locomotor and predatory skills. ^[14]

See also

• Weasel War Dance

References

1. "When Your Cat Gets the "Midnight Crazies"". www.petplace.com. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
2. Atkinson, Sam, ed. (February 3, 2014). Complete Cat Care: How to Keep Your Cat Healthy and Happy. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 22. ISBN   9781409370925.
3. Shannon Casey (September 14, 2018). "The Zoomies: What Are Frenetic Random Activity Periods?". adoptandshop.org. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021.
4. "Frenetic Random Activity Periods: Otherwise Known as Dog Zoomies!". andreaarden.com. December 2, 2011. Archived from the original on January 26, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
5. "Dealing With Your Dog's Energy Bursts". Pedigree . Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
6. Waggener, Natalie (February 20, 2018). "Why Your Dog Gets "The Zoomies"". South Boston Animal Hospital. Archived from the original on June 22, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2022.
7. Lowery, Sassafrass (March 5, 2018). "What Are the Cat Zoomies and Are They Ever Anything to Worry About?". Catster. Archived from the original on August 4, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2020.
8. Stitt, Jeff (June 16, 2024). "Expert explains the science behind dog zoomies". KSBW. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
9. "Zoomies explained | Blog | Burgess Pet Care". www.burgesspetcare.com/. Archived from the original on March 9, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
10. Bekoff, Marc (September 26, 2017). "It's OK For Dogs to Engage in Zoomies and Enjoy FRAPs". Psychology Today . Archived from the original on May 21, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
11. Santora, Tyler (March 13, 2021). "Why do dogs and cats get the zoomies?". Live Science. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
12. "What are zoomies?". Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Retrieved January 6, 2026.
13. Bekoff, Marc (January 5, 2015). "Playful fun in dogs". Current Biology: CB. 25 (1): R4–7. Bibcode:2015CBio...25...R4B. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2014.09.007. ISSN   1879-0445. PMID   25562299.
14. Gajdoš Kmecová, Noema; Pet'ková, Barbara; Kottferová, Jana; Skurková, Lenka; Mills, Daniel S. (2021). "Are These Cats Playing? A Closer Look at Social Play in Cats and Proposal for a Psychobiological Approach and Standard Terminology". Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 8 712310. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.712310 . ISSN   2297-1769. PMC   8343019 . PMID   34368287.