Help! My Cat Has Crazy Energy at Night! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
Libby seems to get a sudden burst of energy late at night and sprints around the house like crazy. What causes that?”– Kim
Quick Info about Libby
📹 Vet's Video Reply (scroll down to see text answer)
Hi Kim,
That late-night burst of energy you’re seeing in Libby is actually very common in cats, especially younger ones. What you’re describing is often called the “zoomies” or, more technically, frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). While it may seem sudden and wild, it’s actually a normal feline behavior rooted in their natural instincts.
Cats are crepuscular animals, which means they’re biologically wired to be most active at dawn and dusk. In the wild, this is when they would be hunting. Indoor cats like Libby don’t need to hunt for their meals, but that instinctive energy still builds up and needs an outlet. If she hasn’t had enough stimulation during the day, that pent-up energy often gets released all at once, usually at the most inconvenient time for humans.
You can help channel this behavior by providing interactive play sessions in the early evening, mimicking a hunt-chase-catch routine. Use a wand toy like a pretend bird or mouse, letting her stalk, chase, and eventually “catch” it. Then offer her a small meal right after, just as she would eat after a successful hunt in the wild. This “hunt, catch, eat, groom, sleep” rhythm is like a bedtime story for cats; it mirrors the natural pattern her body is designed for and often leads to a calmer, more restful night.
Best,
– Dr. Paola