Should you be worried if your kitten suddenly starts running around the house and acting like crazy?
It is completely normal for kittens to sometimes get zoomies; the actual ‘crazy session’ usually doesn’t last longer than 5 minutes. Your active kitty will calm down a bit once it reaches 9-12 months and will become even calmer at around 2 years.
How Long Do Kitten Zoomies Last?
Zoomies don’t usually last longer than 5 minutes. However, in the majority of cases, you can expect your kitty to go crazy for up to only 45 seconds or so.
Read: Are Savannah Cats Hard to Care For?
How Long Do Kittens Stay Hyper Active?
Kittens start calming down as they age. In general, the fluffy balls will experience a decrease in excessive activity levels by the age of 9-12 months.
Do bear in mind however that every kitty has its own personality. Some cats will naturally be more active, while others would prefer a ‘couch potato’ lifestyle.
Read: Do Bengal Cats Need Special Care?
How Long Do Kittens Act Crazy?
By 9-12 months the massive amount of enthusiasm will begin to settle. Most cats will become notably calmer as they reach maturity (2 years of age).
Tip: neutering usually contributes to calmness as well, as the males and females wouldn’t have to claim their territory and try and gain the attention of another sex.
Is It Normal for Kittens to Get Zoomies?
It is actually completely normal for cats of all ages to get zoomies from time to time. The behavior is more common in kittens though.
The most common reason for zoomies is excess energy. Running around like crazy might simply be your cat’s way of getting rid of the excess energy.
However, if the kitty starts getting zoomies in one of the following situations, then you might want to consult a vet:
- The cat is exhibiting signs of pain and/or it is licking a particular area repeatedly – the kitty might have itchy skin or fleas and the zoomies are just its way of trying to escape the feeling.
- You have a senior cat that might have started losing hearing or eyesight – in such a case, the cat will frantically run around the house if it gets scared.
- The cat gets zoomies only after it had used the litter box – look for signs of constipation as this is what might be causing the ‘victory lap’.
Fact: sometimes cats get zoomies right after using the litter box because they want to run away from the smell as fast as possible.
Read: Do Cats Care If You Cry?
How Often Do Cats Get Zoomies?
It is normal for cats to get zoomies every now and then, especially, after a very good sleep.
However, if your kitty experiences zoomies every single day, then it looks like the little guy is under-stimulated, frustrated, and bored. Try spending a bit more time playing with the fluffy ball and get him more interactive toys.
Can You Stop Cat Zoomies?
There are a few ways to prevent your kitty from getting zoomies.
- Play with the cat throughout the day – bear in mind that three 5-minute sessions during the day work a lot better than one long playing session in the evening.
- Allow your kitty to catch something – laser pointers and videos with mice are great, but the cat can get frustrated if it is not able to catch and ‘kill’ the toy.
- Feed your pet 3-4 times per day – in this way, you will be keeping the kitty’s energy levels more stable. By the way, you can use a puzzle feeder to provide even more mental and physical stimulation.
- If you have an indoor-only cat, make sure the little guy does not see the neighboring cats roaming around freely – your kitty would want to join the fun and will get frustrated if it sees the cats but there is no way to join them.
How to Stop Cat Zoomies at Night?
- Schedule a play session a few hours before your bedtime.
- Feed the kitty right after the session – this will help make sure the cat gets the satisfaction from ‘hunting’.
- Leave the cat’s toys all around the house.
- Create a calming environment – the kitty should have plenty of places where it can hide (empty shelves, boxes, and so on). This is where they feel calm and safe, and such an atmosphere helps the cat relax and fall asleep.
At What Age Do Kittens Calm Down?
In general, kittens become less hyper by the time they reach 9-12 months.
Why Is My 3 Month Old Kitten So Hyper?
It might look like your kitten is acting crazy sometimes, but the truth is that it’s the little guy’s way of ‘training’ to become an adult. Kittens explore their surroundings and get used to the new environment by following their basic instincts (jumping, running, around, biting, etc.).
Do Big Cats Get Zoomies?
Adults can get zoomies as well. It is called ‘Feline Random Active Play’ and it’s the cat’s way of releasing excess energy.
Read: How Do Cats Choose Who to Sleep With?
Why Does My Cat Run Around the House at Night?
Cats are naturally crepuscular. This means that they are most active at dusk and dawn.
Kitties can also be more active at night if they are left alone during the day or if they simply get bored.
How Do I Calm My Excited Cat Down?
Find time throughout the day to play with the cat, create a stress-free environment in the house, and address any health issues that may be causing hyper behavior (hyperthyroidism, for example).
In some cases, all you can really do is simply allow your cat to have some crazy time.
Does Catnip Calm a Cat Down?
Catnip can calm your cat down. Some owners like to use it about 15 minutes before a stressful event (like a visit to the vet).
You can get dry catnip and sprinkle it over the cat’s bed or on the scratching pad to help the kitty relax.
How Many Hours of Play Does a Kitten Need?
The exact timeframe would depend on the kitten’s personality, but try to play with the fluffy ball for at least 20 minutes per day. Ideally – 2-3 times per day for 15 minutes.
Does Neutering a Kitten Calm Them Down?
Neutering will prevent the cat from displaying mating behaviors, but the kitty’s genetics and upbringing are the two main factors that would affect its temperament.
How Do You Tell If a Cat Is Overstimulated?
The signs of overstimulation include:
- Tail swishing
- Flattening of the ears
- Skin twitching
- Dilated pupils
- Low growl
- Tenseness
How Do You Survive the Kitten Stage?
- Prepare the carrier by scenting it with a pheromone spray and leaving a few treats inside.
- Keep the carrier out when you get home and keep spraying it – this will help the kitten learn to love its carrier.
- Separate the kitten from other pets and leave him in a small, safe space.
- Get the kitten to the veterinarian within 2 days of bringing the little one home.
- Schedule the next round of vaccinations. Make an appointment for neuter or spay surgery and microchipping before the kitty is 6 months old.
Read: Is Rehoming a Cat Cruel?
What Is the Most Hyper Cat Breed?
There are certain cat breeds that are known for being especially active:
- Abyssinian
- Balinese
- Bengal
- Burmese
- Devon Rex
- Norwegian Forest cat
- Savannah
- Siamese
- Sphynx
- Turkish Angora