Bursts of activity: why cats rush around the house and when to go to a specialist

Sometimes a pet in a second turns into a whirlwind – just now she was quietly sniffing in the corner and now she is already rushing at insane speed through the room. She probably had that famous burst of energy. Why do cats get mad and why does a cat run around the apartment like crazy?

Why Cats Have Energy Bursts

Although it is fairly easy to identify the onset of a cat’s energy surge, its cause can be a mystery. What are the causes of sudden feline activity? Below are the three most common explanations.

1. Sleep mode

Energy bursts often occur in cats after a long sleep. Because they sleep most of the day (12 to 16 hours per night), they are actually awake during waking hours. Running from one end of the house to the other after a long sleep is a way for them to restart their mind and body.

2. Hunting instinct

Despite the fact that cats get all the food they need from their owners, they are natural hunters and have a predatory instinct. Sometimes it may seem that the cat is chasing an empty place, although most likely it is chasing imaginary prey. To get an idea of ​​the professional hunting skills of a pet, you can throw a few pieces of food in the corridor and see how quickly she pounces on them.

3. Toilet business

After using the litter box, many cats seem to be on a winning lap. Some rush like crazy after a bowel movement, especially if the process was accompanied by discomfort. “This discomfort can be caused by infections or inflammation in the urinary tract or colon or rectum,” Dr. Mike Paul explains to the Pet Health Network. “It could also be caused by constipation.” 

Why do cats get mad after going to the toilet? If the veterinary specialist has ruled out the medical reasons for the wild run after the toilet, we can conclude that this is how she celebrates the excellent result of her labors.

When to Call a Veterinarian

If your cat is experiencing bursts of energy but is otherwise healthy, there is nothing to worry about.

If the cat is freaking out and running around, look for any other unusual behavior. It can signal that something is not right. The owner should be alerted by weight loss, a change in litter usage habits, or unusual sounds made by the cat. If one of these signs is observed, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian. The behavior of a cat especially often changes with age.

Games during periods of energy surge

Knowing that cats’ active periods are not something to worry about, you can plan play sessions around them. This is what International Cat Care recommends: “Playtime… really has the most beneficial effect if it is organized relatively often in short bursts of activity.”

Actively participating in these bursts is a great way to bond with your cat, help her release the energy she has built up, and tire her out for her next nap. If the cat is running around the house, she may be trying to say that she wants to play. After all, the cat commands the owner, and not vice versa!