Frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), also colloquially known as zoomies, scrumbling, or midnight crazies,[1] 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.[2][3][4] It is not known what causes animals to engage in FRAPs.[5][6] Some veterinary experts have noticed FRAPs are often associated with times of transition, such as the return of an owner.[7] Other non-domestic animals are also known to experience FRAPs, such as ferrets or elephants.[8]
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.[9] Likewise, FRAPs are normal and healthy behavior for cats as well.[6] They are referred to as "cat zoomies".[10]
References
edit- ^ "When Your Cat Gets the "Midnight Crazies"". www.petplace.com. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
- ^ Shannon Casey (September 14, 2018). "The Zoomies: What Are Frenetic Random Activity Periods?". adoptandshop.org. Archived from the original on October 21, 2021.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Dealing With Your Dog's Energy Bursts". Pedigree. Archived from the original on September 23, 2020. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Stitt, Jeff (June 16, 2024). "Expert explains the science behind dog zoomies". KSBW. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ "Zoomies explained | Blog | Burgess Pet Care". www.burgesspetcare.com/. Archived from the original on March 9, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Cat Zoomies Explained". thepetstaff.com. October 15, 2021. Archived from the original on January 3, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
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