Frenetic random activity periods explained

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. They are referred to as "cat zoomies".[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: When Your Cat Gets the "Midnight Crazies". www.petplace.com. en. 2020-05-30.
  2. Web site: The Zoomies: What Are Frenetic Random Activity Periods? . Shannon Casey . September 14, 2018 . adoptandshop.org. https://web.archive.org/web/20211021045917/https://www.adoptandshop.org/the-zoomies-what-are-frenetic-random-activity-periods/. October 21, 2021.
  3. Web site: Frenetic Random Activity Periods: Otherwise Known as Dog Zoomies! . andreaarden.com . 2 December 2011 . January 25, 2019 . January 26, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190126061001/https://andreaarden.com/dog-facts-and-trivia/frenetic-random-activity-periods-otherwise-known-as-dog-zoomies/ . live .
  4. Web site: Dealing With Your Dog's Energy Bursts . . January 25, 2019 . September 23, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200923033411/https://www.pedigree.com/getting-a-new-dog/getting-a-puppy/dealing-with-your-dog-s-energy-bursts . live .
  5. Web site: Why Your Dog Gets "The Zoomies" . Waggener . Natalie . 20 February 2018 . South Boston Animal Hospital . August 13, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20190622190114/https://www.southbostonanimalhospital.com/blog/why-your-dog-gets-the-zoomies. June 22, 2019.
  6. Web site: What Are the Cat Zoomies and Are They Ever Anything to Worry About? . Lowery . Sassafrass . March 5, 2018 . Catster . January 7, 2020 . August 4, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200804172154/https://www.catster.com/cat-behavior/what-are-the-cat-zoomies-should-you-worry . live .
  7. Web site: Stitt. Jeff. Expert explains the science behind dog zoomies. KSBW. 2024-06-17. 2024-06-16.
  8. Web site: Zoomies explained Blog Burgess Pet Care . 2024-03-19 . www.burgesspetcare.com/ . en-GB . March 9, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240309211146/https://www.burgesspetcare.com/blog/rabbits/zoomies-explained/ . live .
  9. Web site: It's OK For Dogs to Engage in Zoomies and Enjoy FRAPs . Bekoff . Marc . 26 September 2017 . . 22 June 2019 . May 21, 2024 . https://archive.today/20240521000811/https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/201709/its-ok-dogs-engage-in-zoomies-and-enjoy-fraps . live .
  10. Web site: Cat Zoomies Explained . 15 October 2021 . thepetstaff.com . 3 January 2022 . January 3, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220103060132/https://thepetstaff.com/cat-zoomies/ . live .

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