You will be surprised why the cat starts running around the house so quickly for no apparent reason.

You will be surprised why the cat starts running around the house so quickly for no apparent reason.

And the thing is not about the litter box.

If your cat sometimes runs around like crazy, there is likely a simple explanation for it.

If you have a cat, you have probably seen this behavior:

  • Everything is quiet, and suddenly your cat dashes into the room and then abruptly races back out as if it just found out about a free giveaway of catnip.

Why does it happen like that?

  • Could there be another animal lurking there?
  • Perhaps it’s the need to burn off excess energy?
  • Has a ghost taken up residence in the house?

Don’t worry, your cat is fine, and most likely, she doesn’t see any ghosts either.

There are several reasons why your cat may suddenly start running around like crazy.

Built-up energy.

The most logical explanation is that such behavior can be attributed to the accumulated energy in your cat. Cats spend a lot of time lying down and observing the world around them. However, like other animals, they have energy that needs to be burned.

Engaging in a frenzy of running around can be a way for them to release accumulated energy.

It makes sense, doesn’t it?

Cats tend to be more active when we are active.

Since most people spend their entire day at work, when they come home… all the energy that has been building up throughout the day gets unleashed in cats.

This is particularly true for indoor cats. And while it’s evident that younger cats have more energy to burn, even older cats are known to have their moments of wild running around.

Intruders inside and outside.

The smell of another animal can be a reason for your cat’s crazy behavior.

If there are other animals in or around your house, it can provoke such behavior in your cat.

Your house, both inside and outside, is the territory your cat considers its own. So, what can it do when another animal casually strolls around?

A good indication of this is when your cat rushes from window to window and meows so loudly that the rafters shake (who would have thought cats could be so loud?).

Chasing prey.

Or, unfortunately for squeamish people, your cat may be responding to the scent of prey.

Mice are a common issue in practically any area, but particularly in rural areas. Mice emit a distinct scent that cats are attuned to, and they are natural prey for them. So it’s quite logical that your cat would go crazy trying to find and catch them.

And if the hunting was successful, and you’re the beloved human, your cat may share the spoils with you!

Persistent… fleas.

Your cat may have fleas.

Each of us who has been bitten knows that each bite is accompanied by sharp pain, and these bites can quickly become overwhelming…

Flea infestation can happen rapidly, even if your cat lives strictly indoors, so it’s important to treat your cat as soon as you notice the problem.

Fleas cause tremendous discomfort to cats, and in severe cases, they can result in pain from constant flea bites and further scratching by the cat.

Other reasons.

If none of the above mentioned reasons apply to your cat and you are genuinely concerned, it never hurts to talk to a veterinarian about the reasons why your cat is running around like crazy.

One possible medical explanation for hyperactive behavior in cats is hyperthyroidism, which typically occurs in older cats. Cats with hyperthyroidism sleep very little and have an excessive appetite.

Another condition, feline hyperesthesia syndrome, is a mysterious condition that can sometimes cause a cat to react in a similar manner. With this condition, the skin along the cat’s back may ripple or twitch. Other forms of behavior may also be exhibited:

  • Excessive grooming,
  • Biting,
  • Scratching,
  • Running around the house,
  • Chasing its own tail.

Your veterinarian can help you determine if these are issues with your cat.

Розбір 2025 року — нові підходи до догляду за тваринами.

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Our team

We are a team of animal lovers united by our passion for helping pet owners. In 2021, we created LovePets UA to compile proven knowledge, practical advice and relevant information about pets in one place.

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