Frenetic random activity periods
Burst of energy in dogs and cats / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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] Other non-domestic animals are also known to experience FRAPs, such as ferrets or elephants.[7]
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.[8] Likewise, FRAPs are normal and healthy behavior for cats as well.[6] They are referred to as "cat zoomies".[9]