Although cats are evolved for night-time activity, during domestication they have adapted to human lifestyles. Domestic cats tend to be most active early in the morning and at dusk, not in the middle of the night. They also change their activity cycles to fit in with their human housemates.
The most common reason cats experience the zoomies is pent-up energy. Cats rest and sleep for a majority of the day to conserve energy for short, very active periods. Without intentional exercise and activity, your kitty will need to find a way to get that extra energy out, resulting in a case of the zoomies.
The answer is simple: Because it works. This is an acquired behavior that you – probably without being aware – taught your cat: When I am hungry or want attention in the morning, I meow, and my owner gets up to feed me or give me attention. As with any acquired behavior, the sooner you change this pattern, the better.
Your cat may be waking you not because she's hungry but because she's bored. Encourage independent behavior and help her fill her time by providing a variety of mentally and physically fulfilling activities for her. Create outlets for species-specific behavior like climbing, scratching and hunting.
The same goes for other things: play at night and wait several minutes after your alarm goes off before giving her attention, even if she meows! Your cat needs to understand that she won't get anything by meowing. “Easier said than done,” you think. And yet, this isn't a secret: ignore your cat when she meows.
Why do so many cats perform this pre-dawn routine? Because nature hardwired them that way to survive. Cats are crepuscular hunters. That means they are innately motivated to hunt when their prey is most available—dawn and dusk.
If your cat sleeps on your bed, he may choose a position that lets him see out your bedroom door more easily. If he's curled up in a ball under your bed or in a quiet corner, then he may be hiding. Cats who sleep under the covers might love being close to you, or they might be hiding to feel safer.
Melatonin has a naturally calming effect, so it not only helps your cat get much-needed sleep, but it also helps them manage their stress levels.
Instead of letting your cat roam freely, you think about confining it in a room at night. But before doing this, you're wondering if confining a cat to a room at night is safe, and if so, what to consider. You can confine a cat to a room at night if the room is prepared to accommodate the feline's needs.
Because cats sleep much of the day in order to conserve energy (your feline friend can sleep anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day), when they're awake, they're really awake. After a long catnap, running from one end of the house to another is a way for your cat to reinvigorate their mind and body.
It's actually a natural behaviour that a lot of cats display, but it's more common in younger cats or indoor-only cats. While an occasional burst of 'frapping' is quite normal, if your cat is getting the zoomies on a daily basis then this could be a sign that they are under-stimulated and frustrated.
Your kitty may be lonely…
Another reason that your cat may be calling for your attention early in the morning is because they are craving social interaction. Cats are sometimes seen as loners, but they need to interact with other creatures just like anyone else does.
Kittens sleep in litters, so by sleeping with you your cat is showing affection and creating a deeper bond with you. In addition, cats are territorial. By sharing your bed, your feline bestie is saying “you're my person.” Knowing you're wanted and needed makes for a good night's sleep.
Cats are often thought of as being independent creatures who are happy in their own company. But your cat can get lonely. Interacting with the human they love helps to enrich their lives (and yours). If your cat sleeps with you this indicates that they enjoy your company and want to spend time with you.
If you catch your cat in the act of scratching an inappropriate object, you can try startling him by clapping your hands or squirting him with water. Use this procedure only as a last resort, because your cat may associate you with the startling event (clapping or squirting) and learn to fear you.
In a multi-human household, it seems that cats will choose one family member they want to spend more of their time with. According to a study done by the nutrition company, Canadae, they discovered that the person who makes the most effort is the favorite.
Your Cat Stares at You to Show Affection
Cats can use staring as a nonverbal way of communicating. Even though a long, unblinking stare may not be the best way for humans to show affection, when your fur baby does this, it may mean they're showing love to their favourite owner.