Most dog owners have witnessed the sudden burst of energy known as the “zoomies,” when a pup dashes wildly around the room or yard for no clear reason.
What might surprise you is that this playful behaviour isn’t unique to dogs. Many other animals, from household pets to wild species, display similar spurts of joyful running and jumping.
These outbursts are often linked to excitement, stress relief, or just pure fun, showing that the urge to run free is something many creatures share.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Animal behaviour can vary by species and individual, and not every animal will display zoomies in the same way.
1. Cats
Felines are notorious for their midnight racing sessions. After using the litter box, many cats experience a rush of excitement, darting wildly around furniture and up walls. This behavior, sometimes called ‘post-potty zoomies,’ helps cats celebrate feeling lighter and cleaner.
Indoor cats particularly need these energy releases to compensate for limited hunting opportunities. Their zoomies often involve pouncing, sideways hopping, and back arching, all movements that mimic natural hunting behaviors.
2. Ferrets
These playful mustelids perform what owners affectionately call the ‘weasel war dance’, a bouncing, hopping frenzy that often includes excited chirping sounds. Unlike most animals, ferrets can zoom several times daily due to their naturally high energy levels.
Ferrets typically zoom in short, intense bursts, stopping suddenly before starting again. Their flexible spine allows them to perform characteristic backward hops and sideways skips during these episodes. These zoomie sessions are essential for their mental stimulation.
3. Rabbits
Rabbit zoomies, called ‘binkies,’ showcase pure happiness through impressive acrobatics. A zooming bunny will suddenly leap into the air, twisting its body and flicking its feet before landing. These joyful displays often occur during playtime or when rabbits feel particularly safe and content.
Young rabbits perform more frequent binkies than adults. The height and complexity of these jumps can be remarkable, some bunnies leap nearly a meter high! Regular binkies indicate excellent health and proper environmental enrichment.
4. Guinea Pigs
These small rodents display their version of zoomies through rapid-fire movements called ‘popcorning.’ Young guinea pigs suddenly jump straight up, twist in mid-air, and land before immediately repeating the action. The sight resembles popcorn kernels popping, hence the name.
Guinea pig zoomies often spread contagiously through groups. When one starts popcorning, others frequently join in the excitement. These energetic displays happen most commonly during morning or evening hours when guinea pigs naturally experience activity spikes.
5. Horses
When horses get the zoomies, they transform into majestic powerhouses of energy. After being released into an open field, many horses will buck, gallop, and playfully kick up their heels. These ‘frisking’ sessions help horses stretch muscles after confinement in stalls.
Horse zoomies often include rolling on the ground before the running begins. Weather changes frequently trigger these episodes, with cool autumn mornings or the first snowfall being prime zoomie catalysts. Young horses and ponies display this behavior more frequently than older equines.
6. Elephants
Even massive creatures like elephants experience zoomie moments. Baby elephants are particularly prone to sudden bursts of playful running, often accompanied by flapping ears and raised trunks. These adorable displays serve as important physical exercise and social development.
Elephant calves sometimes zoom after rainfall, splashing through puddles with evident joy. Adult elephants occasionally join these sessions, especially females bonding with their young. Researchers believe these playful moments strengthen family connections while helping young elephants build coordination.
7. Goats
The internet has made goat zoomies famous through countless viral videos. Kid goats perform spectacular aerial maneuvers, bouncing off objects, other goats, or even humans during their energy bursts. Their unique stiff-legged jumps, called ‘stotting,’ showcase remarkable athletic ability.
Goat zoomies typically happen in groups, creating chaotic but entertaining scenes. The behavior starts in early life and continues into adulthood, though with decreasing frequency. Mountain goat species display particularly impressive versions, using their natural climbing abilities to perform vertical zoomies up rocky surfaces.
8. Penguins
Antarctic researchers regularly observe penguin zoomies, especially during breeding season. These normally dignified birds suddenly engage in ‘porpoising’, rapid swimming and leaping through water followed by excited waddling on ice. The behavior serves both practical and emotional purposes.
Penguin zoomies often occur after successful hunting trips. The quick movements help redistribute blood flow after long, cold swims. Adelie penguins are particularly known for their enthusiastic zoomies, sometimes sliding on their bellies across ice patches before popping up and repeating the process.
9. Squirrels
The quintessential backyard zoomie performers, squirrels take energy bursts to new heights. Their spiral racing around tree trunks and lightning-fast direction changes demonstrate remarkable agility. These sessions often include impressive aerial jumps between branches that would make Olympic athletes jealous.
Squirrel zoomies serve as practice for predator evasion. The unpredictable patterns help develop escape strategies while building muscle memory. Fall brings increased zoomie frequency as squirrels prepare for winter by caching food, their excitement seemingly tied to successful foraging.
10. Cows
Few sights are more surprising than seeing a half-ton bovine suddenly kicking up its heels in joy. When released into fresh pasture after winter confinement, cows often break into unmistakable zoomies, bucking, running in circles, and even performing playful head tosses.
Dairy farmers call this spring behavior ‘frisking.’ Young calves zoom more frequently than adults, but even older cows display remarkable agility during these moments. The behavior appears strongly linked to positive environmental changes, particularly access to new grazing areas.
11. Otters
Masters of playful behavior, otters incorporate zoomies into their daily routine. Their version typically involves frantic running along riverbanks followed by sliding entries into water. This pattern repeats with increasing excitement, often accompanied by chirping vocalizations.
River otters create specific ‘zoom slides’, muddy paths they use repeatedly during these episodes. The behavior strengthens social bonds while practicing hunting skills. Sea otters display similar patterns but primarily in water, creating characteristic swirling patterns visible from shore.
12. Foxes
Fox zoomies combine elements of both dog and cat behavior into uniquely beautiful displays. These canids perform elaborate pouncing sequences, particularly in snow, where they dive headfirst to catch prey beneath the surface. When purely playful, fox zoomies include impressive vertical jumps and mid-air twists.
Urban foxes often zoom through gardens at dawn or dusk. The behavior helps maintain hunting skills while burning excess energy. Young fox kits engage in extended zoomie sessions that serve as crucial practice for adult hunting techniques.
13. Hamsters
Despite their tiny size, hamsters display impressively energetic zoomies within their limited spaces. Wheel running often transitions into frantic laps around cage perimeters, sometimes accompanied by popcorn-like jumps similar to guinea pigs. These episodes typically occur during evening hours when hamsters naturally become active.
Hamster zoomies intensify with proper enrichment. Fresh bedding or new toys often trigger immediate zooming sessions. Syrian hamsters perform particularly enthusiastic zoomies compared to dwarf varieties, using their slightly larger size for more dramatic running patterns.
