When you think of animals getting the “zoomies,” dogs probably come to mind first. Those spontaneous bursts of energy are often entertaining and contagious, making even the most stoic pet owner crack a smile. But dogs aren’t the only creatures to experience this playful frenzy. Many animals, from household pets to wild creatures, display similar behavior, reminding us of the universal joy found in sudden, exuberant movement. Here’s a list of 13 animals that also get the zoomies, showing you that a little unbridled enthusiasm is more common in the animal kingdom than you might think.
1. Rabbits
Rabbits are more than just cute, fluffy creatures; they also have a vibrant playful side that often manifests in zoomies. Known as “binkying,” it’s when a rabbit jumps into the air, twists its body, and kicks its feet. This behavior is usually a sign of happiness and excitement, demonstrating that your bunny feels comfortable and content in its environment. If you see your rabbit doing zoomies, it’s a positive sign that you’re meeting its physical and emotional needs. Providing ample space for your rabbit to roam and play will encourage more of these joyful displays.
Rabbits are social animals that thrive on interaction, both with people and other bunnies. Spend time playing with your rabbit outside its cage to help it expend energy and bond with you. Toys, tunnels, and hideaways can make your rabbit’s area more fun and engaging. This will not only enhance their quality of life but also reduce unwanted behaviors born out of boredom. Understanding their need for space and stimulation can make living with a rabbit a more rewarding experience for both of you.
2. Cats
Sure, they might seem aloof most of the time, but cats can surprise you with their sudden energetic outbursts. Known as the “midnight crazies,” these episodes often occur when you least expect them—like when you’re trying to sleep. According to Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist, these zoomies are a way for cats to burn off pent-up energy, especially if they’ve been lounging around all day. People may find their feline friends dashing across the room, leaping onto furniture, and generally acting a bit wild. If you notice it happening often, consider increasing your cat’s physical activity during the day.
If your cat’s zoomies are more frequent or intense than you’d like, it might be time to evaluate their environment. Cats, like dogs, need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Interactive toys, climbing trees, and puzzle feeders can help engage their minds and tire them out during the day. Understanding that this behavior is normal can help you be more patient and find ways to channel their energy positively. Ultimately, these bursts of speed are just another side of your cat’s multifaceted personality.
3. Ferrets
Ferrets are known for their boundless energy and mischievous nature, often leading to zoomie-like behavior. When ferrets get the zoomies, they perform what’s called the “weasel war dance,” a series of hops, twists, and often a bit of head bobbing. According to The Spruce Pets, this dance is an invitation to play and is typically accompanied by joyful, chattering noises. If you notice your ferret doing this, it’s a good time to engage with them using toys or a bit of gentle roughhousing. Like many creatures, ferrets benefit from an enriched environment to help expend their abundant energy.
Incorporating tunnels, toys, and supervised exploration time outside their cage can help keep ferrets healthy and happy. They have a curious nature, and their zoomies are often an expression of their excitement and intrigue. Encouraging this behavior can help prevent them from becoming bored or destructive. As with any pet, understanding their natural behaviors and needs will make for a more harmonious relationship. Remember, a worn-out ferret is a happy ferret.
4. Horses
Horses might seem like majestic, composed creatures, but they too experience moments of spontaneous energy. Often, these zoomies manifest as a joyful gallop or run, typically triggered by changes in weather or being let out into a new pasture. Watching a horse kick up its heels and dash around is a sight of pure joy and freedom. This behavior is often seen in young foals but isn’t exclusive to them; adult horses also enjoy a good romp. Keeping your horse engaged with regular exercise and social interaction can help satisfy their instinctual need for movement.
Horses are herd animals and naturally enjoy the company of others, whether they are other horses or attentive humans. Social play is a significant part of a horse’s wellbeing, and being able to run freely contributes to their physical health. When horses are confined for too long, they might become restless or develop unhealthy habits known as “stable vices.” Ensuring they have enough space and opportunity to express their natural behaviors is crucial. This approach not only enhances their quality of life but also strengthens the bond you share with them.
5. Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs may be small, but they have big personalities and sometimes even bigger bursts of energy. Known as “popcorning,” this behavior involves spontaneous leaps into the air and dashing around the cage. According to PetMD, popcorning typically indicates a happy guinea pig, often seen when they are excited about a treat or a clean cage. Providing a spacious and stimulating environment is key to encouraging these joyful outbursts. If you see your guinea pig popcorning, it’s a sign that you’re doing things right.
Ensuring they have enough space and enrichment can help bring out your guinea pig’s playful side. They thrive in environments where they can explore, chew, and climb, so consider adding tunnels and platforms to their habitat. Regularly interacting with your guinea pig through gentle play can also encourage more of these delightful antics. Understanding their social nature and providing companionship, whether from people or other guinea pigs, is also crucial. A lively habitat and regular engagement can lead to a happier, healthier guinea pig.
6. Goats
Goats are known for being lively and curious, often displaying zoomie-like behavior as part of their play. Watching goats leap and frolic around a pen is a delightful sight, showcasing their nimble and energetic nature. These bursts of energy are not just for fun; they are also a form of social interaction among goats and a way to explore their environment. Offering a varied and engaging habitat with things to climb and jump on can encourage this natural behavior. When goats have the freedom to express their playful side, they tend to be healthier and more content.
Providing opportunities for exercise and play is essential for maintaining a goat’s physical and mental well-being. They are social creatures, and having companions can enhance their quality of life significantly. Goats enjoy interacting with people, too, so spending time playing or simply being around them can be beneficial. Understanding their need for interaction and stimulation can help prevent boredom and stress-related behaviors. A playful goat is often a happy goat, and their antics can bring joy to anyone watching.
7. Squirrels
You might not immediately think of squirrels as getting the zoomies, but those quick, darting movements fit the bill. Typically seen during play or when they’re feeling frisky, squirrels will dash in erratic patterns, climb trees with lightning speed, and leap from branch to branch. According to a study in the Journal of Mammalogy, these frantic behaviors can be part of their exercise routine and a method for developing their coordination skills. Observing squirrels in the park or your backyard can provide insight into how they use this energetic behavior to navigate their environment. While wild squirrels are naturally more elusive, their zoomies are a spectacle of agility and speed.
In urban settings, squirrels have adapted remarkably well, using their zoomies to dart around obstacles and avoid potential threats. Their nimble movements aren’t just for show; they also help them escape predators and find food. Watching a squirrel’s antics can be both amusing and fascinating, revealing a side of nature that thrives even in city life. While they don’t interact with people in the same way pets do, their presence in our daily lives is a reminder of the vibrant wildlife around us. Squirrel zoomies are a testament to their adaptability and resilience.
8. Cows
Cows might not be the first animals you think of when it comes to zoomies, but they are surprisingly playful. When given the opportunity, young calves especially will kick up their heels and run around the pasture. This behavior is often a sign of joy and a way for them to stretch their legs and explore. Providing an environment where cows have the space to move freely is essential for their well-being. A happy cow is more likely to be healthy, making it crucial for farmers to encourage these natural behaviors.
Interacting with other cows and having room to roam are important aspects of a cow’s life. Social bonds are strong within a herd, and play is a significant way for them to communicate and establish relationships. While adult cows tend to be more reserved, young ones exhibit a carefree exuberance that can be contagious. Understanding the importance of this playtime is crucial for those who care for them. Happy cows not only produce more milk but also contribute to a more vibrant and dynamic farm environment.
9. Elephants
Elephants are known for their intelligence and strong family bonds, but they also have a playful side. Young elephants, in particular, can often be seen running, trumpeting, and playfully chasing each other. This behavior is not only fun but also helps them develop crucial social and physical skills. Providing a stimulating environment with waterholes for play and dust for wallowing can enhance their quality of life. These joyful moments are essential for young elephants to learn social structures and build relationships within the herd.
Watching elephants play is an awe-inspiring sight, showcasing their complex emotions and social interactions. Their zoomies often involve splashing in water, play-fighting, or simply running around in circles. These activities are crucial for their development and also serve to strengthen bonds within the group. Ensuring they have ample space and opportunities for such interactions is vital for their overall happiness and health. The playful nature of elephants is a testament to their intelligence and social complexity, drawing admiration from those lucky enough to observe them in the wild.
10. Otters
Otters are naturally playful animals, often seen frolicking in the water and on land. Their zoomie-like behavior is part of their daily routine, engaging in activities like sliding down muddy banks or chasing each other. This playfulness is not only entertaining to watch but is also essential for their social bonding and physical fitness. In the wild, otters use these playful sessions to develop hunting skills and strengthen family bonds. Providing environments that allow for such activities is crucial for their well-being, whether in the wild or in captivity.
Otters are social animals, often living in family groups where play is a significant part of their interaction. Whether they’re diving for fish or simply having fun, these moments are vital for their mental and physical health. Their playful nature makes them favorites in zoos and aquariums, where they continue to captivate visitors with their antics. Creating opportunities for play and exploration should be a priority for those caring for otters. Their zoomies are not just for fun but are integral to their overall health and happiness.
11. Dolphins
Dolphins are well-known for their intelligence and playful behavior, often displaying zoomies in the form of fast, acrobatic swimming. These energetic bursts are typically seen when dolphins are in groups, showcasing their social nature. Such interactions are crucial for developing communication skills and strengthening social bonds. Whether in the wild or in captivity, dolphins require space and stimulation to express these natural behaviors. Observing their zoomies is not only a delight but also an insight into their complex social structures and intelligence.
Their playful nature is evident in their interactions with humans and other marine life. Dolphins often engage in games, such as surfing waves and leaping into the air, which are not only fun but also serve as essential exercises. These activities help improve their coordination and physical condition, ensuring they remain agile and healthy. For those responsible for their care, providing an enriched environment with opportunities for social interaction and play is critical. Dolphins’ zoomies are a reminder of their lively spirit and the joy they bring to those fortunate enough to witness them.
12. Rats
Rats may not be the first animals that come to mind when thinking of zoomies, but these small rodents are surprisingly playful. In the right environment, rats will engage in spontaneous dashes and playful wrestling, showcasing their energetic side. Providing an enriching habitat with plenty of toys, tunnels, and platforms can encourage these behaviors. Rats are social creatures and thrive on interaction, both with their human caretakers and other rats. When they get the zoomies, it’s a sign of a happy and healthy pet.
Rats’ playful behavior is not just for entertainment; it is crucial for their mental and physical well-being. Engaging with your rats through play and training can help strengthen your bond and provide much-needed stimulation. A lively environment encourages exploration and activity, reducing the risk of obesity and boredom-related behaviors. Understanding their need for interaction and exercise can help ensure a more fulfilling life for your pet rats. Watching them display their zoomies is a rewarding experience, reflecting their intelligence and zest for life.
13. Chickens
Chickens might seem like unlikely candidates for zoomies, but these birds can surprise you with their playful bursts of energy. Sometimes, when they’re let out into a new area or are just feeling particularly frisky, they’ll run, flap their wings, and dart around excitedly. Providing a safe space for these antics is essential for their overall well-being. Watching chickens engage in such behavior can be both amusing and insightful, revealing a side of them that’s not just about pecking and laying eggs. A playful chicken is a healthy chicken, benefiting from the exercise and stimulation.
Beyond just physical health, these playful moments are also a sign of a chicken feeling secure and content. Chickens are social animals, so their zoomies often involve dashing around with fellow flock members. Ensuring they have ample space and opportunities for interaction is key to maintaining a happy coop. These energetic displays contribute to a more dynamic and engaging environment for the entire flock. Providing for their needs and observing their playful side can enhance the experience of keeping chickens.