Most cat owners have experienced what is colloquially known as "zoomies." There are different types of zoomies, ranging from post-litter box "victory laps" to late-night hallway rodeos. 

If you're a cat owner, you've probably experienced these late-night cardio sessions at least once or twice, and maybe even nightly! 

But as with all things feline, there is surprisingly a method to their madness - when it comes to these late-night zoomies, it all comes down to instinct! Here is why cats go crazy right when you're going to bed! 

 They're In Hunting Mode

Cats are naturally crepuscular, meaning that they are most active at dawn and dusk; for a cat in the wild, this is the ideal time to stalk and hunt their prey. But just because your humble house cat isn't in the wild doesn't mean they don't have the same powerful instincts! 

Our modern-day domestic cats are descended from wild desert cats, who would tend to sleep during the hottest parts of the day to help conserve energy. By hunting at night, these feline ancestors were avoiding exerting excess energy under the broiling desert sun. When your cat bolts down the halls instead of getting ready for bed, they're listening to their own instinctual internal clock, hearkening back to their wild ancestors! 

They're Bored 

Cats that get the zoomies late at night might be releasing all the pent-up energy that hasn't been spent hunting or playing throughout the day. Cats are predators at heart that rely on the act of hunting (or play hunting) to stimulate their mental instincts and desires. 

If your adult cat frequently gets the zoomies, it could mean that they need some more interactive playtime with you. 

When you get home from work or a few hours before bedtime, try taking 15 minutes to play with your kitty. Try a few toys to see what type they like best. Do they prefer a wand or teaser toy? Or are they more of a laser pointer fanatic?

Ideally, you'll want to find a toy that is fun for both you and your cat. The Mouse Hunt Cat Toy is an interactive toy you can control from your phone while your cat does all the work. It's a fun, enriching way to play with your cat after a long day at work.

They're Actually Hunting

Lots of prey animals are nocturnal - like mice and insects. Your cat might be reacting to prey animals they can hear or sense that you can't. Did you know that a cat's sense of hearing is five times stronger than your own? Their sensitive ears allow cats to distinguish how big or small a prey animal is and detect a wider range of species, predator and prey alike.