Is it normal for kittens to have random bursts of energy?

Yes, this is extremely common and usually called the zoomies. Kittens and young cats naturally have more energy than older cats, and short, frantic bursts of running or pouncing are a normal part of that, especially in the evening.

Can an older cat suddenly becoming hyperactive be a health problem?

It can be. A sudden change in an older cat, particularly alongside weight loss, increased appetite or thirst, or more vocalising, is a pattern sometimes linked to thyroid problems in older cats. It is worth having this checked by a vet rather than assuming it is just a personality change.

How can I calm down a hyperactive cat at night?

Regular play sessions earlier in the evening can help use up pent-up energy before your cat's natural activity peak. A consistent routine, enough enrichment during the day, and a final play session before bed all help many cats settle better overnight.

When should I take my hyper cat to the vet?

See a vet if hyperactivity appears suddenly in an older cat, comes with weight loss, increased thirst, changes in appetite, or vocalising that is new for your cat, or if the behaviour seems more like confusion or aggression than simple energy. A vet can rule out or identify a medical cause.

Why is my cat hyper?

A cat suddenly tearing around the house, pouncing on nothing, or racing about late at night is usually just being a cat, particularly if they are young. It becomes worth paying closer attention when a sudden change in energy shows up in an older cat, or comes with other changes like weight loss or a shift in appetite, because those combinations can point to something that needs a vet's attention rather than a personality trait.

Usually not urgent

This is common and often manageable at home — but see a vet if it persists, gets worse, or comes with other changes.

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What normal 'hyper' behaviour usually looks like

Short bursts of frantic activity, often called the zoomies, are extremely common in kittens and younger cats, usually triggered by pent-up energy, especially in the evening or early morning when many cats are naturally more active. Pouncing on toys, running laps around a room, and sudden play-fighting with another pet are all part of normal feline behaviour rather than anything to worry about.

Cats are also naturally more active around dawn and dusk, which is when many owners notice bursts of energy that can look excessive if you are used to a calmer daytime pace. This pattern on its own, especially in a cat under a few years old, is rarely a cause for concern.

Common, harmless causes

Boredom and under-stimulation are among the most common reasons an indoor cat, in particular, seems restless or hyperactive. A cat without enough to climb, scratch, chase or investigate during the day will often store up that energy and release it in short, intense bursts, especially once the household settles down for the evening.

A change in routine, a new pet or person in the house, or simply an especially playful personality can all show up as a cat that seems more hyperactive than usual, without any of it pointing to a health problem. Age matters here too — kittens and cats under about two years old are naturally more energetic than most older cats.

When hyperactivity is a red flag

A sudden increase in activity or restlessness in a middle-aged or older cat is worth taking more seriously than the same behaviour in a kitten, particularly if it comes alongside weight loss despite eating more than usual, increased thirst, vocalising more, especially at night, or a coat that looks less well kept than before. This combination is a recognised pattern in some medical conditions affecting older cats, most commonly linked to the thyroid.

Sudden aggression, disorientation, or restlessness that seems to come with confusion rather than simple energy is also worth flagging to a vet, since these can point to a different underlying cause than straightforward hyperactivity. None of this means something is definitely wrong, but it is a pattern worth having checked rather than dismissed as personality.

Pain can also show up as restlessness rather than the more obvious signs people expect, particularly in cats, who are naturally good at hiding discomfort. A cat pacing, unable to settle, or reacting oddly when touched in a particular spot may be uncomfortable rather than simply overexcited, which is another reason not to assume every change in activity has a behavioural explanation.

What actually helps at home

For a young, healthy cat with normal energy to burn, regular play sessions, especially in the early evening before a natural activity peak, can take the edge off restless behaviour later at night. Climbing space, scratching posts and rotating toys to keep things interesting all help an indoor cat use up energy in a way that suits both the cat and the household.

Puzzle feeders and slower ways of delivering food can also give a bored cat something to work for rather than an instant meal, which helps fill time that might otherwise turn into restless activity. None of this replaces a vet visit if the pattern described above applies to your cat, but for a normally energetic cat it is a genuinely useful place to start.

A scratching post or cat tree that lets a cat climb and survey a room also does a lot of quiet work here, giving an indoor cat a way to express normal behaviours it would otherwise have no outlet for. Combined with a predictable daily routine, most young, healthy cats settle into calmer evenings without needing anything more than a bit more structured stimulation during the day.

What can help

Things we stock that owners commonly use alongside a vet’s advice — not a substitute for it.

Scratch-Resistant Stretch Sofa Cushion Cover

A stretchy jacquard-knit cover that hugs individual sofa cushions to protect them from cat claws and fur. The non-slip, all-season fabric fits most seats and is machine washable for easy care. Sold per cushion size.

From£12.99

Scratch-Resistant Jacquard Sofa Throw

A woven bohemian-pattern sofa throw that drapes over your settee to shield it from cat claws, fur and everyday wear. Tasselled edges and a tightly knit jacquard weave add a decorative, cosy finish. Machine washable.

From£23.99

Palm Tree Cat Tree With Sisal Post And Bowl Bed

A playful palm-tree cat tree with a sisal scratching trunk, dangling teaser pompoms and a clear space-capsule bowl bed below. Compact at around 44cm wide, it gives cats a spot to scratch, perch and snooze.

From£7.99

Natural Sisal Rope for Cat Scratchers

A coil of strong natural sisal rope for re-wrapping cat scratching posts and DIY scratcher repairs.

From£11.99

Common questions

Is it normal for kittens to have random bursts of energy?: Yes, this is extremely common and usually called the zoomies. Kittens and young cats naturally have more energy than older cats, and short, frantic bursts of running or pouncing are a normal part of that, especially in the evening.
Can an older cat suddenly becoming hyperactive be a health problem?: It can be. A sudden change in an older cat, particularly alongside weight loss, increased appetite or thirst, or more vocalising, is a pattern sometimes linked to thyroid problems in older cats. It is worth having this checked by a vet rather than assuming it is just a personality change.
How can I calm down a hyperactive cat at night?: Regular play sessions earlier in the evening can help use up pent-up energy before your cat's natural activity peak. A consistent routine, enough enrichment during the day, and a final play session before bed all help many cats settle better overnight.
When should I take my hyper cat to the vet?: See a vet if hyperactivity appears suddenly in an older cat, comes with weight loss, increased thirst, changes in appetite, or vocalising that is new for your cat, or if the behaviour seems more like confusion or aggression than simple energy. A vet can rule out or identify a medical cause.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.