If you've ever seen your cat go from zero to 60 in just a few seconds — from catnapping to making a wild dash across the floor — they probably had a case of the cat zoomies. But what are cat zoomies and why does your usually chill cat get these sudden bursts of energy?

Why Cats Get the Zoomies

While it's pretty easy to tell if your cat has a case of the zoomies, the reason behind them can be more mysterious. What are cat zoomies' causes? Here are three of the most common explanations.

1. Sleep Habits

Cats often get the zoomies after a long snooze. 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.

2. Hunting Instinct

Despite getting all the food they need from their pet parents, cats are innate hunters and have a predatory instinct. Sometimes it may seem as if your cat is chasing nothing, when, more than likely, they're pursuing imaginary prey. To get a sense of your kitty's expert hunting skills, toss a few pieces of kibble down the hallway and see how quickly they bound after it.

3. Bathroom Issues

Many cats seem to take a victory lap after using the litter box. Some cats run like crazy after they've had a bowel movement, particularly if it was uncomfortable. "Such discomfort could be caused by infections or inflammatory processes involving the urinary tract, colon or rectum," explains Dr. Mike Paul for the Pet Health Network. "It could even be caused by constipation issues." If your veterinarian rules out medical reasons for the post-bathroom sprinting, you can conclude that it's probably just your cat's way of celebrating a job well done.