Why do cats run wild at home?

Cats running wild at home are usually trying to expend energy or chase prey. When the owner is not at home, there is no one to play with the cat, so it usually sleeps heavily. Once the owner returns, the cat may run wild everywhere to expend energy or attract attention. Additionally, cats are naturally curious about moving objects. When they discover bugs like mosquitoes, they will run wild to chase them. Pathological reasons such as parasite infections, rabies, and brain diseases may also cause sudden wild running in cats. If an abnormal state is noticed, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Expending energy

Usually, although cats sleep for 16 to 20 hours per day, they only spend 3 hours in deep sleep. If the owner needs to go out during the day and there is no one to play with the cat, it has to sleep at home. By the time the owner returns, the cat has already stored energy throughout the day. At this point, it may run wild at home to release itself.

If the cat runs around when the owner is home but shows no other abnormal symptoms, it's most likely because it has slept enough and has excessive energy, using wild running to expend its strength. The owner can use a cat toy to play with the cat for a while, enhancing the bond between them.

Chasing prey

Cats have sensitive senses and are particularly susceptible to moving objects. If they see something the owner hasn't noticed or is dangerous, such as insects or enemies, the instinct to chase prey awakens, and they will begin to run wild and chase it at home until they catch it.

Disease causes

A sudden wild run in a cat at home may also be due to fleas. When a cat is bitten by fleas, it suffers greatly and may scratch itself or run wild and scream, trying to shake off the fleas.

Another extremely dangerous situation is rabies. When a cat is infected with rabies, it may run wild in a startled manner, exhibit hydrophobia, attack people in dark places, and become extremely violent. If the owner discovers the cat attacking people, notify the local quarantine department promptly while ensuring their safety.

When a cat's brain is diseased and its nerves are damaged, it may also run wild uncontrollably. In this case, take the cat to a pet hospital for diagnosis and treatment.