Why do cats suddenly get hyper and run around like 'crazy'?

Thousands of us love Simon’s Cat videos – they’re funny but it’s more than that: many cat owners can relate to the frolics and everyday situations that the videos show.

But have you ever wondered why Simon’s Cat acts the way it does – and why your own cat may do some of those ‘funny’ things too?

Simon’s Cat is releasing a new series of videos called Simon’s Cat Logic in which Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager Nicky Trevorrow explains why cats behave in the way Simon’s Cat does. In the first video, Nicky is discussing is 'Crazy time', which shows a frenzied feline having a moment of madness.

Why do cats have a ‘crazy’ five minutes?

The domestic cat shares common ancestry with the African wildcat which has a number of hunting episodes a day, whereas our pet cats have a more sedate lifestyle so need to burn off excess energy.

The hunting instinct is often triggered by movement, so toys that move such as fishing rod toys with feathers are a useful way to provide pet cats with this outlet – and it’s great fun for you too!

Try playing short games of a minute or two throughout the day to mimic your cat’s natural hunting activity. Cats are crepuscular which means that they are most active during dawn and dusk (when prey is also most active) so cats naturally feel wide awake and ready to start the day in the early hours. It can be useful to have extra play sessions during these times to use up their extra energy.

Always let your cat catch and 'kill' the toy to avoid frustration and store toys safely out of reach after use.

Feline fact: Hunting behaviour is not influenced by hunger, which is why a cat will hunt even after eating. Each part of the hunting activity – the stalk, pounce, play and kill – releases feel-good hormones called endorphins.

You can find out more about why a cat may wake and disturb you through the night by reading our night time waking behaviour focus blog post.

Does your cat have a ‘crazy’ time too? Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #SimonsCatLogic.