Seven Weird Cat Behaviors Explained

(PET CARE) All animals do some pretty strange things, human animals included, but cats take the prize for bizarre antics. From elevator butts to head bonks to kneading your lap, find out what your pet cat’s odd behaviour means. — Global Animal
Paw Nation, Amy D. Shojai
We love our cats but don’t always understand their seemingly bizarre behaviours. Sure, some things our cats do are unique to them but other actions are shared by felines the world over. Here are seven weird cat behaviors, and what they mean.

Head bonks. The first three months I had my cat, her head turned pink from head-bonking my lipstick. Rubbing behavior, which includes the forehead, cheeks, and full-body slams, is called bunting, and it transfers the cat’s signature smell onto objects to mark territory. That means head bonks are kitty compliments declaring you to be so important, he’s marked you as his personal property.

Elevator butt. You’ve probably seen many cats perform an “elevator butt” pose with their front-end down and tail flagged high. In some instances, it is the equivalent of offering to shake hands as felines sniff each other’s anal areas to say howdy. When your cat jumps into your lap, turns around and raises its tail, he or she is offering you the not-so-pleasant invitation to scratch that hard-to-reach itchy spot at the base of the tail. Intact female cats also do the elevator butt posture to entice male cats to get romantic!

Phone frenzy. Many cats come running when owners talk on the phone and they pester and meow like they want in on the conversation. What gives? Your cat sees you talking and since there is no one else there, thinks that you must be talking to them. Also, without realizing it, you may be rewarding that behaviour by stroking the cat while you are sitting and talking on the phone, which encourages your kitty to come running next time the phone rings.

Flipping. Why do cats throw themselves onto the ground at your feet and flip back and forth? Sure, sometimes it is because a cat is under the influence of catnip but more often, rolling back and forth places a cat in a vulnerable position, and is a way for cats to request attention. If you you grant the kitty’s wish and fuss over it, your cat knows to do this again the next time he wants your love.

Covering poo. Owners take for granted that all cats naturally choose to cover potty deposits but this isn’t the case. Some cats — especially unowned roaming felines — may not cover at all as uncovered feces can announce who owns the territory. Some indoor cats also want their potty graffiti seen and admired by the other cats or humans. Though is mom-cat is fastidious about covering her mess, her kittens will copy-cat the behaviour.

Kneading. There are many names for this common rhythmic paw-pushing kitty behaviour — treading, making bread, even “pawtycake.” But one thing is clear, the behavior takes hold when felines are very young, as kittens knead against mom-cat’s breasts to stimulate milk flow. When adult cats knead, it generally reflects deep contentment and safety, and yes — love. Cats typically target soft objects such as fuzzy blankets, pillows, or a beloved owner’s lap.

Privacy issues. Why do some cats immediately seek out their humans the minute they head into the bathroom? First, a closed door is a challenge and an affront to a curious cat which is one reason why you’ll see furry paws reaching under the door or cats racing to join their people in the bathroom. More importantly, the bathroom gives cats a captive audience as people glued to the facilities aren’t able to move away.
http://www.pawnation.com/2011/04/13/7-weird-cat-behaviors-and-what-they-mean/

Top 10 Paw Care Tips For Dogs

Your dog’s feet sure are made for walking, but did you know they are also made for protecting? Pads provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough ground and help protect tissue deep within the paw. With all that work to do, it’s no wonder your pooch’s paws often take a bit of a beating. Keep a spring in your pet’s step with our top 10 paw care tips:

Pamper With Pedicures: Your dog's nails should just about touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it's time for a pedicure. Ask your veterinarian or a groomer for advice about what types of nail trimmers are best for your dog and how to use them properly. 

Snip and Trim: Trim paw hair regularly to avoid painful matting. Simply comb hair out, especially from between the toes, and trim even with the pads. 

Clean In Between: Foreign objects can become lodged in your dog’s pads. Check regularly between toes for foxtails, pebbles, small bits of broken glass and other debris. These pesky items can usually be removed with a pair of tweezers. 

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: A dog’s pads can become cracked and dry. Ask your veterinarian for a good pad moisturizer and use as directed. Avoid human hand moisturizer, as this can soften the pads and lead to injury. 

Deep Paw Massage: Similar to giving a human hand massage, a paw massage will relax your dog and promote better circulation. Start by rubbing between the pads on the bottom of the paw, and then rub between each toe. Your dog will be forever grateful for the extra TLC! 

Slow and Steady: If you’re about to begin a new exercise program with your dog, start off slow. Paws may become sensitive, chaffed or cracked, particularly when starting your dog out on hikes and runs. 

Apply First Aid: It's not unusual for dogs to suffer cuts or other wounds from accidentally stepping on glass, debris or other objects. Wounds that are smaller than a half inch in diameter can be cleaned with an antibacterial wash and wrapped with a light bandage. For deeper paw cuts, see the vet for treatment. 

Summertime Sores: Imagine stepping barefoot onto hot pavement. Ouch! It is important to remember your dog’s paws feel heat extremes, too. To prevent burns and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand. Signs include blisters, loose flaps of skin and red, ulcerated patches. For minor burns, apply antibacterial wash and cover the paw with a loose bandage. For serious burns, visit your vet immediately. 

Wintertime Blues: Winter is hard on everyone’s skin, even your dog’s! Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking. Rock salt and chemical ice melters can cause sores, infection and blistering. Toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws. After outdoor walks, wash your dog’s paws in warm water to rinse away salt and chemicals. You may wish to apply Vaseline, a great salt barrier, to the foot pads before each walk—or make sure your dog wears doggie booties. 

Practice Prevention: To reduce the risk of injury, keep your home and yard clear of pointy bits and pieces. Be conscious to avoid hazards such as broken glass and other debris when walking your dog. And keep this simple tip in mind—if you wouldn’t like to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!
For more information: American Society for the Protection of Animals

Travel to London with your pet this Xmas?

Thinking of travelling to London with your darling pet? Now that would be a trip to organise! The right documents, the correct vaccinations, many would be discouraged by the logistics. But not you, 'cause you're smart, you ask us, and we guide you through the process; arrange a door to door service, including collection and airport delivery, flight and freight arrangement for both you and pet, meet and greet at the airport, verification of your pet's documents, we'll even find a pet friendly hotel. We take care of the details while you concentrate on the shopping.

Somerset House, The Strand, London

Contact us now for a tailor made solution for you and your pets this Christmas :-)

About Rex Express

About REX

With a transport industry growing at 200% per year, the animal world suffers from a lack of laws which have an effect on proper care during transit. Our philosophy and determination is improving on and adding to existing procedures. The core business of Rex Express is the transportation of animals and ensuring their transition is as smooth as possible.


Ethics in any business is a powerful subject for debate. REX entered the field of animal transport for specific reasons.

The animal world is intricately intertwined with the human species. Every action we take against nature has a reaction in the animal kingdom and every action the animal makes has a direct impact on our life.

Over the Pacific, an area hit by the "Global Warming" which changed the temperature by just 1 degree. That degree eradicated the plankton that certain types of fish feed on. No fish means no food or business for the local fisherman. These changes show how our lives can really benefit by learning how to protect the living creatures of this planet and thus ourselves.

To better understand is to be better informed. Collecting information is vital and we combine the data with our ever widening experience of transporting animals; noting and observing positive and negative effects during transit. This flexible approach allows us to adapt to the needs of each creature in our care.

REX develops this concept to constantly update our knowledge and experience in order to be in a better position to change attitudes. We follow regulations to the letter and work to create new regulations regarding care in transit and displacement effects which are our primary objectives.


What we do know is that it will be better for any animal to travel with us than in the cargo hold of any airline or trucking service whose core business is not animal transport.