Decode Your Cat’s Behavior

via weheartit.com

Why do cats cry early in the morning (or all the time), roll like dogs on their backs, or ignore their litter boxes? Take a look at a few funny and frustrating cat antics and learn more about your cat’s personality.

Why do cats act like alarm clocks?
Crying in the morning can be traced to two things, the season, and well, you. Cat’s circadian rhythms adjust just as ours do. When summer approaches and the birds are up earlier, so is your cat, wanting to do exactly what predatory creatures are made to do: hunt. Not all pet owners will be okay with releasing their little lion into the great outdoors, so if your indoor cat is inappropriately waking you for food, you need to take action. Feeding your cat when he cries reinforces the crying, while waiting for the crying to end, or not instantly responding to the behavior with food, teaches your cat there will be no reward for early-morning wake-ups. Figure out when breakfast will be and stick to your schedule.

Why do cats roll on the floor?
Does the strange drop-and-roll move your cat performs puzzle you? Cat owners see this rolling all the time but many don’t know why it happens or what it means. About.com suggests looking to the time and location of the rolling for clues, adding that it’s a definite look-at-me maneuver designed to grab your attention. Does it happen when you’re doing computer work? As you lace up your sneakers before leaving the house? No matter where or when it happens, if your response to your rolling kitty is affectionate cooing or a tap on the head, know that you’re providing exactly what he wants: attention. While dogs may roll for a belly rub, your cat’s reasons for rolling are, well, cat-like, meaning on his terms (read: rubbing your cat’s belly could leave you with a scratch or two!).

The eventual exorcism of Johnathan Alan

Tonight I feared we’d been stranded in the eye of a MAJOR tantrum. The inciting event was the exit from the truck — J. rolled up Johnny’s window before he F/S and insisted he do it. Screams, kicks, banging and a little pushing and thrashing quickly coursed before the weepies and wearies overtook his little 3-year-old body. Poor thing had no nap today… something that could have helped head off this mess of a Monday evening. I’m pretty tired too, so I’m putting a lot of effort into empathy tonight — and not making eye contact with him.

via timothybanks.com

On the bright side, all kids have tantrums — and for a multitude of reasons. Check out kidshealth.org and Dr. Sear’s Discipline & Behavior page for tips that may help you avoid the kind of night we had.