Ask a cat is an advice column featured in the Alaska Landmine. Have a question for the Cat? Email askacat@alaskalandmine.com or click here to submit via a form (anonymous) to get the answers to any of life’s problems.

Dear Cat,

I have a real spending habit. I make a decent amount of money but boooy do I love to spend it. I don’t have kids, and I’m definitely still putting some money from each paycheck in my retirement account, but I seriously don’t ever seem to stop myself from “adding to cart” every time I get a little bored, sad, happy, excited…

yeah pretty much any emotion I celebrate with a present for myself. I don’t really know how to stop this habit before it gets too out of hand, what do you think?

Dear Human,

Cat isn’t so sure this is a full-blown problem. You seem to be the type of purrson that can afford a treat or two. You make no mention of not being able to pay your bills on time and you’re even saving for retirement. Because you do seem concerned that it may get out of hand, I will do my best to advise. You already mention that gifting yourself is your way of acknowledging just about every emotion. Cat suggests that you start small to adjust your habits. Your first step is to simply identify your emotions. This does not need to be a big display or an epic journal entry. Just take note of what you’re feeling the next time you slide an item into your real (or virtual) shopping cart. Choose one emotion ahead of time and eliminate a purchase as your response.

The key is to plan ahead. Next time you feel angry because your boss is a jerk or the traffic is terrible, have an alternate activity on deck. Watch a funny YouTube video, go check in with your favorite coworker, or call your favorite cousin. Making a new habit easily accessible is the secret to making it stick. In the absence of a truly budgeting-crushing/daily-life-affecting spending habit, starting small and not making sweeping changes to how you cope will be the most effective way to see a long-term shift in your habits.

Dear Cat,

My little Siamese cat has developed a habit over the last week. Every morning around 3 am she creeps up next to me in bed and meow-screams bloody murder! At first I thought she was sick, but I don’t see any evidence that she isn’t feeling well, and after I drag my ass out of bed and pet her/pay attention to her, she goes back to sleep. I don’t fall asleep or stay asleep easy so this is getting really old really fast. What’s up with my cat?

Dear Human,

Let’s troubleshoot your feline friend’s nighttime serenades. Starting with the most basic and obvious possibilities. Has there been a recent change? This could be a new brand of litter, food, houseguests, etc. Cats tend to like routine, so any upset of that manner could account for the 3 am wakeups. Another possibility is the shift in seasons. Some cats get a little stir-crazy when the midnight sun never seems to set and there are new birds to be watched and squirrels to be investigated.

I will admit that, more often than not, us cats require no particular reason to sing you the song of our people at 3 am. You may have accidentally started to develop a new routine with your furry roommate. While I don’t necessarily advocate the “meow it out” method, if your cat is healthy, well fed, and has a clean litter box, you may not want to haul out of bed and make a fuss. Your cat is likely just looking for reassurance that you are nearby and available. Cat suspects that if you stop reinforcing 3 am playtime, your friend will lose interest and you’ll get more sleep.

Dear Cat,

The homeless population is worse than the entitled hooligans that use Campbell Lake. I feel like everywhere I look our community has been turned into a dirty campground. What does the esteemed Cat think we should do about the homelessness problem in Anchorage?

Dear Human,

This esteemed Cat wonders what YOU think we should do about the homelessness problem? Cat suspects your suggestions would lack kindness and class. Cat is very aware that a complicated problem will not be solved with a simple answer. People experience homelessness for a myriad of reasons. As Cat is not (yet) on the payroll of the local government, Cat will not be able to make any concrete suggestions. I recommend you examine your own motivations for asking and inquire within: Are you doing anything to support your fellow humans? Resources are lacking. You can always contribute warm clothes, nonperishable goods to a local food bank, or monetary donations to our local charities that provide outreach to this population. If nothing else, Cat hears that Campbell Lake has public access for those looking for a place to crash.

Cat Chat:

While we all have purrsonal responsibility for our actions, sometimes circumstance is out of our paws.  Practice gratitude for the luxury of catnip and the fortune of having a home of one’s own. Be generous and kind to your fellow human (and cat.)🐾