MSI Press Blog

  Following up on previous posts about the Animal Friends Shelter, we wish we could say good things are happening -- and donations do come in, that is good -- but the circumstances become more and more dire for this Gaza shelter, with one of the two shelter volunteers/staff/managers developing hepatitis (typical right now in Gaza but medical facilities are mostly blown up) and food markets and warehouses being blown up, too. Still, some food can be found; it is just becoming very, very expensive and the shelter dependent upon donations, for which they are very grateful. Praying that enough people will help for now and that complete relief will come soon. If you wish to donate directly to the shelter, it is also possible -- and safe. I have done it twice, and each time the funds were received right away. The link to donate is  PayPal.Me . The funds go directly to Sameer. If you are a cat lover, please do take the time to read the posts at the  Animal Friends Shelter  ...

 rjam Murjan in window at his new home. Why Cats Hate Moving: A Tale of Territorial Trauma When we decide to change homes, we humans focus on logistics: packing boxes, scheduling movers, and updating addresses. For our feline companions, however, relocation represents something far more traumatic—an existential crisis that shakes their very sense of security and self. Territory is Identity Cats are fundamentally territorial creatures. Unlike dogs, who attach primarily to people, cats form deep bonds with their physical space. The walls, furniture, smells, and hidden nooks of your home aren't just familiar comforts to your cat—they're extensions of their identity. This explains why our neighbor's three cats cried continuously for nearly three weeks after moving into their brand-new home. Despite having their same family, same furniture, and same feline companions, they experienced a profound sense of displacement. Their territorial maps—mental frameworks developed through mo...

  Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits. They spend a significant portion of their day licking themselves clean, using their rough tongues to remove dirt, loose fur, and even parasites. Given this built-in cleaning system, many pet owners wonder: Should I bathe my cat? The answer depends on several factors, including your cat’s lifestyle, health, and individual needs. When You Should Bathe Your Cat While most cats do an excellent job of keeping themselves clean, there are certain situations where a bath may be necessary: Medical Reasons – If your cat has a skin condition, your veterinarian may recommend medicated baths to help manage allergies, fungal infections, or parasites. Excessive Dirt or Grease – Outdoor cats or those who have gotten into something particularly sticky, greasy, or toxic may need a bath to remove harmful substances. Elderly or Obese Cats – As cats age or if they are overweight, they may struggle to groom themselves effectively, leading to matt...

  Cats don't specifically need air purifiers, but they can benefit from them in certain situations. Air purifiers can be helpful for cats in these scenarios: If your cat has respiratory issues like asthma or allergies If you live in an area with poor air quality or high pollution If there's a smoker in the household If your home tends to accumulate dust, pet dander, or other airborne particles Cats have sensitive respiratory systems and can be affected by airborne irritants. An air purifier with a HEPA filter can remove pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and other allergens that might bother both you and your cat. That said, air purifiers are not a necessity for most healthy cats in clean environments. Good ventilation, regular cleaning, and proper litter box maintenance will address many air quality issues without requiring a specialized purifier. If your cat is showing respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or labored breathing, it's best to consult with a v...