MSI Press Blog

  There is a day on the calendar called Respect Your Cat Day , as if respect were something we might consider offering… once a year… if we remember. Your cat would like to clarify: respect is not seasonal. It is ongoing. Preferably immediate. And ideally delivered with snacks. Respect Is Not the Same as Affection Humans tend to equate love with touch. We scoop, cuddle, kiss, restrain, and call it bonding. Cats have a different definition. Respect, in cat terms, means: Not picking them up when they didn’t ask Not interrupting a nap of obvious importance Not assuming that a belly display is an invitation rather than a philosophical statement Affection may be welcome. But consent is everything. Respect Their “No” Dogs often negotiate. Cats do not. A flicking tail, a rotating ear, a sudden stillness—these are not minor signals. They are full sentences. Ignoring them is the human equivalent of someone continuing a conversation after you’ve clearly walked away. Respecting your c...

Most cats are self-cleaning marvels. Their tongues are tiny scrub brushes, and their grooming rituals are Olympic-level. But every so often, life throws a curveball—mud, fleas, sticky messes, or medical needs—and suddenly, bath time becomes unavoidable. Let’s break down the why, how, when, and how often of bathing cats, plus a few ninja tricks to keep everyone sane. 🐱 Why Bathe a Cat? Emergency messes: Oil, paint, or toxic substances that can’t be licked off safely. Medical needs: Flea treatments, skin conditions, or vet-directed hygiene. Long-haired breeds: Sometimes grooming alone isn’t enough to prevent mats. Senior or ill cats: They may lose the ability to groom effectively. 🕒 When & How Often? Regular baths? Not usually necessary. Most healthy cats never need a routine bath. Occasional baths: Long-haired cats or those with medical issues may benefit every few months. Emergency baths: As needed—when self-cleaning isn’t safe or effective. 🛁 How to Bathe a Cat ...

  Wooper (above) and Bobolink (below), earthquake-proof cats We (three adult humans and eight cats of various ages) live on a hill right on top of the San Andreas Fault, which has been busier than usual lately: three quakes 2.5-3.4 on Thanksgiving Day and the same on Black Friday. Black Friday's early morning earthquake beat the alarm clock by a few minutes and shook us awake. We cleared the sleep from our eyes and looked over to see the cats either still sleeping or yawning in wake-up attempts as the sun began filtering through the windows. That is not what I often read about cats and quakes. Supposedly (though no scientific proof exits), their behavioral changes can tip off humans to pending quakes. Well, no warnings from our eight. So, what is wrong (or right) with our cats? What cats can do during quakes: Dash under beds or into closets 🏃‍⬛ Meow loudly or yowl in distress 😿 Freeze in place, ears back, eyes wide 👀 Attempt to escape outdoors 🚪 Cluster together for rea...