MSI Press Blog

  Happy Caturday , friends! Today’s topic may not get purrs of approval from your feline companions, but it’s an important one: trimming your cat’s claws. Whether you’ve got a mellow muffin or a wriggly whirlwind, claw trimming is a skill every cat person should at least understand—even if it’s just to know when to call in a pro. Let’s talk about the why , the if , and the all-important how of trimming cat claws. 🐱 WHY Trim Your Cat’s Claws? You might be wondering—cats in the wild don’t get pedicures, so why should your living-room lion? Here’s why: Preventing pain and injury : Indoor cats, especially seniors, can suffer from overgrown claws that curve into the paw pad. It’s painful and can lead to infection. Protecting your stuff (and yourself) : Those tiny daggers can shred furniture, snag curtains, and accidentally scratch human skin during a cuddle or panic leap. Better traction : Blunt claws still allow cats to climb, stretch, and scratch—but with less destructive fo...

  Jack and Sophia playing on the cat tree. Is It Play or a Fight? How to Tell When Cats Are Just Roughhousing It’s not always easy to tell whether cats are playing rough or heading toward a real fight. The line can be thin, especially when the action is fast, noisy, or dramatic. I’ve seen this firsthand with Bobolink, who used to sprint the entire length of the hallway and launch himself onto Happy Cat—his chosen role model and best friend. They’d tumble together in a flurry of paws, tails, and mock bites, purring all the while. To the untrained eye, it might have looked violent. But to those of us who know cat dynamics, it was clearly joyful play. So how do you know whether cats are fighting or just having fun? Here are some guidelines to help you read the situation accurately. 1. Watch for Reciprocity In play, both cats take turns being the “chaser” and the “chased,” the “pouncer” and the “pounced upon.” If one cat is always on the bottom or trying to escape while the other conti...

  Bobolink, a rescue cat and beloved family member, getting a special treat It’s National Feed a Rescue Pet Week, and while the spotlight includes all creatures waiting for a second chance, my heart drifts to the quiet dignity of cats curled in shelter corners. This week isn’t just about kibble—it’s about compassion, continuity, and creating homes where healing can begin. Cats in rescue shelters are survivors. They’ve lived through dislocation, fear, and the long wait for someone who sees beyond the “adoptable” label. Feeding them—literally and metaphorically—is a commitment to their stories, their future, and the companionship they so gracefully offer. 🎨 And with Craft for Local Shelters Day coming July 21, there’s a hands-on way to help: Sew a soft blanket or hammock Make simple toys out of felt and thread Donate scratch pads or climbing shelves These aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. Enrichment helps stressed cats show their true selves, increasing their chances of ad...