MSI Press Blog

  Moo, unsure about the greater world  Pest control came out and confirmed what we suspected—our house is hosting a full-blown rodent convention. Mice in the walls. One rat. And eight cats… who are absolutely scandalized. These are street rescues. Survivors. Cats who once knew the wild. But when a real mouse scurries across the floor? They freeze. They flee. They look at me like, “You expect us to handle that?” Except for Moo. Moo is the Uncat. Moo doesn’t cuddle. Moo doesn’t play. Moo doesn’t socialize. But Moo does patrol the catio and adjacent room with surgical precision. No fuss. No hesitation. One swift zap, and the mouse is history. That space is his domain, and he keeps it rodent-free. Try to bring Moo into the rest of the house, though? He wails. He trembles. He pleads to return to his post. Moo is a specialist. A one-room legend. Meanwhile, the other cats? They adore toy mice. Plush ones, crinkly ones, feathered ones. They bat them across the floor with glee. T...

  Tissou begging 🐾 Adopt a Senior Pet: Grace at the Edge of Time November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month—a time to honor the quiet, resilient companions who wait in shelters and barns, often overlooked, often misunderstood. They come with stories. They come with scars. But they also come with grace. Senior cats may arrive with feral habits, like our 14-year-old Tiger—named aptly, feared gently, and now, after years of distance, allowing himself to be held. These transformations are slow, sacred, and deeply earned. Some are nearing the Rainbow Bridge, and what they need most is not a cure, but a companion. Someone to walk with them toward the light. Someone to say, “You mattered.” Yes, there are challenges: Behavioral quirks from years of survival—habits that soften with patience. Health costs that rise with age—though some pet insurance plans do cover seniors, and Care Credit offers flexible veterinary credit, often increasing limits to meet emergency needs. Emotional vulne...

  Last month, when managing editor of MSI Press, Dr. Betty Lou Leaver, made a trip to Maine to visit relatives--for the first time in a decade--she had the distinct pleasure of meeting up with two New England authors (in person, for the first time): Kris Girrell from Massachusetts ( see earlier post ) and Joshua Shea from Portland, Maine. Authors and publishers do more than just write and publish books. Their lives have contours. One that Joshua and Betty Lou have in common is rescuing cats. Something that they found out for the first time while imbibing on the "culinary delights" of a MacDonald's restaurant. (There was a kid tagging along -- and where else do you take a kid to self-amuse other than MacDonald's?) It is always fascinating to see the many unique sides of MSI Press's talented authors. Joshua is the co-author of He's a Porn Addict...Now What?, a book that pops into Amazon's top 100 listing periodically, and author of  Porn and the Pandemic , ...

  Traveling with pets by car can be a joyful adventure—or a logistical puzzle. Whether you're ferrying a feral to the vet or embarking on a cross-country journey with your beloved companion, preparation is key. Here’s a guide to help you travel safely, calmly, and compassionately with your furry co-pilot. 🚗 Before You Hit the Road Vet Check & Records : Schedule a wellness check before long trips. Carry vaccination records, microchip info, and any prescriptions. Comfortable Carrier or Harness : Choose a secure, well-ventilated crate or pet seatbelt harness. For ferals or anxious pets, cover carriers with breathable fabric to reduce visual stress. Familiar Scents & Items : Line carriers with familiar bedding or a shirt that smells like home. Bring favorite toys or calming sprays (like Feliway or Rescue Remedy). Trial Runs : If your pet is new to car travel, start with short drives to build tolerance. Observe for motion sickness or anxiety. 🧳 Packing Essentials Food...