MSI Press Blog

  Bear (in litter robot) and Moo (following him in) Precerpt (excerpt prior to publication) from  Raising Happy Cat  families by Luna Norwood.  Welcoming a new cat into an already thriving feline community can feel like adding a wildcard to an otherwise predictable deck. And if there's one thing that can cause drama in the kitty kingdom, it's litter box politics. So, should the new cat get their own litter box? Yes! (At least at first.) Why a Separate Box Matters in the Beginning Territorial Security: Cats are big on personal space, and introducing a newcomer straight into the communal litter box can trigger territorial disputes. The new cat deserves their own spot to settle in, build confidence, and avoid unnecessary confrontations. Familiar Scent Integration: Instead of a brand-new litter box, consider using one that belongs to the existing cats. This helps the new cat absorb the household scent while still having th...

  Our cats have privacy and a view in their litter box area on the catio. They love the cat grass, too! Let’s be honest — as much as we love our cats, cleaning the litter box is one of the least glamorous parts of cat ownership. There’s no getting around it: it's a dirty business. Fortunately, there are different systems to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. Here’s a look at three popular approaches: Traditional “Scoop It Out” Litter Boxes The classic method most people start with is the simple scoop-it-yourself box. On the plus side, the boxes themselves are inexpensive, and there's a wide variety of litter types to choose from. But even with litter box liners, it can be a messy, tiring job. Liners often rip when you scoop, or they bunch up awkwardly, and if you're managing multiple boxes or heavy use, it can start to feel like a full-time job. For cat owners with mobility issues, arthritis, or chronic fatigue, this method can become impractical fast.  Scoopin...

  Learning the Ropes: Kitten Moo following big brother Bear (peek inside) into the litter robot For years, we have had one litter robot per room -- at times four, at times five. They held great promise of reducing the workload. Just plop in a bag, let the robot do its work for a few days, then pull out the drawer, toss the old bag now full of used litter, and plop in a new bag. Every seven minutes after a cat used the robot, the drum would turn and whisk the litter into the drawer with bag. Initially, they did work pretty good, but they quickly broke down. Nearly every day one or another robot has to be cleaned and repaired -- the pincers are not touching, the plates are dirty, litter is in the gears, etc. Sometimes, turning the robot off and then on gets it back on track; other times pressing cycle, reset, or reset & cycle works. Sometimes, a slap works. Other times, though, it is a matter of disassembling and completely cleaning the robot, typically a 20-minute task that cann...