MSI Press Blog

  Tiger asleep on Anemone's wheelchair, one of his favorite spots Tiger really is a tiger, for all practical intents and purposes. An orange tabby, he looks like one. A feral even after 14 years, he behaves as one.  Raised as an only child (after his sister died at the too-young age of one), he was the central focus in the life of my disabled adult daughter, Anemone, living independently and alone after the too-early death of her fiancé. That made her Tiger's central focus. They bonded deeply.  Tiger followed Anemone everywhere. He would ride around on the arm of her wheelchair, which he, naught boy, would sometimes use as a scratching pad -- the pads had to be replaced from time to time. At times, he even slept there. He would also nestle down on her lap for a long sleep.  When she snapped her fingers, he came running. And when anyone came to the door (which was very seldom), he stood guard, tail up and quivering, claws at the ready. And he would spring -- from his...

Bobolink's last loving and painful minutes, nestled against owner, Luna .   Integrating New Cats When Older Cats Are Dying Integrating new cats into an established cat family is always a delicate dance, but it becomes even more complex when one of the older cats is nearing the end of life. The emotions in the household shift—grief, vigilance, and quiet respect settle in—and the dynamics between the cats can change in ways that are subtle, profound, or both. In most cases, the cat who is dying has been part of the family for many years, often serving as a social anchor. The newcomers, in addition to finding their place among the living members, must navigate the emotional space left by the one who is leaving. Snyezhka, Happy Cat, and the Distance of Newcomers When Snyezhka was dying from breast, liver, and lung cancer, it wasn’t the new cats who stepped in to care for her—it was Happy Cat, her longtime companion and the beta heart of the household. Happy Cat washed her when she coul...

  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...