Should I not want to remain outside?

"Dear Cocoa,

Outside is warm and comfortable.

I read your column every day and I have come to believe that you are the go-to person (oops I meant feline) when we have questions.  So here is my question:  I live in a small neighborhood on the warm side of the world.  My playmates have all found homes with loving pets to pamper and spoil them.  I, being the best of the lot if I do say so myself, have chosen not to seek a home.  I feel that I am better off free with the whole world in front of me.  I visit my pals now and then and they are constantly trying to get me to come into their world of getting fat and lazy; however, that is not my game.  How do I convince them otherwise, or is it hopeless and I should move on without them?

Signed Loving the Outside"

"Dear Loving the Outside,

First of all, let me thank you for being an avid reader of my column.  Now on to your issue:  every feline deserves a moment of pampering in their rough life; however, like you, not every feline desires that pampering.  You have found your place in the world and desire nothing less.  Since the world you live in is warm and comfortable, food and resting areas abound and inside is not a necessity.  Go as you like and tell your friends that you are happy; if they continue to insist, then stop visiting them.  You are one of the unique free souls of the feline world and there is nothing wrong with following your heart.  One word of caution, however; well maybe a few more than that:  never cross a busy pathway; check your food before you eat it; stay away from human gathering areas; and once you locate a good food source, stay close to it.  I hope you live a long and happy life, my friend.

Signed Cocoa"

Cat troubles

"Dear Cocoa,

A good place to hide might be
a large sack.

I absolutely love my pets; however, their babies are another story entirely.  One in particular is always chasing me and pulling my tail.  I have screamed at my pets for help, scratched the baby enough to let him know that the action is bad, and even bit him a few times without success.  What else is there?  My pets don't even acknowledge that the baby is hurting me.  I fear I may have to leave.  Is there any hope?

Signed Tail Hurts"

"Dear Tail Hurts,

There are always possibilities.  First, does the baby chase you and pull your tail when the other pets are around or does he sneak about and catch you when the others are out?  If you can, try to remain in an area where the other pets are; in this way, when you cry out in pain they will hear and react.  Also, try to stay out of the baby's sight as much as possible when others are not there.  When he gets to the point that it is really starting to hurt, wait until another is present and scream and then scratch and run.  Hopefully your pets will understand the meaning.  If they don't, perhaps finding another home would be wise since your present pets may not truly understand the feline way.  I wish you luck!

Signed Cocoa"

Human pets have little hair.

"Dear Cocoa,

I have one for you and I bet you won't be able to answer this one even with all of your knowledge and experience.  So, here goes:  Why don't our pets, or any of the humans for that matter, have fur on their bodies?  They have it on their head, but not hands, arms, or legs.  Is this one of the reasons we are superior?

Signed Wondering"

"Dear Wondering,

Ah, you seek to catch me, but my knowledge is vast.  You ask why the humans have little or no fur and I have the answer, my friend.  You see the humans used to live, a long time ago, in a very hot volcano.  It was so hot that when they cleaned themselves they went further and further trying to remove the hair so they would be cooler.  Eventually they had removed most of their hair.  When the young ones were born, they cleaned them in the same manner so they would not be too hot.  Thus, as the species developed, they had less and less hair until they became as you see them today.  I guess that does explain some of the reasons why they are inferior to us since we would never go that far knowing, as we do, that the world and the weather is always changing.  I am glad to have been able to answer your question,

Signed Cocoa"

Cats lick themselves to get themselves clean.  Their have a chemical in their saliva that helps them to remove the dirt from their hair and skin.  There are times, however, when a cat may actually remove their fur right down to the skin.  This can be nothing more serious than a summer allergy or it can be something in the belly that is bothering them.  I have found that when my cats are doing this they have acquired worms from eating fleas or bugs.  Generally they are better after worming.  If this is not the cause, you might want to take your cat to the vet for testing.  

Cocoa talks about the annual challenge

"Dear Cocoa,

My pets just put up this wonderful tree which they decorated with all sorts of shiny new toys for me and my housemates.  But when we tried to climb the thing my pets sprayed us and yelled a lot.  Is this a new game for them?  Have I been challenged?  Please explain.

Signed Can't climb the tree"

"Dear Can't climb the tree,

Your pets are indeed challenging you and your housemates.  This is a tradition that dates far back in feline history.  Pets put up the tree, which is sometimes even a real one, and then put shiny and brightly colored items on it once a year.  It stays up for a few weeks and we are challenged to get to the top of the tree without our pets noticing.  Once we are on top of the tree, we are supposed to sway until the tree falls so that we can all play with the shiny items that hung on it.  I wish you luck with this challenge because once the tree goes up, pets are very vigilant about it.  

Signed Cocoa"

A cat with notoriety.

"Dear Cocoa,

I am a female with children all over this town.  I am well-known and well-loved.  Every feline, male and female, knows my name.  So why is it that the pets of this town don't seem to know me at all and some will even throw water on me to send me away?  What is wrong with them?

Signed Unknown to Pets"

"Dear Unknown to Pets,

Sadly, human pets live in their own little world and don't really care about any of the others.  You may be a very well-known feline throughout the area, but the pets don't recognize that.  They see you as a...dare I say it...*STRAY*, meaning trouble to them.  However, I wouldn't worry about the pets in your area.  Just stay away from the mean ones, rub the nice ones and ignore those who ignore you.  You will be a much happier feline if you follow this advice.  By the way, congratulations on your popularity, it takes a very sophisticated feline to obtain such notoriety.  

Signed Cocoa"

Am I loosing my home?

"Dear Cocoa,

Image by PublicDomainPictures

I am a typical unfixed male cat that just loves my time out-doors living in the barn of my pets who always leave food and water for my benefit.  I have kept the place free from scavenging mice (and stray felines who may think that this is a great place to live) for several years.  While my pets cuddle and pet me whenever they are outdoors and keep me healthy and free of parasites, they have often tried to get me to move inside with them.  I refused and have been quite happy that I did.  Recently, however, I followed my instincts to a female wishing to mate.  I was gone for a short time (no more than a month or so) because there was more than one female and the fighting was incredible (just loved it).  When I returned, I discovered that my pets had acquired another feline and this one was living in the house with them.  They seemed pleased that I had returned, but stopped leaving me food and water.  I must now hunt for my meals.  What do I do?  Should I seek a new home?  Is it hopeless for me now?  PS:  the newbie is a baby.

Signed Seems to be loosing a great home"

"Dear Seems to be loosing a great home,

Babies are hard to beat when it comes to human pets because the babies are so cute and helpless (to them).  I suspect your pets felt you were not coming back since to them you were gone a very long time.  Hopefully they will resume their feeding if you remain for any length of time; however, I fear the cuddles will be reserved for the newbie.  If I were you, I would go locate one of those females and invite them to live with you in your barn.  Once they have their babies, the humans will be more attentive to you and the family.  Be careful, though, because they may wish to invite them inside and they might succeed.    Good luck, my friend.

Signed Cocoa"

Another dilemma solved by Cocoa the Cat

"Dear Cocoa,

I am an old hand at being an indoor cat, having been in many homes over my vast lifetime.  I have learned that there are some places that pets just won't let us felines sleep in; and now I would like to know why.  I mean, I know they don't want us on their table (but sometimes they are lit by the sun and are soo warm); and I know that they don't really want us to get on the stove (even though the food up there sometimes smells so good); but why are they so adamant about their pillows?  The pillows are so soft and they smell just like my pet who is so very good to me.  I just want to be able to smell them as I sleep away my afternoon (or morning, or evening).  But I am constantly shoo'd off of the pillows (occasionally with a great deal of force).  So please tell me why.  

Signed No Pillow Nap"

"Dear No Pillow Nap,

Yes, sadly our pets are adamant about felines not sleeping on their pillows.  I suspect, after all of my years of studying such things, that I have the true reason.  You see, pets don't live by their nose and sense of smell.  Hard to believe, but it is so true (I mean who would eat some of the awful things they eat if they could actually smell them?).  Because of this, they don't like their pillows to smell like their felines.  Another reason is they don't like the fur that is left behind.  I know that the fur makes the pillow much softer, but our pets just don't see that.  I have seen them time and time again removing the fur before going to sleep.  Sadly, they don't feel towards us as we feel towards them.  They pet good, give great toys and feed us well, but the sleeping as a family group is totally out of the question.  I guess that is something we will just have to live with.  

Signed Cocoa"

That darn red light.

"Dear Cocoa,

Help me, I'm addicted!  My pet recently brought this funny little metal contraption home.  Curious, I sniffed it and found it to be something I didn't want--until they turned this thing on!!!!  Suddenly a little red bug began to race around me in wide circles.  It raced up furniture and even ran across the ceiling several times.  I tried to ignore it, but it raced around me and then away from me and then back again.  Before I knew what I was doing I was chasing this thing everywhere.  The worst part, however, was when I caught it the thing just slid away from me and on the chase went.  Finally, exhausted, I tried to ignore it, but it is so tempting to chase that little bitty bug and do my very best to catch it.  Now, whenever that silly little metal contraption comes out, I find myself going crazy trying to catch it.  Can you help me?

Signed Exhausted by the Little Red Dot"

"Dear Exhausted by the Little Red Dot,

I know how tempting that little red dot can be; however, if you ever want to be free of its claws, you must run to a dark hole and hide until the little red dot is gone.  I warn you, this can be dangerously addictive and no feline is immune.  If you don't want to be chasing this thing for the remainder of your days (without catching it ever), then hide, hide, hide!  Don't look at the light!  Ignore it!  Use all of your will power and get away before it....catches....you....oh darn, now I'm hooked again.....Rotten Light-GET OUT OF HERE.  Sorry, got carried away.  I wish you all the luck in the world, my friend, that little light is hard to ignore.

Signed Cocoa"

A little one retaliates

"Dear Cocoa,

I am a new feline, born just a few weeks ago, and I haven't had much time with my mother because she ran off with the butcher before I was even fully weaned.  I spent a little time in a foster home where people fed me but didn't offer much comfort.  Then I was invited to live at the home of a very feline friendly pet and jumped at the chance.  But now, I wonder if I made the right decision.  You see, the pet has others that she invited in and they are big and well set in their ways.  They get angry when  our pet spends time with me and they beat me up when she isn't around.  Should I leave?  

Signed Tired of the pummeling"

"Dear Tired of the pummeling,

No, you should not leave the home, you should take advantage of the fact that you are still very young.  As a youngling, your pet will favor you above those who are well-established in the home.  When she is around, pounce on the others often in what appears to be play but is actually full-out assault.  If they hurt you, your pet will intervene.  When they go after you when you are alone, remind them of the mock-play and offer to be gentler if they stop attacking you when the pet is gone.  It may take a bit, but keep up the action (the more, the better) and soon all will quiet down and you will be allowed to live without further attacks.  You might even get the choice sleeping areas because the others will fear retaliation from the pet if they don't give in to you.  Once all is set, enjoy your new-found freedom for all it is worth.

Signed Cocoa"

The Haaleedays are coming.....

"Dear Cocoa,

Image by Hans
With so much to do they forget
the felines.....

My housemate said you know everything, and I need to know something real bad.  You see my pets, who are usually very attentive to me and take great care to ensure I am well pampered, have begun to ignore me and seem to be lost in some type of frustrating, angry world.  I have tried to calm them down, but they pushed me away.  I have tried to offer my assistance, but they got angry.  I have even tried to distract them by playing, but they wouldn't even look in my direction.  Then my housemates and I realized this is something that happens every year at about this same time.  What could it be that would take their minds off of cute, adorable, cuddly me?

Signed Why are they distracted"

"Dear Why are they distracted,

During this particular time of the year our pets often become distracted and frustrated.  This is the time of the year when they are supposed to pamper their human companions (and, of course, still pamper us), which makes for a high level of stress.  This time of the year is known as the haaleedays, and no human is left unscathed during this time.  I suggest that you do your very best to remind your pets who is actually important in their lives, while understanding when they have reached their limit.  Once they have reached their limit, hide for a bit to let them calm down before you try it again.  Oh yes, this is also a great time for play because all new items are dragged out for our entertainment.  Just be careful not to get underfoot with them or your pets will get angry (they are soooo touchy this time of the year).  Enjoy you and your pets' haaleedays and be sure to share this information with others who may not realize the importance of this yearly occasion.  

Signed Cocoa"

What is the white stuff?

"Dear Cocoa,

What is the white stuff that flies about...

I don't usually read gossip columns, but my friend told me you could answer my question.  If you can, I will be an avid reader from this moment on.  So here it is:  I have been an inside cat all my life and I spend hours in the windows watching the world go by.  I have often seen white stuff floating tantalizingly close to the window but just beyond my reach.  I have wondered often what this stuff is and why I can see it but not play with it.  Can you help me?

Signed Wonders about the white stuff"

"Dear Wonders about the white stuff,

What you are seeing is dander.  Yes, I said dander.  The large felines of the world have been saving their dander all during the hot days and now they are shaking it off to allow the warm fur to grow and keep them warm.  You could play with it, I suppose, I have seen others do so; however, I would never stoop to such levels.  I mean really, why would I want to play with another feline's dander?  I have enough of my own to deal with.  I hope you will become a very avid reader of my column and I thank you for giving me a chance to answer your difficult question.

Signed Cocoa"

A Mini Pet........

"Dear Cocoa,

I live in a house with older felines and my pets just recently brought home a mini of themselves.  The mini cries a lot and smells really funny, but I like to cuddle with it because it is always so warm.  My bigger (and older) housemates are giving me a hard time about this.  They have begun to call this mini pet a 'baabbee' and they say it is the worst thing ever.  Whenever I try to cuddle with this mini they crawl all over me and bite and scratch me making the mini cry so that our pets remove us all from the mini and close the door on us.  What can I do to stop their behavior?

Signed Likes the Mini"

"Dear Likes the Mini,

PublicDomainPictures

The Mini pet is their kitten (or baabbee in human speak).  I also found them to be warm and comfortable.  Your housemates have never seen this type of kitten and so they, like all felines, are loathe to show their ignorance.  To fix this problem, challenge them.  Tell them that they each have to be brave enough to cuddle with the unusual kitten without hurting or waking it.  Once each of them has done this, they will be much more understanding towards your desires; however, they will also be fighting you for the position from that moment on.  Sorry I can't do much about that except to tell you to do your best to be first.  

Signed Cocoa"

Rumor has it that cats are dangerous to babies.  I would like to explain a bit about this.  Babies are warm and they smell of milk and comfort.  Cats are naturally drawn to this because it makes for good napping.  However, cats may lick the mouth of a baby but will not lay on the baby or smoother it (at least not purposely).  Cats, however, do shed and drop dander and that might be dangerous to babies who might be allergic.  Rather than assume your cat and your baby will be safe, introduce the baby to the kitty (and vice versa) slowly and keep an eye on the cat when he is near the baby.  Once a relationship has been established (and the baby hasn't had a reaction of any kind) then you can leave them together.  Older cats are more difficult to introduce to babies because they are always so set in their ways and don't like change.  

Humans and pets, are they the same?

"Dear Cocoa,

I know that we felines are far superior to the human race; however, my pets just don't seem to get it. They are constantly trying to get me to chase stupid strings or race about following that stupid red light.  I have to admit, sometimes it is good exercise, but all the time?????  I wonder if they really even understand the complexity of a feline.  Can you help me to understand them a bit better?  

Signed Not Sure"

"Dear Not Sure,

Sorry, I am just so proud of
this picture I couldn't
help showing it off again.

Sadly, no, I cannot help you in this situation.  Human's are several steps below the intelligent rating of felines and cannot climb any higher without a great deal of help.  I mean, come on, what race in their right mind would spend hours moving things around the house, upstairs and down, only to put all of those things back before the day is out?  Perhaps it is some strange ritual of theirs--I hear them say it is 'cleaning' which may be the ancient name of this weird ritual.  However, to make things easier, don't try to understand your humans, just enjoy their pampering of you and relax; at least your needs are taken care of, right?

Signed Cocoa"

Sleeping in cubbies....

“Dear Cocoa,

I just love my little cubbby-holes where I can curl up and get oh so warm; but my pets are always shooing me out.  What can I do to teach them to leave me alone when I get into those tiny spaces?  The warmth is sooooo good!

Signed Wants small cubbies back”

“Dear Wants small cubbies back,

Wasn't I cute back then?

I know what you mean.  Those small spaces are the most wonderful places ever.  You can curl up and get soooo warm because your body heats the place up so very nicely.  I had a bit of trouble myself when I was younger; however I learned that if you push your way in enough times, your pets will get the idea (be patient-they don’t learn very fast.  After a bit, they purchased me things I can curl up in.  I now have condos with tiny sleeping areas, covered beds with cushions and tenting, boxes filled with pillows, and even a little spot under the bed with a warming pad.  Don’t give up hope just yet.  Keep trying and keep showing them you want to stay in the warm place.  I hope they learn quickly for you,

Signed Cocoa”

A fur-ball is introduced

"Dear Cocoa,

I have been around for many years and I have been contented in my home with my pets to care for me.  However, last week my pets brought this tiny feline into the home and let it loose.  The stupid thing climbs all over me, bites my ears, and chases my tail.  I have tried to warn the thing to leave me alone, but the pets won't allow me to get rough with it.  What can I do?  I don't want this stupid fur-ball biting and scratching me, I want peace and quiet.  

Signed Hate the fur-ball,

Dear Hate the fur-ball,


I understand exactly where you are coming from; however, I can also see the fur-ball's side.  He needs to have the opportunity to wrestle with other felines so he can learn the prowess of being a feline.  Usually these things are taught by the mother, but sometimes the mother is indifferent or the fur-ball is taken away too soon.  Normally I would say go into a hole somewhere until the fur-ball wears itself out doing other things, but you need to be a true feline and step up to the plate.  This feline will never learn how to be a feline if no one teaches him; and, since you are the only one around, you are the chosen teacher.  Get out there and teach the guy how to be a true feline while he is young enough to learn--one thing, though, be sure the pets are not around when you get rough because they will be afraid you are hurting the fur-ball and will try to interfere.  Hope this helps,

Signed Cocoa"

Politics have hit the feline community.

“Dear Cocoa,

I am no longer a spring chicken (so to speak) and I have learned a lot during my long lifetime.  I have become very opinionated about felines in general and feline politics in particular.  My family and friends have told me that I am too political and should ‘tone’ it down.  Is it wrong to have opinions and to voice them?  For instance:  I firmly believe that felines have the right to be pampered no matter where they come from.  I also believe felines deserve the very best and should fight for that right.  Am I too opinionated?  Should I dummy up and keep my ideas to myself?  Please advise.

Signed Opinionated”

“Dear Opinionated,

Political and proud of it!

I believe that all felines deserve to be pampered and deserve the best.  Now that I have gotten that out of the way, I also feel that most felines don’t want to hear the political aspect of it, they just want to be pampered.  Sadly, that is the way most felines feel.  Believe as you wish, speak out with those of like minds, and enjoy the good life of a feline; however, when others who don’t believe or feel as you do are about, smile and keep your thoughts to yourself!  I hope I have helped.

 PS:  to test the waters, try throwing out a random comment about a mild issue and see how it is received.  That will give you an idea about the mind-set of those around you. 

Signed Cocoa”

Should he write a book?

"Dear Cocoa, 

I believe that I am a learned feline who has been given a great life.  I would like to write about my life because it has been so grand; but I wondered if a feline writing would be something that others would frown upon.  What do you think?

Signed Possible Writer"

My latest book

"Dear Possible Writer,

My answer to you is a resounding "YES write your book"!  I have written several books on my own life, the latest being the one I have pictured here.  Because felines are such wondrous creatures, the whole world is, of course, anxious to read all about them.  True-to-life books about felines, however, are very rare.  It would be a very big help if more felines wrote up their own adventures and published them for all to read.  Good Luck in your writing.

Signed Cocoa"

Cocoa's Pet Gives Advice

Cocoa would like to turn his blog over to his pet for today’s entry. 

I, Cocoa’s pet, would like to welcome all of his readers and offer a few words of advice to all pets (humans) everywhere.  Cats are just about THE most curious animal there is.  The reason they say cats have 9 lives is because they get into the most awful predicaments while being curious, and then miraculously find their way to safety.  (Don’t you wish you could do that?).  The other thing cats just love to do is play.  They will play with just about anything there is including fire, poisonous products, dangerous items like chicken bones (they can splinter in their throat and cause choking) and even strings.  STRINGS?  How can they possibly be in danger from playing with strings?  (I hear ya). 

However, strings can be very dangerous for cats.  First, cats’ tongues are layered with spiky cells that grab onto things and catch so that the cat has no choice but to swallow the item (which is how they drink and eat).  If they get string, tinsel, thread (possibly with a needle attached), hair, yarn, or those plastic grasses for Easter Baskets (to name a few) then they are forced to swallow them.  This would seem like it is not a danger because they just pass it, right?  Well, that is probable in about 80% of the situations; however in the remaining 20% the cat can’t pass the string and it becomes entangled in their intestines causing a major blockage (which could cause death).  If the string has something attached to it, like a needle and thread, the needle will inevitably get stuck and can cause ruptures to the intestines and/or other organs.  When dangling string for your cat to play with, be sure it is thick enough not to break and secure enough not to allow them to pull it down and swallow it.   Keep other stringy-type items well out of reach of cats. 's 

Feel free to print or cut and paste this chart for your own information.  

Litter Dispute

"Dear Cocoa,

I remember reading in one of your very first blogs something about dirty litter boxes but I can't quite remember what it was. Can you refresh my memory because I am having a terrible time getting my pets to clean mine and, well, I am getting desperate.

Signed Getting Desperate"
“Dear Getting Desperate,

Times change and everyone evolves, so rather than direct you to the blog you mention, I am going to freshly answer this question.  You see, pets are sometimes hard to train because they see things differently than felines do.  For instance, they think that because we clean our own body's from top to bottom, they believe that the smell doesn't bother us and so the boxes can go for a longer period of time between cleanings.  What they don't realize is that it is not the smell, but the waste itself.  We do not like to walk on our own waste, much less anyone else's and that is why a clean litter box is so important.  There are, however, a few things you can do to get them to clean it faster.

First, try going right in front of the litter box.  That will tell them that the box is too full for you to enter.  Be sure to do this several times or they won't get the hint.  Next, try using the tub.  I find that the liquid goes down the drain in a nice flow and then the solid remains to remind my pet I need a clean box.  Finally, if all else fails, go behind the furniture and bury it with whatever comes to hand.  I find that the couch cover works very well for this.  As always, once you have left a reminder, you should probably find a quiet out-of-the-way place to sleep through the uprising that will follow their discovery.

Signed Cocoa" 

What to do during mating season....

“Dear Cocoa,

I was born about a year ago and have been wandering about in the woods near my birthplace ever since.  I have learned about safe havens; areas where I can get food and water; and places that are fun to play in; but recently I have come upon a dilemma that I can’t figure out.  You see, Cocoa, my dame (I guess they call it a mother in human speak) came in to heat recently and I, being all male and proud of it, attempted to mate with her.  The humans who provide the barn where most of us sleep and feed on mice kept hiding her and pushing me away when I got close.  They did it to the others who had been born in the barn and I just don’t understand why.  Is there something wrong with us that they didn’t want us to breed?  Or are they having a problem that it is my dame?  Please advise…..

Signed Wants to Mate”

“Dear Wants to Mate,

Wants to Mate
We don't often get their personal picture.

Ahhhh, the old mating issue.  I have some strong advice for you, my friend, advice you might not like to hear, but probably should.  You see, your dame, to the humans, is your mother not a female in heat.  They do not understand why you and the others born in the barn would want to mate with the one who bore you (very primitive to my thinking, but, what can we do, right?).  If you continue to per sue her, I fear the humans may take her to the man in white (the one we all fear), and that would successfully end her life as a viable feline.  Try seeking other females in the area during the mating season and stay away from your dame at all costs.  Pass the word on to the others as well.  All should know that her way of life is in danger.

Signed Cocoa”

Cats, and most animals, do not see mating season as a time to find a young one to settle down with; rather the males seek out the scent of a female in heat and attempt to mate with her.  All are equal during mating season--there is no mom, dad, sis, or bro that draws a line to mating.  If you do not want your pets to mate during mating season, you should have them spayed or neutered as soon as they are old enough (for felines that is about 5-6 months of age) since it won't matter that the female in heat is their mother or sister, instinct will tell them to try to mate anyway.  

Candles? Or mini-fires?

“Dear Cocoa,

I have a query that needs to be addressed but that I haven’t seen during any of your responses; you see, my pet likes to use small fires all over the house.  Some of them smell awful but most just smell like fire and make me and all other felines in the house cringe.  I have attempted to put these fires out several times, for safety reasons; however my pet sprays me (instead of the fire) with water every time I get near.  What am I to do?

Signed Mini Fires are Scary”

“Dear Mini Fires are Scary,

Image by Hans

Many pets do this awful thing, and it took me a long time to figure out what it was.  Remember that your pets are dare-devils and don’t understand instincts and safety; so mini fires, like going out in the snow and eating that awful scorched stuff is like a great adventure for them.  They see nothing wrong with it what-so-ever (go figure, right).  I would just keep my distance from the mini-fires and hope all stays safe.  In the event of an emergency, be prepared to jump through one of the clear walls to get to safety outside.  Hope all is well with you, always!

Signed Cocoa”

Cats are born with a natural curiosity about just about everything.  Sadly, because the wilds does not contain many of the things we have in our homes, instinct cannot protect them.  If you wish to use candles in your home and have animals, please keep the candles high enough so the animals cannot reach them and ALWAYS put them out before leaving the room.