The holidays are chaos in any home. Even though those people coming and going are familiar to you, they are strangers to your cat. Cats can become nervous and skittish around strangers or with sudden changes in their environment.

Your home is also a kitty bazaar of tasty delicacies and alluring decorations at kitty reach. Bowls and gifts full of Holiday candy are tempting. Remember too much sugar will make her sick, and enough chocolate is deadly.

Soirees and Feasts

Although your cat may be too proud to beg, she will probably prowl about the dinner tables at your holiday feasts. If you or your softhearted guests feed your kitty some of the delectables from your meal, your kitty will reward you with some surprises. You may end-up scrubbing a mess out of the carpet, or, worse, sitting in the emergency room at the veterinarian's.

In between doorbell rings, and the never-ending stream of visitors, the opportunities for a cat escape are boundless. During any gathering, the best place for your cat is in a separate room. In advance, stock it with a litter box, toys and familiar items (like your unwashed shirt to help your cat to feel more at home). Your kitty will be more content in her seclusion if you take time out beforehand to let her know she is loved. Although she may act a bit irritated while confined, she will be a much happier miffed kitty than a freaked-out cat overwhelmed by the noise and confusion of the festivities.

Thanksgiving

With the scent of Thanksgiving turkey wafting through the air, your cat won't be able to resist the lure of the kitchen. Although turkey is a delicious treat, poultry bones of any kind can splinter and lodge in your cat's throat, choking your cat; also, poultry bones can cut your cat's mouth and throat. The fat-drenched skin of a turkey can cause stomachaches later on as well.

For a happier Thanksgiving:

• Put your cat in a room where she can't get into the kitchen
• If you must, feed a small amount of the breast or leg meat to a cat, rather than the fatty skin
• Put the turkey carcass out in the garbage in a sealed container