The holidays are chaotic 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's reach. Bowls and gifts full of Holiday candy are tempting if your cat has a sweet tooth. Remember, too much sugar will make your cat sick and chocolate can be deadly.

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 much happier a bit miffed than frightened and overwhelmed by the noise and confusion of the festivities, and you won't have to worry about her escaping into the great outdoors.

For a happier Thanksgiving:

• Put your cat in a room where she can't get into the kitchen.
• Take the turkey carcass out to the garbage in a sealed container.

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. The fat-drenched skin of a turkey can cause stomachaches later on as well.

To prevent Christmas or Hanukkah tragedies:

• Make sure the tree-stand water is inaccessible.
• Hang tinsel, candles and poisonous plants out of paw's reach.
• Keep the area under the tree free of pine needles, tinsel and ornament hooks.
• Make sure the tree is secure.
• Keep glass ornaments off the lower branches.
• Spray cords thoroughly with cat repellent spray.
• Tape electrical cords to baseboards and keep unplugged when not in use.

The Christmas tree. You cat's first thought is "What is this beautiful tree doing in my living room?" You can't blame her for needing to investigate, climb or at least scratch the tree. However, a Christmas tree presents a variety of hazards to your cat. In addition to attempting daredevil climbing stunts, she is tempted to chew (and swallow) toxic pine needles. She'll even enjoy an occasional drink of tree-stand water. The chemicals in the plant food that keep the tree fresh can cause digestive problems for your pet.

You think your tree has ornaments for decoration. Your cat firmly believes it's a waste to hang her new toys on a tree! Ornament hooks can cut or puncture her internal tissues as well as her paws, face or mouth. Many Christmas tree ornaments are also breakable glass or plastic and can pierce the skin or intestines as well. Although they may be delightful toys, tinsel and ornament hooks are both potentially deadly.

Flickering Menorah candles or the flicker of any candlelight will fascinate your cat. Singed whiskers, eyebrows and paws are all too common! Not to mention the risk of fire to your home! Choose the placement of the candles in an area off-limits such as the dining room table or mantle. Also, don't leave them lit when you are not home. Consider placing the candles over a ceramic plate or aluminum foil, substances that won't burn if your pet knocks them over.

Electric Menorah candles may be safer if your cat is especially obsessed with candle flames. Dangling electrical cords will tempt cats and kittens alike, but your pet will get an unpleasant shock if she chews through one! Possibly use a spray cat repellant in the area.

Many plants have toxic effects on cats. Mistletoe, holly and yew are highly poisonous if your cat decides she wants a Christmas feast. Poinsettia, contrary to popular belief, is not deadly to a cat, but it can cause severe stomach problems, vomiting, as well as swelling of tissues in the mouth and throat. Amaryllis, another popular Christmas plant, causes severe vomiting if eaten. These hazards also create social discomfort among your guests when your pet decides to bring her complaints into a crowded room, and an unexpected visit to the nearest emergency veterinary clinic results.

For a cool cat on New Year's:

• Try to keep your cat inside.
• In case of escape, put an I.D. tag with your contact information on your cat.
• Prepare a safe, secluded area for your cat to spend the evening.
• Turn on some music or a television on low to block out the noise of fireworks.

New Year's is just another holiday where strange people parade in and out of your kitty's home. The parade presents numerous opportunities to escape. Keep kitty calm by providing an indoor private space away from the festivities.

Also, the loud sound of fireworks is virtually intolerable to your pet's sensitive ears. If outdoors, your cat may get scared and run or hide somewhere she can easily be hurt or locked away. Even indoors, your cat will be scared and hide or refuse to use the litter box. Burn hazards from firecrackers and fireworks are also common. Unfortunately, many are not accidental. Many cruel people would enjoy tying a firecracker to your cat's tail. Your cat will not be so amused. The best way to avoid this is to keep your feline securely inside.