fire and noise was just too alarming for him.

Animals seem to have an instinctual fear of fire, at least until they learn which fires are ok.

Ember dislikes candle flames. She used to swat at them. At first I thought she was hitting them because they flicker and move. But then I noticed that she got anxious when she saw me take out matches to light one. She hadn't been playing with the flames. She was attacking them.

So, to protect her paws from getting scorched and to reduce the chances of her knocking over a candle when she hit it, I bought a container to burn candles in. It's a foot high metal cylinder with little holes in the sides to let out light and scent. Ember is ok with candles burning inside of it and leaves it alone. But, I still never leave one burning if I am going to be in another room. Don't want to take the chance that she might knock the whole thing on the floor.

I used it just a few times, last year. Madoc and Gryff didn't seem too bothered but they stayed far clear until I closed the fireplace doors. Then they'd watch the flames through the windows.

I've always been afraid to burn candles - especially around Madoc. He pushes everything he can off of any flat surface he encounters.

herself from side to side as she lay directly in front. And they all loved candles and burning incense.

That's why I never burn a candle unless I am nearby in the same room. She leaves the candle burning container alone, but I don't assume that she won't ever go after it.

I've never had a working fireplace, but have heard and read that cats like the warmth from them. Maybe it was just the fact that it was something different that bothered Arthur. And the noise.

Ember definitely does not like anything that burns or produces smoke. A friend of mine lit a cigarette when she was visiting. Ember swatted the lit end of it and later slapped it right out of my friend's hand. Better than a no smoking sign. She's a no smoking enforcer.

gas. I love when it is turned on.

We get played by our cats and dogs every day.