Nov. 25, 2004 - As I tried to explain to the other cats yesterday... the human species has ritualistic celebrations throughout the year.  I have done research on this phenomenon.  Derived from 'Holy Days,' human "holidays" vary from geographic location and culture. 
In America, the most noticeable "holidays" from the feline perspective are New Year's;  Easter;  4th of July;  Halloween; Thanksgiving;  Christmas; and  Hanukah.
Although humans get much pleasure out of these "holidays," they usually involve one or more inconveniences for cats. 

Warning signs of an upcoming holiday
 - humans come home from the store with an unusually large amount of people food;
 - excessive amount of cleaning  (including the floor-sucking monster);
 - disruption in the normal schedule of humans - they don't disappear for several hours each day as normal - sometimes this altered schedule lasts for days.

During the actual holiday
 - strangers come in and out of the house (some may stay overnight)
 - humans place strange objects in the yard/house - for example, for the big winter holiday, a tree is brought into the house.
    But don't think it is there for you to climb - people get very upset if you do this!
 - a lot of people food is cooked and consumed

When to take action
Portable Closets
If you witness your humans getting out their portable closets, this is a sign that they will disappear for at least one night, if not more.
 - Curl up and sleep in the portable closets - this "cute" act may convince the humans not to leave you
"The Cage"
If "The Cage" appears this means you are going into the "Road Monster" and most likely to "The Place of Needles" or the V word (shudder!) for an extended period of time!
- Remember, when faced with being stuffed into "The Cage," stick all four of your legs out which makes it more challenging for them to get you in.
 - If your person succeeds in placing you in "The Cage," meow and howl pitifully with increasing loudness.  This does not usually free you - but it will make your person feel some sense of guilt.
-If you are especially sensitive to such treatment, pee in "The Cage."  If your person is a clean freak this may offer you an opportunity to escape when they attempt to clean the cage.

Positive Aspects
Although Human Holidays can be a great inconvenience for cats, there are positive aspects:
 - some visitors are especially nice - like GrandDadoo
 - people food is unusually good during Holidays and people are more likely to share with cats
 - this is a good time to observe people from a scientific aspect as it gives you insight into why people behave the way they do

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