The best thing for cats on the Fourth of July is not the fireworks. Cats hide under the bed. Some timid kitties stay for two days before they believe it's safe to come out. If cats could vote, it's likely they'd ban firework displays altogether.

Since Independence Day is a holiday where families traditionally stay home, cats get treated to more attention. They love it that everybody gathers and they get passed lap-to-lap. Don't think they don't notice the extra preparations going on in the kitchen, although it's not Aunt Polly's potato salad they care about. They don't even drool over Grandma's carrot cake.

Cats are grill party animals. They love the smells of hamburgers and hot dogs sizzling over the coals. They purr for those trays of chicken legs. Cats are barbecue fans. So beware ... and share with care.