DEAR ABBY: A family member has six cats and wants to have the Thanksgiving meal at her house. Every time I eat there, I find cat hair on the table, on the plates and in the food. I don't want to cause hard feelings, but how do I handle this? I'm allergic to cats. -- HOLD THE FUR IN AMARILLO, TEXAS
DEAR HOLD THE FUR: Your health must come first. Arrange to celebrate Thanksgiving elsewhere and curtail your visit. If the relative attempts to "guilt" you into changing plans, explain that you cannot because you have become allergic to cat hair and dander and your doctor has instructed you to avoid exposure.