Yorkster,
I am so sorry, but at the same time, glad, about your experience. I have "nosy" kitties too..and I love candles. I can promise you that I watch like a hawk when I have one lit, and I'm glad you did the same thing. Hope your hand didnt' get burned, putting out the "tail fire" on your kitty.
My curious cat, Butter, would burn every whisker off his face investigating, if I didn't have him "out" when I light a candle.

Logan