So glad your Max is ok. My Callie singed her whiskers when she got too curious a few years ago. Like you, thank goodness I was right there when she did it. Since then I never burn my candles unless they have a candle shade on them. I burn candles every day in 3 different rooms and have never had any accidents. I also use the electric melt warmers. I have 14 Fuzzybutts sharing my home and would never do anything that I thought would put them in danger. Needless to say, I never leave a candle burning when I am gone or napping. Try the shades if you love candles like I do, there are some really attractive ones.