I used to have this problem, but not any more... Zipster the helper got a bit close, when I wasn't looking.. and singed off some whiskers... He learned his leason!!( they have grown back) Thank goodness.. I made him his own fleece bed in front of the heater... he seem happy there..
He tried taking up chasing the needle, but luckily he grew bored while I was positioning fabric/and lining it up....