Cat Tales | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS

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Published 2022-11-29
Goddess, demon, house pet? What does science say about the human relationship with cats? (Aired February 19, 2020 on PBS)

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Worshiped as a goddess, condemned as satanic, and spun into a stunning array of breeds, cats have long fascinated humans. But did we ever really domesticate them? And what can science tell us about our most mysterious companions?

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:16 Why Are People Obsessed with Cats?
09:28 Why Aren’t Cats Expressive?
12:46 Can Cats Understand Our Emotions?
14:28 Domestic Cat Relative
18:13 Earliest Encounter Between Human and Cat
21:51 Cat Abilities
25:30 How Do Cats Differ from Their Wild Ancestors
28:30 Importance of Cats in Egypt
34:54 How Domestic Cats Spread Around the World
42:10 The Difference of Feral Cats
46:18 Can Cats Be Trained Like Dogs?
49:04 Breeding of Hybrid Cats
51:12 Conclusion

(Premiered February 19, 2020 at 9 PM ET on PBS)

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All Comments (21)
  • @JWells-mz1jr
    I am 80 years-old and have no one in my life except my beloved Russian Blue, Sofie Girl. Every morning around 6am she crawls up on my chest for a nap and some loving. I am divorced but no person has ever shown me the degree of love that Sofie does. It is an honor to take care of her and to love her so much. I have always had cats. I remember each and every one of them with great affection. I thank God for this gift...
  • @breal7277
    Each day when I arrived home, my kitty would meow loudly at the foot of the bed. That was my signal to sit on the bed and pet her. She wouldn't stop until I did so. She demanded love and affection before food. No one can tell me cats are only motivated by food. My baby passed away last month. Right before she passed, she looked deeply into my eyes in the most tender way as if to say thank you for all the belly rubs, hair brushing, ear scratches, and love you gave me. I miss her.
  • @auntielu4394
    My cat BooBoo literally changed my life. After I could no longer work I was in my apartment on a limited income. For some reason my spirit told me to go to a shelter and get a cat. It was the best decision I ever made. She was a distraction from my depression and anxiety, I learned to care for her. 12 years later, she’s now a senior with some health issues, but I am determined to make her feel better. I will be forever grateful for having her in my life. 🐕🐱
  • I’m a 30 year old man with 5 cats (no more) But I could not not imagine my life without them. They help me relax and are so friendly
  • @komiczar
    1 in 5 household owns a cat. Sometimes 2 or 3 of those households own the same cat!
  • @Kenna002
    I'm 21 and just adopted my first cat, Kento, less than a week ago. I've grown up with dogs my entire life, but I've never fallen in love with an animal so quickly. Despite Kento only being with me for about five days now, he is the sweetest, most affectionate little guy! He's currently curled up next to me as I watch this, and he makes coming back from classes and studying so much easier.
  • @mondociaociao
    why they are irresistibile? their beauty, their elegance, their strong personality, their royal but funny behavior. Fabulous creatures.
  • @lolotaeja3911
    My tortie girl passed away at twenty years old, 3 years ago. I wish someone had prepared me for the train load of grief I feel to this day. The absolute best friend I have ever had. Smart, demanding, great sense of humor, took care of me when I was unwell, played well right up until a month before she died, just a brilliant friend and partner. Once in a lifetime cat. Cats are amazing. Dogs are great, but cats are on another level.
  • One thing I've noticed about " cat people ", they sure seem to be more caring and compassionate than those who don't like cats. Just an observation.👍✌💖
  • Unfortunately it took me 60 years to realize how much I love cats. I had always been a dog person. I’m getting ready to adopt my first cat. The only time in my life, that I was this excited was when I brought home my only child. I can’t wait to bring home my baby with four legs. 💜
  • @ANPC-pi9vu
    Personally I find cats pretty readable. I wish more people would take the time to learn their expressions and what they mean. One of my cats even has his own special expression when he's being obstinant where he juts out his chin and glares and walks in a stompy manner and it's hillarious. I've found that the more time a person spends actually trying to comunicate with their cats, the more the cats will develop special expressions, behaviors, and vocal sounds to get across to you what they want.
  • @Dogsrule777
    I inherited my sisters black cat. His name was Chaka and he was such a warrior. He was born in St Louis and moved to Venice CA where he lived out his days as an indoor / outdoor cat. He would get into fights but never lost. He was an awesome friend and I miss him daily. He lived to be 23 years old. ❤️🏆
  • Hubby and I are sitting here wondering how you can't read a cat's expression... We absolutely read our cat's expressions.
  • @sheilahammond4260
    Poor little creatures! I moved into a house and next door had been vacated. In the back yard was a dead mother cat. Her kittens were still alive. Very small. Very hungry. I had 2 dogs and a .male cat. Between us. and with the help of a formula and ear dropper, they all flourished. My pets kept them warm and clean. My cat even let them suckle! It did take a lot of time, but was very rewarding. I was sad when it was time to part, but they all got homed to good loving families, and I was happy. It is tempting to keep them!
  • @gordonhill764
    I learned more about Cats in this video than I ever thought possible. I'm on a NOVA binge and there's no going back. I must fill my brain with all the knowledge.
  • Years ago when my son was a newborn, our cat was my most dependable babysitter. Little Guy would sleep under the crib or the stroller if we were outside. As our son got older and mobile LG would follow him everywhere. He never allowed strangers to approach our son and defended him at every opportunity. He was so special and we miss him to this day.
  • I live next to a cemetary and my indoor outdoor cat has turned into a grief councilor. Attending funerals and visitors to grave sites she hops up on grave stones meowing and accepts endless petting. I have watched so many people stop to pet her. When they decorate the graves with flags during memorial days she follows them all over.
  • @kathyjohnson7888
    I wasn't able to have children so I've had cats my whole life.. while watching this I realize that I was actually pretty fertile because I was a momma to all 12 of my babies ❤