Miniseries
5 episodes · 1991
1Felines and Pharaohs
The domestic cat had its origins in ancient Egypt. But how did it become domesticated and who were its ancestors?
2A Love Hate Affair
Revered as a god by the Pharaohs, the cat arrived in Britain with the Romans. But later it had to endure centuries of persecution and torture, a victim of its association with the old pagan religions. The cat had not changed - only people's perception of this solitary, promiscuous hunter of the night, whose light-reflective eyes and screeching voice were thought to be signs of the devil.
3Pet or Pest?
As the British Empire expanded, how did the world's cat population grow? What was its impact and how did cats transform society?
4The Aristocats
Roger Tabor goes in search of pedigree cats, from the favourites to the forgotten breeds. They include the first long-haired cat, the Angora, the Van swimming cat of Turkey, and Japan's unique Bobtail "good luck" breed.
5Cat and Supercatfinale
The domestic cat will soon overtake the dog as the most popular pet in the world. But is man's interference threatening the future of the species? In America, breeding has caused health problems for Siamese and Persians, and the desire for novelty cats, such as the dog-shaped Munchkin, is increasing.