Cats

Biologist, naturalist and TV presenter Roger Tabor explores the history of the house cat around the world.

Storyline

Biologist, naturalist and TV presenter Roger Tabor explores the history of the house cat around the world.

First Aired

1991-11-15
Last Aired

1991-12-13
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

5
Status

Ended
Language

English
Network

BBC Two

Keywords:

cat

Stream and watch Cats

Season 1

1. Felines and Pharaohs

The domestic cat had its origins in ancient Egypt. But how did it become domesticated and who were its...More

The domestic cat had its origins in ancient Egypt. But how did it become domesticated and who were its ancestors?Less

30mins 1991-11-15

2. A Love Hate Affair

Revered as a god by the Pharaohs, the cat arrived in Britain with the Romans. But later it had to endu...More

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.Less

30mins 1991-11-22

3. Pet or Pest?

As the British Empire expanded, how did the world's cat population grow? What was its impact and how d...More

As the British Empire expanded, how did the world's cat population grow? What was its impact and how did cats transform society?Less

30mins 1991-11-29

4. The Aristocats

Roger Tabor goes in search of pedigree cats, from the favourites to the forgotten breeds. They include...More

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.Less

30mins 1991-12-06

5. Cat and Supercat

The domestic cat will soon overtake the dog as the most popular pet in the world. But is man's interfe...More

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.Less