Cats

Episode 01

Felines and Pharaohs

Nov 15, 1991 · 30 min

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

Episode 02

A Love Hate Affair

Nov 22, 1991 · 30 min

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.

Episode 03

Pet or Pest?

Nov 29, 1991 · 30 min

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

Episode 04

The Aristocats

Dec 6, 1991 · 30 min

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.

Episode 05

Cat and Supercat

Dec 13, 1991 · 30 min

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.