Cat Tales | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS

This paragraph delves into the mystery surrounding cats, exploring their enigmatic nature and the scientific efforts to unravel their history. It discusses the evolution of domestic cats from wild ancestors, the role of genetics in making cats more docile, and the neurological findings that explain our emotional connection with them. The narrative also touches on the intelligence of cats, their unique behaviors, and the implications of their dual lives as both predators and companions.

This section focuses on the scientific research into the brain activity of both cats and humans. It highlights the use of magnetoencephalography (M.E.G.) to study brain responses and the discovery that cat meows trigger similar emotional responses in humans as a baby's cry. The discussion includes the evolutionary purpose of pleasure and how it influences our interactions with cats, suggesting that cats may have adapted to evoke nurturing responses from humans.

This paragraph examines the challenges of interpreting cat facial expressions and the scientific efforts to decipher their emotions. It contrasts cats with dogs in terms of expressiveness and explains the physiological differences that make cats less emotive. The research of Lauren Finka is highlighted, which identifies subtle facial markers that indicate a cat's emotional state. The paragraph also explores the idea that cats may be better at reading human emotions than we are at interpreting theirs.

This section delves into the origins of domestic cats, tracing their lineage back to the wildcat Felis silvestris lybica. It discusses the genetic study led by Carlos Driscoll that pinpointed the North African wildcat as the ancestor of domestic cats. The narrative then moves to the archaeological findings on Cyprus, which provide evidence of early human-cat relationships. The paragraph also touches on the behaviors of wild and domestic cats, suggesting that the domestication process was influenced by the cats' ability to control rodent populations around human settlements.

This paragraph explores the significant role cats played in ancient Egyptian society, where they were venerated and even deified as the goddess Bastet. It discusses the impact of large-scale cat breeding for sacrifice on the genetic makeup of modern cats and the spread of cats across the world through trade routes. The narrative also highlights the shift in cat perception during the Middle Ages in Europe, where cats faced persecution due to superstition and were associated with Satan.

This section examines the development of various cat breeds and the impact of human intervention on their genetic diversity. It discusses the natural mutation that led to the distinctive Siamese breed and the later expansion of cat breeding as a status symbol in the late 1800s and 1900s. The paragraph also touches on the challenges of managing feral cat populations and the efforts to control their numbers through neutering and spaying programs.

This paragraph introduces the concept of hybrid cats, which are the result of breeding domestic cats with wildcat species, such as the Bengal cat. It discusses the challenges of creating breeds that combine the physical appeal of wild cats with the domesticated temperament suitable for living with humans. The narrative also considers the implications of these new breeds and the enduring wild nature of cats, despite thousands of years of domestication.