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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888- - 888
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- I love cats.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53- But I wasn't brought up with cats.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59- On the farm, Ty Mawr, every cow, - horse and dog had a name.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- But what was the cat called? - 'The Cat'.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05- She lived in the cowshed.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10- My father didn't like cats. - He said, "You can't trust a cat."
0:01:10 > 0:01:15- So I was raised with dogs, hamsters, - rabbits, budgies and parrots.
0:01:15 > 0:01:22- But, in 1980, I received a gift, on - the first night of a West End play.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- It was a Burmese cat called Spencer.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- I fell in love with Spencer...
0:01:28 > 0:01:33- ..and until this year, - I haven't had to live without cats.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- Here are my cats.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- The first one, of course, - was Spencer.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- He died young, sadly, aged 11.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52- But Spencer was a fighter.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- He looked after the garden - and the house.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- I thought Spencer needed company...
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- ..so we bought... Barnaby.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- Barnaby was a little brown cat. - Oh, he was small and timid.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11- Spencer loved him.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- He was the spirit of the house.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- He was my favourite, to be honest.
0:02:18 > 0:02:19- He was so sweet.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22- After he died, I moved here.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- It's high-rise, with no garden.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- But I wanted another cat - - and here's my latest.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- This is Rudi.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38- I have a friend who spends - a lot of time in the flat...
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- ..and he had a terrible reaction - to Rudi - he became ill.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46- Hospital was the next step.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- And one Sunday morning - I thought, "This is impossible."
0:02:50 > 0:02:56- So I phoned my cousin in Whitland - and asked him to take in my cat.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02- I miss him, of course. - Living without a cat is terrible.
0:03:02 > 0:03:07- But I'm satisfied that he's living - a better life in Whitland...
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- ..than I could offer him - here in town.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23- And here is Rudi with the family - in Carmarthenshire.
0:03:23 > 0:03:27- He's having a great time - and enjoying life.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- I come down here as often as I can.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- Isn't he pretty?
0:03:34 > 0:03:40- Not far from here is a memorial - to commemorate Hywel Dda...
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- ..the king who codified - the laws of Wales.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47- In his opinion, - a cat was worth a groat.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51- A newborn kitten - was worth one penny.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- A kitten that had opened its eyes - was worth tuppence...
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- ..and after it had killed a mouse, - it was worth a groat.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- What is the particular appeal - of cats?
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- Not everyone feels the same as I do.
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- I'm on a sort of crusade...
0:04:13 > 0:04:19- ..to understand what exactly is the - chemistry between people and cats.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29- There are over 100 breeds of cats - worldwide.
0:04:30 > 0:04:35- Cats have existed on this earth - for over 12 million years.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40- According to scientists, - they don't regard us as people...
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- ..but rather as large cats.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49- Some people breed pedigree cats...
0:04:49 > 0:04:53- ..and love showing them - at cat shows.
0:04:58 > 0:05:03- The first cat show in Britain - was held in 1871.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10- No need to ask if you like cats!
0:05:10 > 0:05:11- No need to ask if you like cats!- - Oh, don't I just!
0:05:11 > 0:05:11- Oh, don't I just!
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- Have you owned any cats?
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- The family has always had cats.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- When did you start breeding cats?
0:05:21 > 0:05:23- Oh, 20 years ago.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- Over 20 years ago.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- I started off breeding Siamese cats.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- My daughter received - a Red Point Siamese as a gift...
0:05:38 > 0:05:41- ..and she gave us lots of kittens.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- We kept one special one.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- Do all cats like competing?
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- No, not all of them. - But he was extremely good.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- If we had a cat - that didn't enjoying competing...
0:05:55 > 0:05:59- ..we didn't take them because - it caused too many problems.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- They become distressed, - and that made them miserable.
0:06:03 > 0:06:08- Did you have to work hard - to prepare for today?
0:06:08 > 0:06:13- Not really, just check their claws - and clean their ears and eyes...
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- ..and make sure they're well combed.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19- Aren't you pretty, bach!
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- I got the worst of it.
0:06:23 > 0:06:29- I had to get up at 2.00am - in order to set out at 5.00am...
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- ..because it's a three-hour journey - to Shepton Mallet.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- What cats do you breed?
0:06:36 > 0:06:39- I've gone from Siamese to Bengal.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- Bengals came from America, - originally.
0:06:48 > 0:06:54- Snow Bengals were discovered beside - a river in India called the Bengal.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- That's why they're called Bengals.
0:06:59 > 0:07:04- I've also got a British Shorthair - - a red silver tabby.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06- He's five months old.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- This is his first visit to a show.
0:07:10 > 0:07:10- This is his first visit to a show.- - Oh, how sweet! Is he happy?
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- Oh, how sweet! Is he happy?
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- He seems alright!
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- I've given him a cwtch!
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- When will you know - if you've won anything?
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- We've won one - we know of one.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27- He's come 1st in the Open Class.
0:07:28 > 0:07:29- Oh, congratulations!
0:07:29 > 0:07:31- Which was this? The Bengal?
0:07:31 > 0:07:31- Which was this? The Bengal?- - No, the British Shorthair.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32- No, the British Shorthair.
0:07:33 > 0:07:34- The little one.
0:07:34 > 0:07:35- The little one.- - Congratulations!
0:07:35 > 0:07:35- Congratulations!
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- We're absolutely...
0:07:37 > 0:07:39- I'm sure you're extremely happy!
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- Apparently, scientists have proved - that a person's blood pressure...
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- ..will go down - when they stroke a cat.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- There are similar areas in people's - brains and in cats' brains...
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- ..which register emotion.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- What does a psychiatrist think - about the relationship...
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- ..between cats and people?
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- Do you think - that keeping pet animals...
0:08:18 > 0:08:24- ..is good for our mental health - as well as our physical health?
0:08:24 > 0:08:27- I'm sure it is, - especially at specific times.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- We mustn't forget there's a - difference between being and living.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- They're two different things.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- You can exist, for example...
0:08:38 > 0:08:41- ..on a lovely mountain top, - surrounded by beauty.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- You exist - - but I don't think that's living.
0:08:45 > 0:08:50- We must have some sort of - relationship with someone else.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53- I think it's important - for us to realise...
0:08:53 > 0:08:57- ..that we should relate - to other people.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- Isn't it strange to think, as Hobson - has demonstrated recently...
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- ..that a child - - a newborn baby in its crib...
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- ..wants to please the mother - and to communicate with her...
0:09:11 > 0:09:15- ..and that is how - a baby learns language.
0:09:15 > 0:09:16- That's the greatest motive.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20- It happens very early on in life...
0:09:20 > 0:09:25- ..and it shows that to live is to - relate to others - people, usually.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- But I know there are many people - - normal people...
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- ..and also people who have - a personality disorder...
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- ..what we call schizoid...
0:09:35 > 0:09:40- ..who withdraw from the world - and from relationships with people.
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- Some people - both normal - and abnormal...
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- ..have relationships with animals, - such as cats and dogs...
0:09:47 > 0:09:53- ..and the animal - is something special in their life.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- You're not suggesting - there's something wrong...
0:09:57 > 0:09:59- ..with people who love cats?
0:09:59 > 0:09:59- ..with people who love cats?- - No, not at all!
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- No, not at all!
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- But it's strange...
0:10:03 > 0:10:07- ..that some people can't sustain - a relationship with people...
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- ..so they create a relationship - with a cat or a dog...
0:10:12 > 0:10:13- ..very often with cats.
0:10:14 > 0:10:16- And indeed, when the cat dies...
0:10:16 > 0:10:20- ..there's a lot of grief, - lasting for years.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24- That shows there's a very deep - feeling towards the cat.
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- It's another living creature.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- In that respect, - I think it is a substitute...
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- ..but it is - a very positive substitute.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- But I know of some people - who have lost a cat...
0:10:39 > 0:10:44- ..and they grieve for years, and - they refuse to get another cat...
0:10:44 > 0:10:47- ..because they had - such a special relationship.
0:10:48 > 0:10:52- It's important - - this reaction to the loss of a cat.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- It's very similar - to losing a person.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05- It's an interesting fact that - Napoleon, Mussolini and Hitler...
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- ..were not fond of cats.
0:11:08 > 0:11:09- Too independent, perhaps.
0:11:18 > 0:11:18- 888
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- 888- - 888
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- The journey continues.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- We've come to Amsterdam - to meet Sian Thomas...
0:11:35 > 0:11:39- ..who knows a lot - about the history of cats...
0:11:39 > 0:11:42- ..especially their link with Egypt.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- # Amsterdam, with its crooked walls,
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- # A town full of toys. #
0:11:49 > 0:11:51- "Why Amsterdam?" I hear you ask.
0:11:51 > 0:11:57- Because there's a cat museum here - - the biggest one in the world.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- How did the relationship - between cats and people begin?
0:12:40 > 0:12:45- It goes back to the Stone Age, - but those cats were wild cats.
0:12:45 > 0:12:50- The real relationship between cats - and people began 5,000 years ago...
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- ..3,000 years before Christ.
0:12:52 > 0:12:57- It began in Nubia - the land - occupied today by Sudan and Libya.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- Nubia was conquered by Egypt because - it was a land rich in gold...
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- ..and Egyptians brought cats - back with them.
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- They used them for fishing and - hunting in the delta marshlands.
0:13:12 > 0:13:14- The Egyptians - relied on good harvests...
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- ..to sustain them - throughout the year.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- Grain had to be protected - from pests like mice and snakes...
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- ..which ate grain.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Gradually, cats were enticed - into the villages because of mice...
0:13:28 > 0:13:32- ..and the Egyptians soon realised - how useful they were.
0:13:32 > 0:13:36- They didn't have to be fed - - they lived on mice...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- ..and thus protected the harvests - and grain stores.
0:13:40 > 0:13:44- So people began making - positive efforts to attract cats...
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- ..and cats gradually became - part of the family.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- Many of today's cats are descended - from those early cats in Egypt.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20- But Sian, it's a big step...
0:14:21 > 0:14:25- ..from using cats in that way, - to worshipping them.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27- How did that begin?
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- The Egyptians respected animals, - in any case.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- They believed that we're all - created equally...
0:14:33 > 0:14:38- ..and we must co-exist, which means - respecting every creature.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- Many creatures were regarded - as gods or goddesses.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- There were three feline goddesses.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- Mafdet, who was - a large black panther...
0:14:47 > 0:14:49- ..Sekhmet, who was a lioness...
0:14:49 > 0:14:54- ..and the most well-known and - popular of all, Bastet, or Bast...
0:14:54 > 0:14:59- ..or Pasht - which may be - the origin of the word 'Puss'.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05- Bastet was regarded as a daughter - of Ra, king of all the gods...
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- ..and god of the sun.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- Ra, as the sun god, - died each evening at sunset...
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- ..and was reborn - each following dawn.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- During the hours of darkness, - he faced all kinds of dangers...
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- ..which could jeopardise - his rebirth.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- The Egyptians believed that Bastet, - Ra's daughter...
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- ..could look into the sunset and - hold the sun's light in her eyes...
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- ..and that's why cats' eyes - shine in the dark.
0:15:37 > 0:15:41- She could see the creatures - of the night, in the dark...
0:15:42 > 0:15:43- ..and destroy them.
0:15:43 > 0:15:49- She protected Ra so that he would - be reborn and life would go on.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- They worshipped Bastet - every year in Bubastis...
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- ..where there was a big temple - in her honour.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- Cats were carried in large baskets - so that they could be worshipped.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- Cats were so revered...
0:16:04 > 0:16:09- ..that if anyone killed a cat in - Egypt, they were sentenced to death.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- And if the family cat died...
0:16:12 > 0:16:17- ..the whole family shaved their - eyebrows as a mark of respect.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- Cats were very highly regarded.
0:16:32 > 0:16:36- According to ancient superstition, - cats have nine lives.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- I know from personal experience - how important vets are...
0:16:42 > 0:16:47- ..in making sure that my cats - lived at least one healthy life.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- Some people will pay a great deal - to keep a cat healthy.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55- A vet's day-to-day work...
0:16:56 > 0:16:59- ..involves handling all kinds - of cats, of all ages.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Here at the Ystwyth - veterinary surgery in Aberystwyth...
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- ..Kate Thomas is extremely familiar - with treating pets.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13- Kate, do cats - actually have nine lives?
0:17:13 > 0:17:15- That's a good question.
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- Some cats are in and out of here - all the time...
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- ..so there must be some aspect - of having many lives!
0:17:25 > 0:17:28- You deal with all kinds of cats.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- What's the most common complaint - you deal with?
0:17:32 > 0:17:34- Car accidents are a big problem.
0:17:34 > 0:17:39- We see lots of animals - with broken legs and so on.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- Endocrine problems - crop up often too.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Elderly cats often have problems - with their kidneys.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- Thyroid too - some cats - have problems with their thyroid.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56- They can suffer - from an overactive thyroid.
0:17:56 > 0:18:00- We also come across viruses - that specifically affect cats...
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- ..such as the leukaemia virus - and the immunodeficiency viruses.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07- These affect only cats.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Cats have their own - particular problems.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- Have you noticed any differences...
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- ..between the attitudes - of cat owners...
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- ..and the attitudes of those - who own other animals?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24- That's a very interesting question.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- I think there are two - completely different types.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32- Cat owners are attracted to cats - for wholly different reasons...
0:18:33 > 0:18:35- ..than why dog owners choose dogs.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- They're extremely different animals.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43- For some people, - cats are in the background.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- They're not part of their lives.
0:18:47 > 0:18:52- They're outdoors and they have - a job to do - catching mice.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55- Others are obsessed with cats.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- They take over their lives, - in a way.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- What is it about cats?
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- They say Egyptian people - were like that.
0:19:04 > 0:19:07- Cats can affect us - in different ways.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- Does it surprise you - that people love their cats...
0:19:12 > 0:19:16- ..and are sometimes willing to spend - a fortune on their healthcare?
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- There have been examples - in the news recently...
0:19:20 > 0:19:24- ..concerning the kind of money - some people will spend.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Perhaps we don't see - such huge sums spent here...
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- ..but some people - are quite happy to spend a lot.
0:19:33 > 0:19:35- They love their animals so much.
0:19:36 > 0:19:37- How much money?
0:19:37 > 0:19:37- How much money?- - Ooh...
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- Ooh...
0:19:39 > 0:19:44- ..if we're talking about any kind - of orthopaedic work, for example...
0:19:44 > 0:19:50- ..it might mean spending 500 - or 600 on one surgical procedure.
0:19:52 > 0:19:53- That's quite possible.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- People might spend even more...
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- ..if something else happened - later on in the cat's life.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- It's not unusual - to see people willing to pay.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07- LAUGHTER
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- It's amazing how some people - use cats for their own purposes.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- For Cedwyn and Samantha, - and Sali and Jay...
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- ..having a cat or two means - something completely different.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- After Samantha and I - started seeing each other...
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- ..after we started - living together...
0:20:36 > 0:20:38- ..we discussed having children.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- But we weren't used - to looking after a child.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- So we thought we could practise - by getting an animal...
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- ..and we both like cats - - we don't like dogs.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- We decided to get a cat, - from the cats' home in Bryncethin.
0:20:56 > 0:21:01- We lived on the second floor - in a block of flats...
0:21:01 > 0:21:04- ..and we really wanted - to have children.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- But we needed to save some money.
0:21:07 > 0:21:12- And we couldn't carry a buggy - to the second floor.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14- And we also wanted cats.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15- So a compromise - a cat.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16- So a compromise - a cat.- - We had to have two, though.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17- We had to have two, though.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- To keep each other company.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- We saw two cats there - two kittens.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25- They were ginger.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- We decided to take both, - they'd take more looking after.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- If we could look after two cats, - we'd be ready for a child!
0:21:36 > 0:21:38- I phoned the RSPCA.
0:21:38 > 0:21:42- They said it's perfectly natural - to keep cats in a flat...
0:21:42 > 0:21:45- ..without them being able - to go outside...
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- ..as long as they had - fresh water and love.
0:21:50 > 0:21:51- Oh, dear!
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- Aren't they a handful!
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- Every cat - has its own unique character.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03- In November 2003, - the two cats arrived here...
0:22:04 > 0:22:06- ..and we've had them ever since.
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- They're great - - we enjoy having them.
0:22:10 > 0:22:11- They're both ginger.
0:22:12 > 0:22:14- Both of them are tomcats.
0:22:15 > 0:22:21- Because they're ginger, I named one - of them Jenksi after Neil Jenkins...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- ..a ginger bloke - who played for Wales!
0:22:25 > 0:22:27- Samantha is a football fan...
0:22:27 > 0:22:33- ..and a big fan of Mark Hughes, - so the other cat's called Sparky!
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- We felt it was cruel - to keep cats indoors.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41- We needed a garden, - so we moved here...
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- And that gave us a reason - to have children!
0:22:45 > 0:22:48- The baby is due in July!
0:22:48 > 0:22:53- They fulfilled their role - we - became used to looking after them...
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- ..so we decided to try for a child.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- We were full of confidence!
0:22:59 > 0:23:01- And so Gethin came along.
0:23:01 > 0:23:07- Gethin is a result of our decision - to have little Jenksis!
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- If we hadn't had cats, - we wouldn't have moved...
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- ..and we wouldn't now - be expecting a baby!
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- What have we learnt by now?
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- That the link between people - and cats...
0:23:27 > 0:23:33- ..goes back to the age of the - pyramids and the Egyptian pharaohs.
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- There's something psychological - that attracts us to them.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- They can take the place of children, - for some.
0:23:44 > 0:23:50- An old Welsh verse says, "A black - cat keeps the house free of worry,
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- "Cats born in May - bring snakes indoors,
0:23:54 > 0:23:57- "Cats born in June - stick their noses in foam,
0:23:58 > 0:24:00- "A visiting cat sweeps the yard."
0:24:08 > 0:24:08- 888
0:24:08 > 0:24:10- 888- - 888
0:24:15 > 0:24:19- Cats are a common feature - in the arts world.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23- Paintings, music - - and what about literature?
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- Many people have written poems - about cats.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41- Do you have any favourites?
0:24:42 > 0:24:43- Yes.
0:24:43 > 0:24:47- When you look at literature, - it's very interesting.
0:24:47 > 0:24:53- I tried to find cats in the Bible, - for example, but there aren't any.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- But there's a lovely story - about Mohammed.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01- There was a cat - sleeping on his sleeve...
0:25:01 > 0:25:07- ..so he had to cut the sleeve off - to avoid waking the cat.
0:25:09 > 0:25:14- There are cats in paradise, - according to the Moslem religion.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- That's very interesting.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- There are many authors - who have written about cats.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26- There's a lovely poem about a cat, - written by RS Thomas...
0:25:27 > 0:25:28- ..a cat called Sian!
0:25:29 > 0:25:33- It's very interesting - that RS wrote about cats...
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- ..or about a cat...
0:25:36 > 0:25:41- ..because he could probably admire - cats only in other people's homes.
0:25:41 > 0:25:47- He loved birds and, for that reason, - he couldn't keep a cat.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- Here's the poem about Sian.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- It begins beautifully.
0:25:54 > 0:25:59- "Can one make love to a kitten?
0:26:00 > 0:26:07- "Sian, purr for me, - jump into my lap, knead me.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10- "Shine your claws in my smile.
0:26:11 > 0:26:17- "Your talk is a bell fastened - with a ribbon about your throat.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21- "My hand thrills to the electricity - of your fur.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- "So small you are,
0:26:23 > 0:26:28- "I cradle you on my arm, - wearing you at my breast-bone."
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- Yeats, too, was - very fond of cats.
0:26:33 > 0:26:38- He liked the idea of cats being - able to see the supernatural.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41- He liked the way cats are.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44- He tells a friend, in a letter...
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- .."Are they really beings...
0:26:46 > 0:26:50- "..to which we have access - only at privileged moments?"
0:26:51 > 0:26:54- That is, it's only - at certain moments...
0:26:54 > 0:26:59- ..that we have the rare privilege - of understanding them.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01- If we turn to Welsh literature...
0:27:02 > 0:27:08- ..one of the most unpleasant - portrayals of cats...
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- ..is the scene described in - Saunders Lewis's novel, 'Monica'.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- Monica shuts herself away - in her house...
0:27:17 > 0:27:19- ..with these two white cats...
0:27:19 > 0:27:22- ..and her husband - complains about the smell.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29- But she laments that her cats - are all that she has left.
0:27:30 > 0:27:35- She sees the cats as things - that justify her existence.
0:27:35 > 0:27:40- That's a very interesting portrayal - by Saunders Lewis.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- On a happier, or funnier, note...
0:27:44 > 0:27:50- ..Waldo wrote a delightful poem - about cats.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55- The poem is called - 'Ymadawiad Cwrcath'.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57- It's interesting...
0:27:58 > 0:28:02- ..the word "cwrcath" - tomcat - - makes people laugh for some reason.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04- The word "cath" doesn't...
0:28:04 > 0:28:07- ..but "cwrcath" - implies a certain character.
0:28:07 > 0:28:12- Of course, this poem is a parody - of T Gwynn Jones.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- I'll read an extract.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17- "There you'll find - all the feline scrapping
0:28:17 > 0:28:21- "That ever took place on rooftops - beneath the stars,
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- "There's cold meat and cawl - for each questing mouth,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- "A pound of cheese - for each pussy that seeks it.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32- "Since time began, each tom - has claimed nine lives -
0:28:32 > 0:28:35- "There, he takes his tenth breath."
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- It describes a struggle - to try to kill this cat.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45- But in the end, - "He gave one famous leap,
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- "Yet again, he went for the door."
0:28:49 > 0:28:54- The cat wins in the end - - there's no getting rid of it!
0:28:56 > 0:29:00- From one poet, - at home with her tame cat...
0:29:00 > 0:29:05- ..to another poet, whose wild cats - roam the fields in Talgarreg.
0:29:08 > 0:29:10- Have you always had a cat?
0:29:10 > 0:29:11- Have you always had a cat?- - Yes. I was brought up on a farm.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13- Yes. I was brought up on a farm.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- I'm very fond of animals.
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- I was raised with dogs, cattle, - pigs, sheep - all kinds...
0:29:20 > 0:29:24- ..and cats, of course - farm cats.
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- Very charming creatures - - very tough creatures too.
0:29:27 > 0:29:31- I remember them - having the time of their lives...
0:29:31 > 0:29:37- ..in the barn, in spring, when the - mice came in from the grain store.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40- There was little corn left - in the grain store...
0:29:40 > 0:29:44- ..and the cats waited for the mice - in the barn.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48- I watched the drama - from the cowshed!
0:29:48 > 0:29:51- It was a deadly, cruel performance.
0:29:53 > 0:29:56- The cats were so sure of their prey.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00- Many poets have written about cats.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04- Have you yourself written something?
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- Personally, I haven't - written anything about cats.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12- But the late Bardd Cocos - wrote about the cat.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14- He called it...
0:30:14 > 0:30:18- .."a long-tailed, round-bellied, - mouse-eating creature!"
0:30:20 > 0:30:23- There are two important poems - in English...
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- ..one by Thomas Hardy...
0:30:26 > 0:30:32- ..one by Thomas Hardy - - 'Last Words To A Dumb Friend'.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- He describes the cat's grave...
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- ..as seen from the hearth, - through the window.
0:30:39 > 0:30:46- "Housemate, I can think you still - Bounding to the windowsill
0:30:47 > 0:30:52- "Over which I vaguely see - Your small mound beneath a tree
0:30:53 > 0:30:59- "Showing in the autumn shade - That you moulder where you played."
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- It portrays a cat's death.
0:31:03 > 0:31:04- Strangely enough...
0:31:04 > 0:31:09- ..both of these English poems - are about cats that are dead.
0:31:09 > 0:31:15- This second poem is the work - of the poet and lawyer Roy Fuller.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- 'In memory of my cat Domino, - 1951-66'.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21- "So long, had we been together
0:31:22 > 0:31:27- "It never occurred to me - that I might fall somewhat behind,
0:31:27 > 0:31:31- "Even when, - familiar fur in my hands
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- "The sickly wave of - barbiturate rose up
0:31:37 > 0:31:41- "I thought it was I who was - journeying on."
0:31:41 > 0:31:45- Strangely enough, - I don't know of a single poem...
0:31:45 > 0:31:49- ..that tells of the other aspect - - the cat's primitive aspect.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54- Poets like Ted Hughes, Seamus Heaney - and even Gwyn Thomas...
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- ..could have written - that kind of poem.
0:31:57 > 0:31:59- But I don't know of any.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03- Bearing this in mind, - I've written an englyn.
0:32:05 > 0:32:11- It demonstrates what a poem - on this theme might be like.
0:32:13 > 0:32:18- A portrayal of a cat, civilised in - a comfortable kitchen of an evening.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- But, later, that same cat...
0:32:21 > 0:32:26- ..returns into the kitchen in the - morning after hunting all night.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- Both elements, the civilised - and the uncivilised...
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- ..co-existing - within the same creature.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34- Here's the englyn.
0:32:34 > 0:32:39- "This evening, - purring somnolently with caresses
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- "But later, primordial in the dawn,
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- "She comes - with the spoils of her hunting
0:32:49 > 0:32:51- "Into the kitchen."
0:32:51 > 0:32:56- She brings that primitiveness into - the civilised feel of the kitchen...
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- ..having spent the previous evening - in front of the fire being caressed.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06- That's the rounded image of the cat, - the complete image.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- It's an image that startles you.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12- It's a very disturbing image.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15- It's a thrilling and exciting image.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- After all, that's - the kind of material...
0:33:21 > 0:33:24- ..that inspires - truly worthwhile poetry.
0:33:26 > 0:33:28- PIANO
0:33:37 > 0:33:38- What was that?
0:33:38 > 0:33:39- What was that?- - That was 'Kitty Valse' by Faure.
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- That was 'Kitty Valse' by Faure.
0:33:41 > 0:33:43- It's quite a well-known piece.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- Have the world's greatest composers - been inspired by cats at all?
0:33:49 > 0:33:50- Some of them.
0:33:50 > 0:33:54- Cats appear in the titles - of several pieces.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59- There are stories of cats - walking along a piano keyboard.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03- There's a story - famously associated with Scarlatti.
0:34:03 > 0:34:07- But I also discovered - that Chopin wrote "Cat Waltz"...
0:34:07 > 0:34:13- ..and the story goes that the cat - walked across the piano - like this.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- # CAT WALTZ # - Chopin
0:34:18 > 0:34:19- And so on.
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- But I don't think - this story is true...
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- ..because it sounds too precise - to be a cat!
0:34:27 > 0:34:28- However, this one is different.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- This is Scarlatti - another story - of a cat walking across a piano.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35- # CAT'S FUGUE # - Scarlatti
0:34:35 > 0:34:39- That's more unusual, and I believe - it sounds more authentic.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- Here's the piece - - he included it in his 'Fugue'.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46- # CAT'S FUGUE # - Scarlatti
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- And so on.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01- There are many more - instrumental pieces.
0:35:02 > 0:35:03- There are lots of songs too.
0:35:03 > 0:35:05- There are lots of songs too.- - Yes - how about some songs?
0:35:05 > 0:35:06- Yes - how about some songs?
0:35:06 > 0:35:07- # LIVELY MUSIC #
0:35:07 > 0:35:08- # LIVELY MUSIC #- - What's that?
0:35:08 > 0:35:08- What's that?
0:35:09 > 0:35:12- I don't know. I know the tune.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- It starts with two important words - - "Top Cat!"
0:35:17 > 0:35:19- I'll try to sing it.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- 'Top Cat' was a cartoon.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25- # Top Cat, the most effectual,
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- # Top Cat, who's intellectual,
0:35:29 > 0:35:32- # Close friends get to call him TC,
0:35:33 > 0:35:35- # Providing it's with dignity. #
0:35:35 > 0:35:37- What comes next?
0:35:37 > 0:35:37- What comes next?- - # Top Cat!
0:35:37 > 0:35:38- # Top Cat!
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- # The indisputable - leader of the gang. #
0:35:42 > 0:35:44- And so on.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47- I remember that when I was a boy.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52- Right, what's this song - from a very well-known film?
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- Here's how it begins. It's a waltz.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56- What's the film?
0:35:56 > 0:35:56- What's the film?- - 'What's New Pussycat?'
0:35:56 > 0:35:57- 'What's New Pussycat?'
0:35:58 > 0:36:02- 'What's New Pussycat?' was - a co-production with our company...
0:36:02 > 0:36:06- ..and an American company - - I can't remember the name.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10- I remember people bringing a demo - back to the office...
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- .."We've got the song, this is it!"
0:36:13 > 0:36:18- I said, "Tom Jones sang that - he's - Welsh," but they weren't interested.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23- But of course the song became very - famous and it's still played...
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- ..though the film has disappeared.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27- ..though the film has disappeared.- - These things go round in circles.
0:36:27 > 0:36:28- But it's a superb song.
0:36:28 > 0:36:29- But it's a superb song.- - A very difficult song.
0:36:29 > 0:36:30- A very difficult song.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34- They say Tom Jones was the only one - who could sing it.
0:36:35 > 0:36:38- # What's new pussycat? Whoah, whoah.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42- # What's new pussycat? - Whoah, whoah, whoah. #
0:36:44 > 0:36:45- "Pussycat, Pussycat."
0:36:46 > 0:36:49- # Pussycat, Pussycat, - I've got flowers,
0:36:50 > 0:36:53- # And lots of hours - to spend with you.
0:36:53 > 0:36:58- # So go and powder - your cute little pussycat nose! #
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- I'll finish with something - from Wales.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06- Most of these are American. - There aren't many songs from Wales.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09- But there's 'Pwsi Meri Mew'.
0:37:09 > 0:37:10- I only remember half of it!
0:37:10 > 0:37:12- I only remember half of it!- - I only remember the first two lines!
0:37:12 > 0:37:12- I only remember the first two lines!
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- Let's give it a go.
0:37:15 > 0:37:19- # Pwsi Meri Mew, - how did you lose your fur?
0:37:19 > 0:37:24- # Going through a thick bush - in the frost and the snow.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- # What welcome - did you receive there? #
0:37:28 > 0:37:30- And so on.
0:37:30 > 0:37:35- Now then - what famous duet - by Rossini shall we finish with?
0:37:36 > 0:37:39- No. Let's leave that duet - to someone else...
0:37:39 > 0:37:40- ..someone who can do better!
0:37:40 > 0:37:41- ..someone who can do better!- - Amen!
0:37:41 > 0:37:42- Amen!
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- # COMIC DUET FOR TWO CATS # - Rossini
0:37:46 > 0:37:48- # Mi-a-aow,
0:37:48 > 0:37:50- # Mi-i-i-i-aow!
0:37:50 > 0:37:52- # Mi-i-i-i-i-i-aow,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54- # Mi-i-i-i-i-i-aow,- - # Mi-i-i-aow.
0:37:54 > 0:37:55- # Mi-i-i-aow.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- # Mi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-aow!
0:38:01 > 0:38:03- # Mi-i-i-a-a-a-aow,
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- # Mi-i-i-a-a-a-aow,- - # Mi-i-i-i-i-aow!
0:38:05 > 0:38:05- # Mi-i-i-i-i-aow!
0:38:06 > 0:38:07- # Mi-i-i-a-a-a-aow,
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- # Mi-i-i-a-a-a-aow,- - # Mi-i-i-i-i-aow!
0:38:09 > 0:38:09- # Mi-i-i-i-i-aow!
0:38:09 > 0:38:14- # Mi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-aow,
0:38:14 > 0:38:19- # Mi-i-i-aow! #
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- APPLAUSE
0:38:28 > 0:38:28- 888
0:38:28 > 0:38:30- 888- - 888
0:38:35 > 0:38:38- You mustn't think - that everyone loves cats.
0:38:39 > 0:38:40- Some people hate them.
0:38:49 > 0:38:50- Come in. Sit down.
0:38:50 > 0:38:51- Come in. Sit down.- - Thank you.
0:38:51 > 0:38:52- Thank you.
0:38:52 > 0:38:55- I'll go and fetch Tomos.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- Right-ho. - I'd like to see the creature.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01- Is he comfortable with strangers?
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- Will you take him?
0:39:03 > 0:39:03- Will you take him?- - No, I don't want him!
0:39:03 > 0:39:05- No, I don't want him!
0:39:05 > 0:39:06- No, really, no!
0:39:07 > 0:39:11- Take him away, I beg you! - I'm really scared of cats.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- Mr OP Roberts lived next door to me.
0:39:16 > 0:39:19- He told me - when I came to live here...
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- ..that I had to do the garden!
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- He'd been a Sergeant Major - in the Army, in Ireland.
0:39:27 > 0:39:32- He was quite a Sergeant Major - when he lived next door!
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- He told me to grow potatoes - first of all.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- He grew potatoes - - he grew everything.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- We'd chat over the garden wall.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- But cats gave me trouble...
0:39:45 > 0:39:48- ..other people's cats - - I didn't have cats.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54- Honestly, I came up with - every trick we could think of...
0:39:54 > 0:39:57- ..to try and get rid of the cats.
0:39:58 > 0:40:02- I left lemon and orange peel - between the rows of potatoes.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- The cats did their business there...
0:40:05 > 0:40:09- ..and that put me off - eating the potatoes!
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- Who'd want to eat parsley - if a cat's been pooing there?!
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Goodness, we had so much trouble!
0:40:16 > 0:40:20- We came up with all kinds of things.
0:40:20 > 0:40:24- Placing barbed wire on the walls - to stop cats getting in.
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- Sprinkling pepper around everything.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- It didn't work.
0:40:28 > 0:40:31- But cattle are his main delight.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- Yes - well, you've got to keep - everyone happy.
0:40:35 > 0:40:40- Talk about happy - I'll have - to move, there's a cat over there!
0:40:45 > 0:40:51- Then, we tried leaving a stuffed toy - dog among the blackcurrant bushes!
0:40:52 > 0:40:57- It was the same principle as - a scarecrow to get rid of crows...
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- ..but using a stuffed dog - to get rid of cats!
0:41:01 > 0:41:05- Then, we tried plastic bottles - filled with water...
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- ..and we'd rush out - and squirt the cats.
0:41:09 > 0:41:10- I don't know...
0:41:10 > 0:41:13- This went on year after year.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- We did consider getting an air gun!
0:41:20 > 0:41:25- These strange people do exist, - but I'm not one of them.
0:41:25 > 0:41:31- I may not ever be able to convince - some people about a cat's appeal.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- And I'll never - understand the difference...
0:41:34 > 0:41:38- ..between those who like cats - and those who loathe them.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43- Perhaps their appeal - is somehow linked with magic.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- "I have a black cat - quite unlike any other,
0:41:52 > 0:41:56- "She'll fight the gander, - she'll pluck his feathers.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00- "She has claws and a beard, - and they're so pretty.
0:42:01 > 0:42:05- "She chases the masses of mice - from the garden.
0:42:05 > 0:42:09- "When she comes into the house, - she bullies the dog.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- "Take my advice - keep a black cat."
0:42:14 > 0:42:19- Black cats are considered by some - to be lucky, by others unlucky.
0:42:26 > 0:42:27- Do you like cats, Eirlys?
0:42:27 > 0:42:28- Do you like cats, Eirlys?- - Yes. I have two at the moment...
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- Yes. I have two at the moment...
0:42:30 > 0:42:33- ..and I think the world of them.
0:42:34 > 0:42:38- Can you tell me about people's - superstitions concerning cats?
0:42:38 > 0:42:41- Black cats are the usual focus.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45- They're considered to be - either lucky or unlucky.
0:42:46 > 0:42:50- I think people who hate cats - consider them to be unlucky.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- People who like them - say they're fine.
0:42:54 > 0:43:00- If a black cat crosses your path, it - foretells bad luck - in some areas.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02- In others, it brings you luck.
0:43:03 > 0:43:07- I read of a man - who was about to be married...
0:43:08 > 0:43:11- ..and a black cat crossed his path.
0:43:11 > 0:43:17- He believed it was a witch in - disguise and threw a stone at it.
0:43:17 > 0:43:19- That brought him bad luck!
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- What's the link - between cats and witches?
0:43:28 > 0:43:30- It goes back to ancient Egypt.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33- Isis, the mother goddess - of the earth...
0:43:34 > 0:43:35- ..was associated with cats.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39- Cats were regarded - as a manifestation of Isis.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43- The Romans believed that Diana, - the goddess of fertility...
0:43:43 > 0:43:46- ..could turn herself into a cat.
0:43:46 > 0:43:49- There's something enchanting - about cats.
0:43:49 > 0:43:52- People often believed, - down the years...
0:43:52 > 0:43:55- ..that witches could transform - themselves into cats.
0:43:56 > 0:44:01- Also, that the devil gave cats to - witches to help them with spells.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04- If you wanted to enchant someone...
0:44:04 > 0:44:08- ..you'd take an item belonging to - them, such as a glove...
0:44:09 > 0:44:11- ..and rub it on your cat.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- This would bring them bad luck.
0:44:14 > 0:44:19- A young witch would be given - an old cat that knew about spells...
0:44:19 > 0:44:21- ..to help her!
0:44:27 > 0:44:31- Are there any Welsh examples - of witches transforming into cats?
0:44:32 > 0:44:34- Yes.
0:44:34 > 0:44:38- There's the 17th century story - of Huw Llwyd of Cynfal...
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- ..who stayed in a tavern - in Cerrigydrudion.
0:44:41 > 0:44:44- The tavern was kept by two sisters.
0:44:44 > 0:44:48- During the night, - he saw two cats in his room...
0:44:48 > 0:44:52- ..going through his clothes - as though looking for money.
0:44:52 > 0:44:55- He realised they were witches...
0:44:55 > 0:45:00- ..and he took his sword and struck - one of the cats on her paw.
0:45:00 > 0:45:05- The following morning, one - of the sisters had a bandaged hand!
0:45:05 > 0:45:07- Evidently, she had been that cat!
0:45:08 > 0:45:11- People believed - that whatever happened to the cat...
0:45:11 > 0:45:16- ..or to the witch - when in the form of a cat...
0:45:16 > 0:45:18- ..affected the witch's human form.
0:45:18 > 0:45:20- Eirlys, you're also a preacher.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25- Do you believe cats have a soul?
0:45:25 > 0:45:28- I'm sure every living thing - has a soul.
0:45:29 > 0:45:34- If you're fond of cats, could heaven - be heaven without any cats?
0:45:34 > 0:45:36- I'm glad you believe that!
0:45:42 > 0:45:44- Well, he we are...
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- ..nearly at the end of our voyage - of discovery about cats...
0:45:49 > 0:45:52- ..and what they mean to people.
0:45:53 > 0:45:59- But have we gone a bit too far - in our love towards them?
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- One feels that cats - have been here before...
0:46:04 > 0:46:06- ..every cat has lived before.
0:46:06 > 0:46:09- They seem to know - everything about you.
0:46:10 > 0:46:11- They're otherworldly.
0:46:12 > 0:46:15- They give me a lot of pleasure.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18- And companionship - - they talk to you.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21- They demand attention. - They enjoy a cwtch.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24- The house is empty without them.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- They're never the same - - they're always changing.
0:46:28 > 0:46:31- They change their appearance, - and the way they behave.
0:46:32 > 0:46:35- You can't tell what they'll do next.
0:46:35 > 0:46:37- They're very good company.
0:46:37 > 0:46:43- Listening to a cat purring - is very relaxing, for example.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47- I think cats are appealing - because they're otherworldly...
0:46:49 > 0:46:53- ..because they operate to their own - timetable, to a certain degree.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57- There's something philosophical - about them.
0:46:57 > 0:47:02- It's impossible to be angry - with anyone, when you stroke a cat.
0:47:02 > 0:47:06- And it's impossible for you - to suffer from stress...
0:47:06 > 0:47:09- ..when you're stroking a cat.
0:47:10 > 0:47:14- They expect to be worshipped - - and, of course, we worship them.
0:47:14 > 0:47:19- There's nothing better than - having a cat purring on your knee.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22- If a man can find peace...
0:47:22 > 0:47:26- ..why did he seek that relationship - with his Creator?
0:47:26 > 0:47:29- This illustrates an important theme.
0:47:29 > 0:47:31- For some, it's cats, or people...
0:47:32 > 0:47:35- ..for others, it's God - - and for some, it's everything.
0:47:39 > 0:47:43- We've now reached - the end of our journey.
0:47:44 > 0:47:48- What have we learned - about people and cats?
0:47:50 > 0:47:53- Well, the relationship - stretches back...
0:47:53 > 0:47:56- ..over thousands upon thousands - of years.
0:47:57 > 0:48:02- Artists and musicians have created - works of art involving cats.
0:48:03 > 0:48:07- Scientists have proved that they're - generally good for our health.
0:48:08 > 0:48:13- And there's something about cats' - attitude that attracts us to them.
0:48:14 > 0:48:15- PURR
0:48:16 > 0:48:19- There's a woman in Camden Town...
0:48:19 > 0:48:22- ..who says that cats - are waiting patiently...
0:48:22 > 0:48:25- ..while they prepare - to rule the world...
0:48:25 > 0:48:27- ..once again!
0:48:27 > 0:48:29- I wouldn't be surprised!
0:48:29 > 0:48:34- For me, at least, the world - would be a far poorer place...
0:48:34 > 0:48:36- ..without the company of cats.
0:49:01 > 0:49:04- S4C subtitles by TROSOL Cyf.
0:49:04 > 0:49:05- .