Cat Tales | Full Documentary | NOVA | PBS

I am 80 years-old and have no one in my life except my beloved Russian Blue, Sofie Girl. Every morning around 6am she crawls up on my chest for a nap and some loving. I am divorced but no person has ever shown me the degree of love that Sofie does. It is an honor to take care of her and to love her so much. I have always had cats. I remember each and every one of them with great affection. I thank God for this gift...

Each day when I arrived home, my kitty would meow loudly at the foot of the bed. That was my signal to sit on the bed and pet her. She wouldn't stop until I did so. She demanded love and affection before food. No one can tell me cats are only motivated by food. My baby passed away last month. Right before she passed, she looked deeply into my eyes in the most tender way as if to say thank you for all the belly rubs, hair brushing, ear scratches, and love you gave me. I miss her.

I’m a 30 year old man with 5 cats (no more) But I could not not imagine my life without them. They help me relax and are so friendly

My cat BooBoo literally changed my life. After I could no longer work I was in my apartment on a limited income. For some reason my spirit told me to go to a shelter and get a cat. It was the best decision I ever made. She was a distraction from my depression and anxiety, I learned to care for her. 12 years later, she’s now a senior with some health issues, but I am determined to make her feel better. I will be forever grateful for having her in my life. 🐕🐱

When a cat chooses you as its favorite person, it is a HUGE honor

1 in 5 household owns a cat. Sometimes 2 or 3 of those households own the same cat!

I'm 21 and just adopted my first cat, Kento, less than a week ago. I've grown up with dogs my entire life, but I've never fallen in love with an animal so quickly. Despite Kento only being with me for about five days now, he is the sweetest, most affectionate little guy! He's currently curled up next to me as I watch this, and he makes coming back from classes and studying so much easier.

Personally I find cats pretty readable. I wish more people would take the time to learn their expressions and what they mean. One of my cats even has his own special expression when he's being obstinant where he juts out his chin and glares and walks in a stompy manner and it's hillarious. I've found that the more time a person spends actually trying to comunicate with their cats, the more the cats will develop special expressions, behaviors, and vocal sounds to get across to you what they want.

I inherited my sisters black cat. His name was Chaka and he was such a warrior. He was born in St Louis and moved to Venice CA where he lived out his days as an indoor / outdoor cat. He would get into fights but never lost. He was an awesome friend and I miss him daily. He lived to be 23 years old. ❤️🏆

Anybody can be loved by a dog by just showing up. You earn a cat's love.

Unfortunately it took me 60 years to realize how much I love cats. I had always been a dog person. I’m getting ready to adopt my first cat. The only time in my life, that I was this excited was when I brought home my only child. I can’t wait to bring home my baby with four legs. 💜

Poor little creatures! I moved into a house and next door had been vacated. In the back yard was a dead mother cat. Her kittens were still alive. Very small. Very hungry. I had 2 dogs and a .male cat. Between us. and with the help of a formula and ear dropper, they all flourished. My pets kept them warm and clean. My cat even let them suckle! It did take a lot of time, but was very rewarding. I was sad when it was time to part, but they all got homed to good loving families, and I was happy. It is tempting to keep them!

Years ago when my son was a newborn, our cat was my most dependable babysitter. Little Guy would sleep under the crib or the stroller if we were outside. As our son got older and mobile LG would follow him everywhere. He never allowed strangers to approach our son and defended him at every opportunity. He was so special and we miss him to this day.

Hubby and I are sitting here wondering how you can't read a cat's expression... We absolutely read our cat's expressions.

I learned more about Cats in this video than I ever thought possible. I'm on a NOVA binge and there's no going back. I must fill my brain with all the knowledge.

My first cat, Javier, was a feral kitten. His socialization is my greatest accomplishment. He is the gentlest and sweetest boy and has absolutely no interest in going back outside.

Training cats... you just have to know what their motivation is. I had a cat... probably will never find another like him... I miss him... Who's motivation was just like that of a dog... he craved attention... He wanted to be near you ... he wanted pets... he would do anything to get that. Anything at all. And he was smart. He knew pretty much what you were saying. He could speak... as in he used words. He could say "Mom, Out, Help, and No" and he knew when to use those words. He would come when called. If I snapped my fingers and pointed he would jump up there and sit. He could shake hands, give a high five, kisses, stand up, lay down, and many other things if you asked. He would frequently wake my daughter on command. He just knew things. Again... his motivation was pets. He was also smart enough that if you pet him without asking him to do things... He just wouldn't do things for you... Why? Because he knew you'd pet him anyway... and that was all he really wanted. So if you refused to pet him he would go through all his tricks for you on comand and on his own... trying to gain your attention. He frequently did this for my father who was NOT a cat person... but for my mom he refused to do tricks. She would pet him anyway if he just crawled up to her and sat beside her. He knew this. He also would show you his murder mittens... and spread his claws out for you to inspect anytime you showed him your hand. He was amazing and brilliant and will be forever missed.

My tortie girl passed away at twenty years old, 3 years ago. I wish someone had prepared me for the train load of grief I feel to this day. The absolute best friend I have ever had. Smart, demanding, great sense of humor, took care of me when I was unwell, played well right up until a month before she died, just a brilliant friend and partner. Once in a lifetime cat. Cats are amazing. Dogs are great, but cats are on another level.

I wasn't able to have children so I've had cats my whole life.. while watching this I realize that I was actually pretty fertile because I was a momma to all 12 of my babies ❤

I love my precious dogs, but it is so true that earning a cat’s love and trust is such an honor. I have two rescue kitties, and I can’t explain the joy they bring. It is also amazing how my cats bonded with my dogs. My one cat. Cleo, came to us at 6 weeks old. In many ways so he thinks she is a dog. She sleeps with my dog and actually goes for walks. The minute she hears the leash, she comes running! Everyone stops to look and comment. She has become somewhat of a celebrity in our neighborhood—and she loves it!