NOVA: Cat Tales

By Jennifer Robinson / Web Producer

Published February 17, 2020 at 9:44 AM PST

Three cats sat together at Kennington Film Studios, London.

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 at 10 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS app + Encore Sunday, Aug. 18 at 10 p.m. on KPBS 2

Worshipped as a goddess, condemned as satanic, and spun into a stunning array of breeds, cats have long fascinated humans. But did we ever really domesticate them? And what can science tell us about our most mysterious companions?

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Using a training method called "operant conditioning," or clicker training, this traveling troupe of cats have learned an impressive array of tricks.

It's tough to tell how a cat is feeling just by watching its facial expressions. Can science be used to detect more subtle facial changes that reveal cats' emotions?

Watch On Your Schedule: "Cat Tales is available to stream with the PBS app. Watch the best of PBS anytime, anywhere on the free PBS app. Stream your favorite PBS shows on-demand and livestream shows from your local station, all from your favorite device.

If you missed "Dog Tales," it's available to stream too!

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Ginger cat at Kennington Film Studios, London.

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Tabby and black cats at Kennington Film Studios, London.

NOVA: Cat Tales

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