Horizon Season 2013 Episode 5 The Secret Life of the Cat

The Horizon episode titled "The Secret Life of the Cat" explores the behaviors and tendencies of domestic felines by tracking their movements and interactions with their environments and other cats. The episode begins by discussing the history of cats and how they became one of the most popular animals to keep as pets. From there, it delves into the various ways cats communicate and interact with their owners and with each other.

One of the main focuses of the episode is on the territory of cats. Cameras were placed on a number of cats in a variety of environments to monitor their movements. The footage showed that even cats who live in the same house will avoid each other's favorite spots, indicating that they recognize each other's territory and respect it. The cameras also revealed that cats spend a significant amount of time exploring their environments, often venturing much further than their owners might expect. Some cats were shown to travel up to two miles from their home on a regular basis.

Another area of focus in the episode was on cat-human interactions. Studies have shown that cats are more independent than dogs and don't require the same level of attention and care. However, cats are still capable of forming strong bonds with their owners and will often seek out human attention when they want it. The episode shows how cats use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with their owners and express their desires. For example, a cat might meow loudly to let its owner know that it wants to be fed, or it might start purring when it's happy and content.

The episode also takes a look at how cats hunt. Cats are natural predators and are well-known for their hunting instincts. Footage from cameras attached to cats revealed that they spend a significant amount of time stalking and chasing prey, even if they don't necessarily intend to catch the animal. The episode explores how the hunting instinct is an important part of a cat's mental and physical health, and how owners can help their cats fulfill this instinct even if they don't have access to the great outdoors.

One of the more surprising finds from the episode was the fact that cats are capable of forming social hierarchies. It was previously thought that cats were solitary animals who didn't form social groups, but new research has shown that cats who live in close proximity to one another will often form social bonds. These bonds can be hierarchical, with one cat being the dominant member of the group and others deferring to them.

Overall, "The Secret Life of the Cat" is an informative and fascinating look into the lives of our feline friends. By providing a glimpse into their behavior and tendencies, the episode helps viewers to better understand and appreciate the unique qualities of cats. Whether you're a seasoned cat owner or just a fan of these fascinating animals, this episode is a must-see.