(THEME MUSIC PLAYING)
NARRATOR: Welcome to Domestic Kingdom,
where we examine the extraordinary lives
of amazing creatures.
Today, we spend time with the house cat.
Even in play,
it's obvious why
-this skilled hunter is ruler -(GROWLS)
of the domestic kingdom.
Let's explore this marvelous animal further
-as we enter the world -(ANIMALS NOISES)
-of the mighty house cat. -(CAT MEWING)
The house cat is descended
from a long line of ferocious predators.
Always on the hunt for his next meal,
he stands ready to attack.
GINGER: Here you go.
Mommy's strong little man!
NARRATOR: The living room
-is the house cat's natural territory. -(ANIMAL CHATTERING)
But a rival is challenging his authority.
The scent of battle is in the air.
(SPLASHES)
The wily house cat has put the mouse on notice.
(KISSING LOUDLY)
This is cat country.
Refusing to retreat,
the cat firmly holds his ground.
A younger, more vulnerable mouse
has wandered on to the scene.
He certainly has no reasonable expectation of survival
as this fearsome cat is the master of the sneak attack.
The cat takes a moment to gather his thoughts,
then mounts a more vigorous attack.
(EXPLOSION)
-In the domestic kingdom, -(INDISTINCT THUMPING)
dominance shifts quickly between these natural rivals.
(WHISTLES)
Knowing he's in control,
the cunning house cat makes a deal,
which is swiftly rejected.
If he is to reclaim what's his,
the cat must use his brain, not his brawn.
(EXPLOSION)
(CREAKING)
Though using his head can sometimes hurt his head a lot.
Let's take this moment
to examine how the house cat can take such punishing blows.
It seems nature has equipped this brilliant animal
with a brain so efficient and compact,
that it can barely be seen with the human eye.
But if we look closer...
Ah, there it is!
This cat's brain is divided into two halves.
This part is dedicated to finding food, getting rest
and of course, feelings of love.
This over-stimulated half here,
connected by the pituitary gland,
is the Jerrybellum.
Enough said.
Even at rest, the cat has an uncanny ability
to shift his priorities.
This young male has spotted a desirable female.
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
He understands if he is to win her affection,
-he must be single-minded in his pursuit, -(SCREECHING)
ignoring all else.
(WATER SPLASHING)
(SNAPS)
(STRETCHING)
He must also be willing to experience the pain of loss.
(GULPS)
(SCREAMS)
(LAUGHING)
-(EXHALES) -(SNIFFS)
(BLOWS RASPBERRY)
(SCREECHING)
(THUDS)
Perhaps the greatest test he will face in finding love is leaving his natural habitat
and becoming an outdoor cat.
(SLURPING)
This young male understands the journey ahead
will require that he have little regard for his personal safety.
The outdoors introduces a new predator
that the shrewd house cat knows should be avoided.
(SQUEAKING)
(CHOKES)
Having survived this harrowing crossing,
he respectfully bids farewell to his adversary.
(HONKS)
(GROWLING)
(ROARS)
With the danger behind him,
very little stands between the cat and the object of his desires.
-Aware that he must earn -(PANTING)
his chosen mate's affection,
the young male puts his best foot forward.
As expected the house cat faces heavy competition.
And clearly she has fallen for his challenger.
(BUZZING)
(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
-(WATER SPLASHING) -(ROMANTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
-(INDISTINCT THUMPING) -(CATS YOWLING)
Aw boy, you need someone to take care of you.
NARRATOR: A random act of kindness
in an otherwise harsh environment,
renews the cat's spirit.
Clearly, the house cat hungers.
(SCREAMS)
(STRAINS)
I've found someone to take care of you.
-NARRATOR: The house cat tires -(SCREAMS)
of his outdoor adventure
and chooses to return to his natural environment.
But indoor forces are making this difficult.
(GULPS)
(THUDDING)
NARRATOR: His hope of returning home is fading.
(TOM SCREAMS)
Though difficult to watch, his end is near.
-But this cat is not just any ordinary cat. -(YAWNS)
He is a house cat.
-And he will sacrifice everything, -(BOTH LAUGHING)
including his pride to return
to his domain.
(THUDS)
-From the jaws of the mail slot, -(BOTH LAUGHING)
the cat triumphantly returns.
-His roar boldly announces his intentions. -(ROARING)
He is ready to reclaim his territory.
Impervious to pain
or his inner kitty,
(BOTH SCREAM)
the house cat is determined to show his rivals
that he's not letting go of his rule.
-(SCREECHING) -(ZOOMING)
(OBJECTS CRASHING)
Success at last.
The house cat reclaims his indoor throne.
Victory is his in the domestic kingdom.
Let's explore this marvelous creature further
as we enter the world of the common house mouse.
(TOILET FLUSHING)