David Baddiel is on a mission to spend as much time as possible with cats in his new three-part Channel 4 series, Cat Man. The show aims to challenge misconceptions about cats being 'sneaky, evil and lazy' by putting felines in the spotlight. Baddiel meets famous cat influencers, does kitten yoga, hand-feeds cheetahs, and even bathes with lions, making it a dream for any cat lover.
The series highlights the popularity of cats on social media, with #catsofinstagram boasting over 212 million posts. Despite this, few TV shows focus on cats and their owners, who often face stereotyping. Baddiel's genuine love for cats is evident throughout, as he sprays himself with catnip to get the attention of influencer cat King Louis, who bites him for playing 'bongos' on his rump.
Cat Man is not trivial; it delves into the emotional bond between humans and cats. Baddiel's own cats, Tiger, Zelda, and Ron, feature in the show. During filming, his 15-year-old cat Pip becomes unwell and dies, leading to real tears on camera. Baddiel notes that 55% of people hide their grief over pet loss for fear of ridicule, a sentiment that resonates with many viewers.
The show also features disabled cats at Holly's Merry Moggies rescue centre, where felines rejected for not 'looking good' on social media find care. Baddiel attends the Supreme cat show with owner Dr Susan, whose 11-year-old bengal Lucy wins the top prize, a heartwarming moment that showcases the dedication of cat enthusiasts.
Celebrity cat fans like Ricky Gervais, Jonathan Ross, and Lou Sanders share their affection for cats, while comedian Frank Skinner, a self-proclaimed cat hater, admits to a soft spot for a cat he once shared with Baddiel. The series concludes with Baddiel hand-feeding Larry, the No 10 cat, offering ultimate comfort viewing for a dreary January.
