Cats And Dogs Reigning In New Videos

The mysterious charisma of cats and the awesome devotion of dogs are the subjects of two National Geographic Home Videos due out Tuesday. Taking a fresh look at the historical human-animal bond are “Cats: Caressing the Tiger” and “Those Wonderful Dogs.” Each video has a running time of 60 minutes and lists for $19.95. A boxed set of both is $29.95.

The “Cat” video explores why these creatures have been both worshipped and feared through the centuries. By day, they are playful, loving companions. At night, they can turn into stealthy hunters.

The video shows the dramatic results of new research that links these furry domestic pets with their bigger cousins in the wild. Also examined are how cats survive falls from tall buildings, the hunting skills they implement while on the trail of mice, and what makes them purr.

The “Dog” volume looks at canines ranging from the bravest of search-and-rescue dogs to the everyday “get-your-own-slippers” pet. Hearts of dog lovers are easily warmed as the video shows off canines looking for buried earthquake victims, herding sheep, and dodging bullets in combat.