David Baddiel's Cat Man: A Purr-fect Celebration of Feline Fascination
In a world where cats dominate social media but rarely grace television screens, David Baddiel's new documentary series Cat Man on Channel 4 arrives as a refreshing and heartfelt homage. This three-part show, which aired its final episode on 30 January, delves into the lives of cats and their devoted owners, blending humour, emotion, and insight to create pure comfort viewing.
Challenging Cat Stereotypes with Passion and Purpose
Baddiel, a self-proclaimed cat enthusiast, embarks on a mission to dispel common misconceptions about felines being "sneaky, evil, and lazy." His journey is anything but trivial. From meeting Instagram-famous cats like Atticus, a ragdoll with nearly 100,000 followers, to hand-feeding cheetahs and bathing with lions, Baddiel immerses himself in the feline world. The show highlights the staggering popularity of cats online, with hashtags like #catsofinstagram amassing over 212 million posts, yet notes the lack of TV representation for cat owners.
This documentary pushes back against cruel stereotyping, such as past remarks from figures like US vice-president JD Vance, who mocked "childless cat ladies." Through Baddiel's genuine affection—evident as his face lights up around cats—Cat Man validates the deep bonds many share with their pets.
Emotional Depth and Real-Life Stories
Beyond the laughs, Cat Man tackles serious themes with sensitivity. Baddiel's own cats, Tiger, Zelda, and Ron, feature in the series, but a poignant moment arises when his 15-year-old cat Pip passes away during filming. His raw tears on camera resonate with viewers who have experienced pet loss, underscoring how 55% of people hide their grief for fear of ridicule.
The show also introduces heartwarming tales from Holly's Merry Moggies rescue centre, which cares for disabled cats often overlooked for not "looking good" on social media. Characters like Bertie, a tabby born without eyes, and Dr Susan, a cat show exhibitor with her award-winning Bengal Lucy, add layers of compassion and triumph.
Celebrity Insights and Balanced Perspectives
Cat Man features a roster of celebrity cat lovers, including Ricky Gervais, Jonathan Ross, and Lou Sanders, who share Baddiel's affection. Comedian Josh Widdicombe jokes, "Dogs are PAYE. Cats are freelance," highlighting the independent nature of felines. For balance, the series includes cat sceptic Frank Skinner, who describes cats as "sinister" but reveals a soft spot when reminiscing about a shared pet.
The documentary culminates in uplifting scenes, such as Baddiel cuddling Larry, the No 10 feline, offering a bright spot in dreary January. Ultimately, Cat Man fosters pride in cat ownership and challenges viewers to see these animals in a new light. All episodes are available to stream on Channel 4, making it a must-watch for animal enthusiasts and documentary fans alike.
