Favorite family films about cats big and small
by Shannon Maughan
for Real Families, Real Fun
ll within a matter of minutes cats can be aloof, naughty, affectionate, clever, and playful. And when they chase a butterfly or stalk a toy, it's easy to see the link between these furry pets and the big cats of the wild -- lions, tigers, cougars and cheetahs. Peggy LaClair, a mom from upstate New York, attests, "We're always surprised by how gentle and loving our cat Jewel is with us, and what a hunter she is when she goes out, just like the big wild cats."
A couple of our panel families share their enthusiasm for observing these majestic creatures in their communities. "The Santa Barbara Zoo has tons of very cool cats including leopards (they had babies last year), lions, and some very rare bobcats," notes Amy Mayfield. And for Tricia Sypniewski and family, "the white Bengal tigers at the Cincinnati Zoo are always a must-see."
To see a variety of felines in action and learn more about their mysterious ways, check out RFRF's purr-fect video selection.
National Geographic's Really Wild Animals: Hot Dogs and Cool Cats
(distributed by Warner Home Video, ages 3-up)
Nobody does wildlife footage and photography better than National Geographic. The cinematography is what makes this world tour of cats, from lions in Africa to jaguars in South America to cougars in the U.S., thrilling to watch. Actor Dudley Moore is the voice behind "Spin the Globe," the guide, who delivers fun facts and humor along the way. And the rock 'n' roll video layout will have kids bopping to the beat as they watch. (Okay, we admit that "man's best friend" gets equal billing on this title, too.)
The Aristocats
(Walt Disney Home Video, ages 2-up)
Cats rule in this animated film, originally released in 1970. When a mother cat and her kittens become the heirs to their wealthy owner's fortune, the butler of the house (a human) is not about to let the kitties enjoy the loot. In typical Disney fashion, a friendly and loyal alley cat named Thomas O'Malley Cat helps settle the case of good vs. greedy. Lots of singing ensues in this sweet and wholesome tale.
The Adventures of Milo and Otis
(rated G, ages 2-up)
Curiosity gets the best of Milo in this adorable action movie made in Japan in 1989. When Milo gets trapped in a wooden box that is heading downriver, his best friend Otis, a pug puppy, springs into action. Both animals face danger and excitement after they become separated, but by movie's end the prospect is much brighter. Dudley Moore (obviously, he loves animals) narrates all the animal voices.
Born Free
(rated PG, ages 6-up)
Based on Joy Adamson's book about her and her husband's, a game warden, relationships with animals when they lived in Kenya. They raised a lion cub named Elsa as a pet. But, to prevent Elsa from being placed in a zoo they had to re-train her to survive in the wild. The scenery is as beautiful as the bond between the Adamsons and the animals they love.
ZooLife with Jack Hanna: Lions, Tigers & Bears
Everybody's favorite zookeeper (and a favorite guest on the Today Show and Late Show with David Letterman) tours the world to see wild cats and bears in their natural habitats. Hanna's easygoing, natural style and sense of humor engages both kids and adults.
TAKE IT FROM ME:
Nothing amuses my 10-month-old, tortoise-shell kitty, Harley more than playing with the plastic rings that get discarded when you open a plastic gallon or half-gallon of milk. I also highly recommend The Cat Dancer, a simple wire and paper toy that has fascinated every cat I've ever met. --Shannon
This article © 2001-2004 Studio One Networks.
Technorati Tags: 
