Melbourne

I agree, it's incredible how much of cat body language translates from small to big cat species. But it is also important to note that many of those big cats in those videos were raised from kittens, generally. They might not be able to be released, for medical or socialisation issues, and it is better for their welfare to remain looked after. So their body language and how they act is influenced by their proximity to familiar humans. Wild big cats would communicate similarly between themselves, but would not be able to be captive and happy. Enrichment can only go so far when taking an animal like that from the wild, hence why they always try to rehabilitate and release of possible.

Interesting Cat Fact: big cats (tigers, lions, etc) don't purr or meow. They growl and roar, grumble. But the cheetah does both; it is essentially a big small-cat.

I always like to imagine cats throughout history, and their owners kissing them and being annoyed with them. Like that cat that walked on that monks writings from the 15th century. It's just so wholesome and cute to think this learned fellow was writing and his cat just walked across the ink and his page. Immortalised forever. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/centuries-ago-a-cat-walked-across-this-medieval-manuscript-1766202/

Edit: a better link and photo

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/130326-animals-medieval-manuscript-books-cats-history