Rachel Casey, a veterinary behaviourist, has been given a £250,000 grant to set up a university department to study feline behaviour at the University of Southampton.

It's a cat's life

The post, supported over five years by leading UK cat charity Cats Protection, will provide a unique opportunity to study many aspects of feline behaviour and participate in other projects undertaken by the charity.

Rachel Casey graduated from Glasgow University Veterinary School in 1991, and specialises in clinical behaviour. She is active in the promotion of responsible pet ownership, and has been an expert on BBC1's 'Barking Mad', and Channel 4's 'Pet Rescue'.

Face to face with a fascinating creature

She has already undertaken research for Cats Protection, investigating causes of environmental stress in cats, and some of the kinds of problems that can arise as a result.

She is also keen to highlight the positive physiological and psychological benefits that owning a cat can give.

Playing hide-and-seek

"Cats are absolutely fascinating creatures," says Rachel.

"Very little is currently known about why they behave as they do. I will also be able to promote a greater understanding of cat behaviour both to cat owners and the veterinary profession."