Esther Bouma

Background

About Esther Bouma

Cat behaviour consultant, with a Msc in Biology and a PhD in stress physiology, is interested in animal behaviour/animal welfare jobs (research and consultancy). Job history During my PhD I examined the relationship between stress and depressive symptoms in adolescents (TRAILS study) and the influence of the reactivity of the stress response, sex hormones and genetic polymorphisms. After my PhD and post-doctoral position, I worked as a student counselor at the faculty of Science and Engineering and as institutional researcher, both at the University of Groningen. Currently, I work as a scientific researcher at the department of Social Psychology, also at the University of Groningen. Animal welfare Animal welfare has been very important in my life. During my studies I was involved in animal welfare initiatives, I support many animal welfare organisations financially and volunteer in a local shelter. As a cat behaviour consultant I hope to inspire owners to give their cats the best possible living environment. Science Together with Dr. Marsha L. Reijwart, I study cat behaviour, with a focus on both welfare in multi-cat homes and aspects of the owner-cat relationship that influence cat welfare. I write science-based articles about cat behaviour for cat professionals and lay-men fr a Dutch website My personal mission Although the Netherlands has a relatively high standard concerning (pet)animal welfare, there is still a lack of knowledge on (pet) animal welfare needs among owners. My mission is to increase this knowledge with respect for the owners and taking into account their perceptions and abilities. Me in short Social and well-organised, creative cat-lover with a pro-active and responsible attitude who likes music, books, gardening and yoga.