Cat Lovers, Take Note!

Concerns from the Medical Community

Cat Lovers Beware

Cat lovers, take note!

Now, I know you’re going to question my objectivity. I know you’re going to say this is an anti-cat screed from super-allergic me, but no. A study found an “association” between cat ownership and a risk of developing schizophrenia-related disorders and psychotic-like experiences.

The study was first published in Schizophrenia Bulletin and then covered in Psychology Today. It found that the critical link is Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite.

It was based on data gathered over four decades and focused on individuals 25 years of age and younger.

Simple measures, like washing one’s hands after cleaning a litter box and keeping cats indoors to prevent hunting, can help cat owners minimize the risk.

Importantly, the study notes that schizophrenia is a disorder influenced by many genetic and environmental factors, not just cat ownership. Equally important, the study does not establish a direct link between cat ownership and these disorders.

Initially, I was going to turn this finding into a silly I-told-you-so story about my cat allergies, but mental illness is not funny. So, instead, I’m offering this information up for my many cat-loving friends to consider. You can read the full article here to take appropriate precautions if you/they see fit.

Meanwhile, if you do want to read a funny story about my cat-calamities, check out this cat-astrophic account of my allergic woes, and next time, I promise, I’ll return to full-on silly stuff next time. No preaching included!

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