A study by Australian scientists from the Queensland Mental Health Research Centre has found that having a cat in the home can double the risk of developing conditions related to schizophrenia. The results were published based on an analysis of studies over the past 44 years in 11 countries around the world.
The cause, according to scientists, may be the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is transmitted through contact with cats, their feces, and through undercooked meat or contaminated water. T. gondii infects an estimated 40 million people in the United States, most of whom have no symptoms.
Once in the body, the parasite can penetrate the central nervous system and affect neurotransmitters, which is associated with personality changes, the appearance of psychotic symptoms, and an increased risk of developing schizophrenia.
However, the researchers emphasize that the presence of a cat is not a direct cause of the disease. To definitively confirm the relationship, large-scale studies with representative samples are needed to more accurately assess the role of cats as a potential risk factor for mental disorders.
According to the study authors, even after taking into account additional factors, people who had contact with cats were about twice as likely to develop schizophrenia.
