Dr. Teodor T Postolache of University of Maryland’s School of Medicine authored a study which linked having a cat to an increased risk of schizophrenia and suicide.
Ok, it is really the kitty litter which is the issue. Toxoplasma gondii, or T. gondii, is a parasitic infection that can be passed from your cat to you if your feline friend has toxoplasmosis. This is the same infection that threaten the health of an unborn child and why pregnant women should not change litter boxes. Additionally, T.gondii is a very opportunistic infection for individuals with AIDS. Severe cases of T.gondii infection lead to encephalitis.
Here is a picture of the little parasite that does so much damage:
While being a cat owner increases your risk of being infected with the parasite T.gondii, you can get it other ways. Handling soil infected with cat feces; eating vegetables that were grown in infected soil that were not properly washed before consuming; and eating undercooked meat from infected animals.
But as this image shows you, this infection all starts from cats.
So the next time you see one of those crazy cat ladies, back away slowly.
