Several studies have shown that owning a cat could potentially cause MENTAL HEALTH issues because of a common parasite you can pick up from their kitty litter. But now it looks like that might not be true.
The parasite can cause a disease called toxoplasmosis that’s been linked to schizophrenia and other conditions.
According to the CDC, up to 60 MILLION Americans already have it. And researchers thought being around cats made you more likely to contract the disease. Which also meant you’d be more likely to suffer the psychological effects.
But a new study just came out that got a lot more in-depth. Researchers observed people over the course of about 20 years, and found NO link between psychiatric problems and growing up with a cat in the house.
They still don’t know if the disease really contributes to things like schizophrenia. But they say you’re NOT much more likely to get the parasite just because you own a cat.
The disease HAS been linked to birth defects though. That’s why you still shouldn’t handle kitty litter if you’re pregnant. (EurekAlert.com)
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