Owning a Cat Could Double Your Risk of Schizophrenia, Research Suggests
6 days ago
- #pet ownership
- #mental health
- #schizophrenia
- Cat ownership may double the risk of schizophrenia-related disorders, per a 2023 study analyzing 17 studies over 44 years.
- Exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite transmitted by cats, is suggested as a potential cause, but research findings are mixed.
- Some studies link childhood cat exposure to higher schizophrenia risk, while others find no association.
- T. gondii can infiltrate the central nervous system, affecting neurotransmitters and potentially leading to personality changes or psychotic symptoms.
- Case-control studies dominate the research, limiting causal conclusions and highlighting the need for higher-quality studies.
- Inconsistent results suggest unclear critical exposure periods, with some studies finding links only during specific childhood ages.
- Cat bites have been associated with higher schizotypy scores in some studies, but other pathogens may also play a role.
- Researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive studies to clarify cat ownership's role as a mental health risk factor.