A recent study by the University of Queensland, Australia, suggests that owning a cat may double the risk of schizophrenia.
Researchers found that individuals who are constantly exposed to cats are at more risk of schizophrenia due to the presence of parasites.
Parasites Can Enter the CNS
The study examined 17 top-notch studies and spanned over 11 countries over 44 years.
The research found that parasites inhabiting cat bodies may enter the Central Nervous System and affect neurotransmitters inside the brain.
The parasites, known as Toxoplasma gondii, enter the body through a cat’s bite.
US Research Contradicts The Outcome
Meanwhile, one contradictory study concluded that there was no association between the two variables, cat and schizophrenia.
The study, focusing on 345 participants, later reiterated its conclusion as they missed cat bites.
Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that affects around 1.2% of the US population, about 3.2 million people.
