Study evaluates the controversial relationship between cats and schizophrenia

One recent study evaluates the possibilities that a person who has a cat could develop disorders related to schizophrenia. The issue has been the subject of several studies over the last few decades and much remains to be explained.

The latest study, led by researchers at the Queensland Metal Health Research Centerin Australia, was based on the analysis of 17 studies published over the last 44 years, from 11 different countries, and found links between owning a cat and developing disorders related to schizophrenia.

“We found an association between cat ownership and increased chances of developing schizophrenia-related disorders,” scientists from the Queensland Mental Health Research Center explained.

This association was initially proposed in a 1995 study, with exposure to a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii suggested as a cause, but research so far has not reached a definitive conclusion.

O T. gondii, is a parasite transmitted through undercooked meat, contaminated water or contact with infected cats what can infiltrate the human central nervous system and potentially influence neurotransmitters, which can lead to personality changes, the emergence of psychotic symptoms and some neurological disorders, including schizophrenia.

The study indicates that individuals exposed to cats are actually approximately twice as likely to develop schizophrenia, says Science Alert, however Researchers recognize the need for better, more comprehensive research to make firmer interpretations.

“There is a need for more high-quality studies, based on large and representative samples, to better understand cat ownership as a candidate for a risk-modifying factor for mental disorders”, they guarantee.

Criticism and evaluation of the assumption

Some experts emphasize that the relationship between cats and schizophrenia presented in this study It assumes that all felines carry toxoplasmosis, which in reality does not happen. The transmission period in carriers of the disease is short and the person will need to come into direct contact with the animal’s feces.

The idea that cats could cause schizophrenia comes from the relationship between these animals and toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite that reproduces in the intestinal tract of cats and can then contaminate the environment through their feces.

Simply living with the animal does not imply contamination of the disease if precautions are taken with the feeding and treatment of cats, particularly changing the litter.

Care for these animals, including prevention of parasites such as T. gondiiis a responsibility that is guaranteed by owners and health professionals ensures the protection of everyone who comes into contact with felines.

A British study published in 2017, which followed almost 5 thousand people born in 1991 and 1992 who until the age of 18, found no evidence of an association between cat ownership and psychotic symptoms.