Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 24 Sep 2024
Owning a Cat Could Double Your Schizophrenia Risk, Research Says; Know Why
Cats can increase your risk of Schizophrenia due to exposure to a parasite known as toxoplasma gondii
For all those who love having pets, it is not just a decision you have to take taking into account the responsibility, but also what impact they could have on your physical and mental health.
According to studies, having a cat as a pet can potentially double your risk of schizophrenia-related disorders. Australian researchers conducted an analysis of 17 studies published during the last 40 years, from 11 countries including the US and the UK. "We found an association between broadly defined cat ownership and increased odds of developing schizophrenia-related disorders," explained psychiatrist Dr. John McGrath from the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research.
Why do cats increase the risk of schizophrenia?
The study, which was published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin, says cats can increase your risk of this mental health issue due to exposure to a parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii – a single-celled organism that causes toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection. While T. gondii is a mostly harmless parasite, it can be transmitted through undercooked meat or contaminated water.Researchers say a bite from an infected cat or its feces can also transmit T. gondii. According to estimates, around 40 million people in the US may be infected - usually without symptoms. Meanwhile, researchers have been studying in detail the strange effects the infection causes.
Scientists say once it gets inside a human body, T. gondii infiltrates the central nervous system and influences neurotransmitters, that are linked to personality changes, emergence of psychotic symptoms, and some neurological disorders - including schizophrenia.
"After adjusting for covariates, we found that individuals exposed to cats had approximately twice the odds of developing schizophrenia," the team explained in the research paper.
There are various other studies as well, trying to figure out the connection between changes in personality and cats. A few have suggested that pathogens like Pasteurella multocida may also be responsible.
What is schizophrenia?
According to experts, schizophrenia is a mental health, psychiatric condition which has severe effects on your physical and mental well-being. Apart from disrupting how your brain works, and interfering with things like your thoughts, memory, senses, and behaviors, it also causes a lot of struggle in many day-to-day activities.
Doctors say untreated schizophrenia can disrupt your relationships, professional work, and physical health as well. It can also cause you to have trouble organizing your thoughts, and you might behave in ways that put you at risk for injuries or other illnesses.
Schizophrenia was once referred to as different types:
- Paranoid
- Catatonic
- Schizotypal personality disorder
- Delusional disorder
- Psychotic disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Schizophreniform disorder
Who does schizophrenia affect?
Experts say the condition usually begins between ages 15-25 years for men and between 25-35 years for women and affects both genders in equal numbers. Around 20 per cent of new schizophrenia cases occur in people over age 45 years, and these cases tend to happen more in men.
However, schizophrenia in children is rare but possible.
Signs and symptoms
Many of those who have schizophrenia cannot recognize that they have the symptoms, which include:
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Disorganized or incoherent speaking
- Paranoia
- Disorganized or unusual movements
- Negative thinking
- Feeling suspicious all the time
- Not caring about your hygiene and appearance
- Depression and anxiety
- Alcohol or nicotine addiction
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