Many people have a predisposition to schizophrenia, but despite this, such a diagnosis is not made very often.
Can cats increase the likelihood of this disorder occurring? We find out here and now.
Schizophrenia can be called the result of a disruption of biochemical processes and the functioning of neurons in the brain.
This deterioration is usually associated with a genetic predisposition combined with stress, but it can be accelerated - which is what happens as a result of various diseases or parasites.
Let's get back to our sheep, or more precisely, to parasites - one of those that can accelerate the onset of schizophrenia is the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. Gondii), which can be carried by meowing pets.
Its habitat is raw meat and some garden soils.
Cats can pick up the parasite, for example, while outdoors, and then pass it on to people through their excrement and litter boxes.
However, don’t rush to disown your pet: the fact is that scientists have not yet come to a consensus – not a single study has provided comprehensive and reliable results regarding the connection between cats and the spread of schizophrenia among people.
Current thinking suggests that there is some association between exposure to cats and schizophrenia, but it is unlikely that animals are the primary cause of the disorder.
Overall, cats are unlikely to cause schizophrenia in people. T. gondii, which is found in some animals, can cause cysts that can cause premature brain deterioration, but this deterioration only occurs in people who are predisposed to schizophrenia.