Cat

Cleaning out the cat’s litter box might seem unpleasant enough, but having to deal with potential parasites in the box that can make you go crazy is serious matter. Several researches suggest that there is a brain parasite that could be proliferating in your cat’s litter box. This can lead to mental disorders, such as instances of schizophrenia. According to Kathleen McAuliffe in this month’s issue of The Atlantic, the parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii, which is found in cat poop, can possibly be infecting approximately a million people every year.

Parasites in Cat Feces

Toxoplasma gondii is considered to be a major threat to families with pet cats, especially for people with weak immune systems such as pregnant women and the elderly. Adults and children who are already infected with this parasite show flu-like symptoms. But there is evidence that suggests the parasite may have deeper neurological and health-related issues among adults.

The Underlying Dangers of Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is said to heighten the dopamine receptors in the brain. This is responsible for fear and pleasure responses. According to Jaroslav Flegr, a scientist from Czechoslovakia, the parasite that infects people makes them more reckless. This leads to a lot of traffic accidents, even suicide. On a research done on rats infected with the parasite, the rats were heedless even when predators were around, to the point of rats being drawn to the scent of cats. This leads to the conclusion that the parasite causes odd behaviors that can be dangerous.

Human Contamination

People can get this parasite from coming into contact with the litterbox of cats that like to roam around outdoors. These cats might carry back home the parasites in their poop, and these have a possibility of breeding in the box.  However, the litterbox is not the only source of possible contamination. Humans can also become infected by eating undercooked meat and unwashed vegetables that harbor Toxoplasma gondii.

Possibility of Mental Disorders

According to Flegr, the chance of acquiring a mental disorder through this parasite is unlikely, estimating it at 10%-20%. Indoor cats would not carry this disease, and the effects of the parasite might be benign to some people. Also, outdoor cats would be susceptible to this parasite only during the first three weeks of their lives, until their immune system grows strong enough to combat them. During this time, cat owners are advised to be extra careful with cleanliness and hygiene by regularly cleaning their kitchen sink and counters, and thoroughly washing the vegetables they will consume.

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To view this article in spanish, click here: http://www.petsintouch.com/pnnespanol/12754/el-parasito-de-los-gatos-podria-conducir-a-la-esquizofrenia-en-humanos