A recent study suggests that owning a cat may potentially double the risk of developing schizophrenia-related disorders. Conducted by Australian researchers from the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, the analysis reviewed 17 studies over the past 44 years, spanning 11 countries, including the US and the UK.
Psychiatrist John McGrath and his team identified an association between cat ownership and heightened odds of schizophrenia-related disorders. This connection aligns with a hypothesis first proposed in a 1995 study, which indicated that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, commonly associated with cats, might be a contributing factor. However, previous research has produced mixed results regarding this relationship.
While some studies indicate that childhood exposure to cats could increase the likelihood of developing schizophrenia, others fail to confirm this association. Additionally, certain research links cat exposure to elevated scores on scales measuring schizophrenia traits and psychotic experiences, though findings are not universally consistent.
The T. gondii parasite, generally harmless and transmitted through undercooked meat or contaminated water, can also be passed via cat bites or feces. An estimated 40 million Americans may carry the parasite without symptoms. Research suggests that T. gondii can infiltrate the central nervous system and affect neurotransmitters, possibly leading to personality changes and psychotic symptoms.
McGrath’s analysis found a significant positive correlation between cat ownership and increased schizophrenia risk, with adjusted data indicating that cat exposure nearly doubled the likelihood of developing related disorders. However, it is important to note that most of the studies reviewed were case-control designs, which cannot establish definitive cause-and-effect relationships and may overlook confounding variables.
The study authors also emphasized that many studies included in the review were of low quality, and inconsistencies in findings highlight the need for more comprehensive research. One particular study found no link between cat ownership before age 13 and later schizophrenia but noted a significant association for those who owned cats between ages 9 to 12.
Moreover, another US study involving psychology students found no connection between cat ownership and schizotypy scores, although higher scores were observed in individuals with prior cat bites. This suggests other factors, such as pathogens like Pasteurella multocida, may also play a role.
The researchers advocate for further high-quality studies based on larger, representative samples to clarify the potential implications of cat ownership on mental health. They concluded that their review supports an association between cat ownership and schizophrenia-related disorders, underscoring the need for more rigorous investigation into this topic.
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