Cat ownership could potentially double schizophrenia risk, according to new research analyzing 17 studies. Psychiatrist John McGrath and colleagues examined papers from 11 countries spanning 44 years. Their 2023 review found “a significant positive association between broadly defined cat ownership and an increased risk of schizophrenia-related disorders.” McGrath’s team wrote that “individuals exposed to cats had approximately twice the odds of developing schizophrenia.” Researchers suggest the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted through cat feces, may be responsible. The parasite infects about 40 million Americans and can infiltrate the nervous system. However, 15 of 17 studies were case-control research that cannot prove causation. Authors emphasize “there is a need for more high-quality studies in this field” before drawing firm conclusions. (Story URL)
