Keeping a cat may increase the risk of schizophrenia

Clinical psychologist Elizaveta Kulikova from Pirogov University identified a possible link between keeping cats and the risk of developing schizophrenia. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

This information was distributed through the university's press service. According to the research results, the risk of developing schizophrenia in cat owners may be twice as high compared to people who keep other pets.

The cause is attributed to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This parasite can be transmitted from infected cats to humans.

According to the data, up to 70 percent of cat owners may be carriers of this parasite. According to the expert, contact with an infected cat can cause toxoplasmosis.

This disease leads to the formation of cysts in muscles, heart muscles, brain, and eyes. When the brain is affected, inflammation occurs, which impacts the dopamine system.

Changes in dopamine levels increase the risk of mental disorders, including the development of schizophrenia. Additionally, antibodies produced during the infectious-inflammatory process may also be associated with the risk of schizophrenia.

The study also indicated the possibility that cats may influence their owners' emotional state and behavior. Experts particularly emphasize that for people with mental vulnerability, cats can be a factor causing stress and nervous disorders.