A recent study conducted by researchers at The Park Center for Mental Health in Australia has found that children who have cats as pets are more than twice as likely to develop schizophrenia later in life. The study, titled “Cat Ownership and Schizophrenia-Related Disorders and Psychotic-Like Experiences: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” was published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive search of various databases and grey literature from 1980 to 2023. They analyzed data from 17 studies conducted in 11 different countries, out of a total of 1,915 identified studies. The findings revealed that cat ownership was associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia-related disorders. The unadjusted pooled odds ratio (OR) was 2.35, and the adjusted estimate was 2.24, indicating a more than twofold increase in the odds of developing schizophrenia-related disorders among individuals exposed to cats.
While the exact age or specific time frame of exposure to cats was not clearly defined across all studies, some research has suggested that childhood exposure to cats may be associated with an increased risk of developing schizophrenia-related disorders. For example, a study from Finland found higher scores on perceptual aberration, schizoid, and social anhedonia scales among individuals exposed to cats under the age of seven. Another study from the UK found associations between cat exposure during childhood (at 4 and 10 years) and higher psychotic-like experiences at age 13.
The critical window of exposure that poses the highest risk for schizophrenia-related disorders associated with cat exposure needs to be better defined, and it may be influenced by various factors. Further research is needed to precisely identify this specific period of exposure.
The study also highlighted the role of Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, as a potential causal agent. Toxoplasma gondii has been linked to various neurological impairments and behavioral changes. It is known to infect around 25% of the global population and is commonly found in cat feces. Pregnant women are advised to avoid contact with cat feces due to the risk of toxoplasmosis infection, which can lead to serious health complications.
Previous research has shown a correlation between toxoplasma antibodies in the blood and schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia were nearly three times more likely to have toxoplasma antibodies, suggesting a higher prevalence of past infections with the parasite among individuals with the disorder.
The study also highlighted the significance of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase, which is lacking in feline guts. This enzyme prevents the parasite from obtaining sufficient levels of linoleic acid needed for reproduction. As a result, cats become carriers of the parasite, shedding millions of oocytes when they defecate. These oocytes can be found on their fur and paws, spreading the parasite to surfaces and potentially infecting humans and other animals.
The researchers emphasize the importance of preventing the spread of the T. gondii parasite by not allowing cats outdoors. Additionally, parents need to be aware of the potential risks of cat-borne parasites to the long-term mental health of their children, whether or not they own cats.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence linking cat ownership and the risk of developing schizophrenia-related disorders. Further research is needed to explore the exact mechanisms behind this association and to develop preventive measures to reduce the risk.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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