Owning Cats Linked to Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder


For millions of people, cats are not only their pets, they are cherished member of the family. But Could owning a cat give you schizophrenia? A new study finds strong link.

Scientists have discovered evidence to suggest owning a feline as a child could increase a person’s risk of developing mental health problems, NHS reports

They believe a parasite that lives in cats is a possible risk factor for developing schizophrenia in later life. The parasite has also been linked to an increased risk of suicide, according to the report.

Researchers analyzed data on 2,125 families and found 50.6 per cent who developed schizophrenia owned a cat in their childhood years.

These results were strikingly similar to two studies conducted in the 1990s.

The national institute of Mental health describes Schizophrenia as “a severe, and disabling brain disorder that has affected people throughout history. People with the disorder may hear voices other people don’t hear. They may believe other people are reading their minds, or plotting to harm them.”

Well, I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ll keep my cat!

What do you think of this findings? Please share your impression in the comments section below.

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