A cohort of researchers from a university in Australia reviewed multiple studies to explore whether cat ownership in early adulthood is linked to a higher risk of schizophrenia. The overall finding suggested that young cat owners had a greater likelihood of developing schizophrenia compared with those who did not own cats, according to a synthesis of several observations.
The authors pooled results from 17 previous investigations conducted across 11 nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The aim was to understand if there is a direct connection between living with a pet cat and the onset of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition marked by unusual thinking patterns and emotional responses. Symptoms commonly emerge during late adolescence and early adulthood, often between the ages of 16 and 30.
From the compiled data, the analysis indicated that individuals around the age of 25 who kept cats showed about double the risk of developing schizophrenia compared with people without any pets. A possible explanation centers on the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which is frequently found in the intestines of cats. The parasite can reach humans through close contact with an infected animal, potentially influencing brain chemistry by altering neurotransmitter function. Neurotransmitters are key signaling chemicals involved in learning, motivation, mood, and behavior. Changes in these systems may contribute to behavioral changes and may be linked to certain psychiatric conditions.
These findings align with ongoing discussions in the scientific community about how infections and immune responses might interact with brain function to influence mental health outcomes. Researchers emphasize that the association observed in these studies does not prove causation and that many factors contribute to the development of schizophrenia, including genetics, environment, and personal health history. Further work is needed to clarify the pathways by which exposure to cat-associated parasites could affect the brain and to determine how large a role these factors may play in the broader population. [Citation: University of Queensland and international collaborators, summarized in peer-reviewed literature]
In light of the current evidence, experts advise readers to consider general best practices for pet care and overall health. Regular veterinary checkups, good hygiene after handling animals, and informed discussions with healthcare providers can help individuals make balanced choices about pet ownership while maintaining mental and physical well-being.