Does toxoplasmosis make you obsessed with cats?

Does toxoplasmosis make you obsessed with cats?

The single-celled toxoplasmosis gondii (or toxoplasma, for short), infects more than a third of humanity, yet this parasite confounds those trying to tease out its effects on behavior — particularly human behavior that society often labels as ‘crazy cat people.

Does toxoplasmosis affect cat behavior?

In summary, extensive studies carried out under different experimental conditions suggest that T. gondii changes the behavior of rodents so as to make them more likely to be predated on by cats, the parasite’s definitive host. Additional studies have demonstrated that the behavioral change induced by T.

Do I need to worry about toxoplasmosis with indoor cats?

Toxoplasmosis is a potentially very serious disease and protective measures should be taken to avoid exposure, but the idea that the indoor house cat is a major risk is not realistic.

Can you get toxoplasmosis from breathing in cat litter?

How would a pregnant woman become infected with toxoplasma? Interestingly, most people acquire toxoplasma by eating undercooked meat or contaminated produce. A pregnant woman can also become infected by inadvertently ingesting contaminated cat feces or inhaling litter dust while cleaning the litter box.

Do crazy cat ladies have toxoplasmosis?

Swiss scientists say Toxoplasma gondii – the parasite long believed to cause a ‘fatal feline attraction’ amongst mice – actually causes the rodents to lose their fear of a wide range of threats, not just cats.

How common is Toxoplasma gondii in cats?

In general, depending on their lifestyle, between 20-60% of cats will be infected with T gondii, but very few of these will ever show clinical signs.

Can toxoplasmosis change personality?

Past studies that used outdated personality surveys also found that toxoplasmosis-related personality changes increased with the length of infection.

Can toxoplasmosis cause neurological problems in cats?

Hepatic and pancreatic involvement is less likely. Cats with toxoplasmosis show neurologic signs (e.g., seizures, ataxia), muscle hyperesthesia, dyspnoea, uveitis, icterus, diarrhoea, fever, depression, anorexia, and weight loss.

How likely is my indoor cat toxoplasmosis?

In addition, cats kept indoors (that do not hunt prey or are not fed raw meat) are not likely to be infected with Toxoplasma. But, if you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or have a weakened immune system, it is important to protect yourself from infection.

What percentage of cat owners have toxoplasmosis?

Infection is more common in pets that go outside, hunt, or are fed raw meat. The prevalence of oocyst shedding in cats is very low (0-1%), even though at least 15-40% of cats have been infected with Toxoplasma at some point.

How do I know if my cat has toxoplasmosis?

The most common symptoms of toxoplasmosis include fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Other symptoms may occur depending upon whether the infection is acute or chronic, and the location of the parasite in the body.