Parasites transmitted by cats may influence the behavior of nearly half of the global population, leading to riskier behaviors and increased aggression.

A recent review article aggregated various studies to emphasize the significance of considering both mental health and the physical consequences of parasite infections.

Reviews published in Frontiers of Psychiatry focus on the most prevalent parasitic infections affecting humans, particularly Toxoplasma gondii.

These parasites can enhance the production of dopamine, a hormone associated with feelings of pleasure, in the brain.

While increased dopamine may seem beneficial, it actually promotes detrimental behaviors, resulting in poor impulse control, heightened aggression, and an increase in risky sexual practices.

“The societal implications of these findings are significant,” the study notes. “The potential for behavioral modifications due to widespread infections of parasites like T. gondii highlights that such infectious diseases can lead to psychological and social challenges in addition to medical ones.”

“Particularly, the likelihood that these infections can intensify aggressive and impulsive behaviors raises vital considerations for understanding and preventing violence and behavioral disorders.”

It is estimated that 30-60% of the global population may be infected with T. gondii, though rates in the U.S. are significantly lower, around 10%.

Most healthy adults do not exhibit obvious physical symptoms, resulting in many infections going unnoticed.

Cats are primary hosts for these parasites as they reproduce within the cat’s digestive system, forming egg-like structures known as oocysts.

Once cats excrete waste, these oocysts can contaminate the environment, infiltrating soil, water, and vegetation. Other animals, including the prey of cats like birds and rodents, may ingest them.

In a bid to return to a cat’s digestive tract, T. gondii has adapted to manipulate the brain chemistry of these prey species, making them less likely to escape and more likely to be consumed.

Humans primarily contract T. gondii through handling cat feces or consuming undercooked foods. Fortunately, there are simple measures to reduce the risk of infection.

• Thoroughly wash your hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling raw food, especially meat.
• Ensure that lamb, pork, venison, and other meats are cooked thoroughly.
• Thoroughly rinse fruits and vegetables under running water.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products, especially goat milk.
• Wear gloves while gardening.
• Exercise caution and wash hands after cleaning the cat’s litter box.

Read more: