The itching, scratching and clawing commonly associated with pet ownership may not be a deal breaker, but do the pleasures of owning a pet outweigh the negative side effects? Even though cats and dogs are easily lovable, it’s entirely possible that your pet is making you crazy. According to medical research, cats, for instance, possess a zoonotic infection that has been scientifically linked to schizophrenia. The potential for such a bizarre development occurring as an outcome of owning a cat might be slight, but it’s recommended that you take certain precaution when bringing home a new pet cat.
The potential exists
The concept of becoming ill, or worse, from taking care of a pet seems insane, although it’s not entirely impossible. Mental illness is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly. If you were demonstrating symptoms relative to schizophrenia, or another mental illness, it would be wise to consult a physician immediately. Believe it or not, improper care of your cat’s litter box can ultimately lead to an unthinkable visit to a neurological specialist. Your furry friend serves as a host for toxoplasma gondii, a potentially deadly single-celled organism, which can wreak havoc on human beings if exposed.
Avoiding neurological damage
Nobody wants to succumb to potentially deadly brain damage as a product of pet ownership, which means it’s necessary to take precaution. The toxoplasma gondii parasite is found in cat excrement, making the litter box littered with various neurological deficiencies, including mental retardation. Even though this may seem extreme, it’s entirely possible to introduce T. gondii to your bodily system if you touch your cat’s litter box. It is especially recommended for pregnant women to stay clear of cats’ area of business. You should also cook your food thoroughly in order to kill any floating parasites. Most importantly, wash your hands immediately after cleaning your cat’s litter box, and after petting your cat.
Debunking strange behavior
The biggest detriment to your mental health in caring for a pet is indeed an infection, but following a few simple rules of engagement should eliminate the potential for you becoming legitimately crazy. It might be wise to ease your mind of cat-induced schizophrenia by examining the strange behavior that your dog frequently exhibits. Scared of thunder? Starved for consumption of inanimate objects, or, even worse, poop? It’s completely normal for dogs to partake in strange behavior. The list is endless. Your biggest takeaway from the occasional messy cleanup shouldn’t be insanity.
Don’t freak out!
At the onset, the health benefits associated with pet ownership seemingly eclipse the minute possibility of contracting mental illness. Studies indicate that pets decrease stress in their owners, which therefore has a positive correlative effect on blood pressure and heart disease. As a result, it’s believed that common house pets, like cats and dogs, have potential to increase life expectancy and overall quality of life. This is quite simply good news for pet lovers, in part because the idea of being driven insane by a snuggly cat or happy-go-lucky dog is borderline unfathomable.
