Mind-Altering Cat Parasite Linked To Schizophrenia in Largest Study Yet

[Hersir]

Very well. We are sensitive about matters involving theories that could lead to more medieval prejudice against felines than they already needlessly endure.

Are cats treated so badly in the US?

[LillyCaterina]

Are cats treated so badly in the US?

Yes. Sadly, both canines and felines, along with other vertebrate animals kept as 'pets' (I hate that word.) are often treated as nothing more than expendable objects, commerce, and 'toys for tots' that can be tossed out into the street when tired of. Those profit seekers who operate pet stores, puppy mills, research laboratories, lucrative sporting events, and even so-called 'canned hunts' treat these other domesticated living creatures of God in the most inhumane ways imaginable.

Gareth and I do what we can for stray and feral felines that inhabitant our area. And my cousin and her associates operate a rescue service for abused and abandoned canines. Our humane shelters are overflowing with sick, abused, and abandoned felines and canines.

Just recently a woman was arrested for operating a puppy mill under deplorable conditions. She was charged with cruelty and neglect as well. But many animals, including horses, found on her filthy property were suffering from horrible neglect. Many of these pitiful creatures were either found dead, died later, or had to be euthanized. And all so this greedy witch could make money selling those poor animals she could to idiots who contribute to this insensitive cruelty by patronizing these terrible places that remind me of hell on Earth for animals.

I would like to think that domestic animals and even wildlife are treated much better in European nations. But maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part... Do you think it is just wishful thinking, Hersir?

[Hersir]

I would like to think that domestic animals and even wildlife are treated much better in European nations. But maybe this is just wishful thinking on my part... Do you think it is just wishful thinking, Hersir?

Mostly pets are taken well care of, but there is the odd horror story of course. Some people abandon their cats in summer time when going on holidays, but it's not that common, thankfully.

[Gareth Lee Hunter]

Mostly pets are taken well care of, but there is the odd horror story of course. Some people abandon their cats in summer time when going on holidays, but it's not that common, thankfully.

Really... http://www.esdaw.eu/the-cruel-treatment.html

Norway considers spaying and neutering felines and canines to be a cruel practice, even though these relatively minor surgical procedures performed correctly under anesthesia by qualified personnel IS the most effective method of controlling unwanted breeding of strays and feral populations.

http://sciencenordic.com/should-dogs-be-neutered

I must reiterate that posting unfounded theories about assorted diseases and psychological afflictions that involves transmission from animals to humans can result in undesirable consequences on a forum open to perusal by guests.

If a guest who is on the verge of making the big decision to rescue and adopt an abandoned feline, for example, reads about the 'possibility' that the toxoplasmosis parasite can cause schizophrenia, they might just decide against adopting a feline that needs a good home.

The trouble with "scientific studies" provided by "experts" is their often inconclusive results. But the damage they cause can be worse than the threat to health they're prematurely warning people about.

An article that refutes the validity of this particular 'threat':

"Cat owners can breathe easy: there’s little danger that your beloved tabby will make it more likely for you to develop a mental illness. New research has cleared the name of cats, helping put to rest the debate over whether the creatures are dangerous because they host a common parasite that may play a role in disorders like schizophrenia."

https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/22/14696978/cat-mental-illness-health-toxoplasma-gondii-parasite-schizophrenia

[Þoreiðar]

Norway considers spaying and neutering felines and canines to be a cruel practice, even though these relatively minor surgical procedures performed correctly under anesthesia by qualified personnel IS the most effective method of controlling unwanted breeding of strays and feral populations.

Most people in Norway neuter their cats, and it's in no way considered a 'cruel' procedure.

I must reiterate that posting unfounded theories about assorted diseases and psychological afflictions that involves transmission from animals to humans can result in undesirable consequences on a forum open to perusal by guests.

If a guest who is on the verge of making the big decision to rescue and adopt an abandoned feline, for example, reads about the 'possibility' that the toxoplasmosis parasite can cause schizophrenia, they might just decide against adopting a feline that needs a good home.

I'm sorry, but that's tough luck. This is a discussion forum, meant to share thoughts and information, not to serve fuzzy feelings to whomever might drop by. If someone planned on getting a cat, but was discouraged by a single article, then maybe they're not stabile enough to take care of another living creature.

If we were to implement such an attitude towards every subject which possibly might negatively affect someone, somewhere, we'd quickly run out of subjects.

[Gareth Lee Hunter]

Most people in Norway neuter their cats, and it's in no way considered a 'cruel' procedure.

I'm sorry, but that's tough luck. This is a discussion forum, meant to share thoughts and information, not to serve fuzzy feelings to whomever might drop by. If someone planned on getting a cat, but was discouraged by a single article, then maybe they're not stabile enough to take care of another living creature.

I'm sorry you feel that way about how guests react to this particular topic.

Our only concern is animal welfare. Felines and canines obviously can't defend themselves, so we have to. And this we will continue to do.

Discussing this topic is exactly what we're doing. I'm just providing more positive information about this controversial issue as a form of damage control.

If we were to implement such an attitude towards every subject which possibly might negatively affect someone, somewhere, we'd quickly run out of subjects.

I never suggested we do that.

[Þoreiðar]

I'm sorry you feel that way about how guests react to this particular topic.

Frankly, I think what we say about parasites potentially spreading from cats is of the least concern to any random passerby reading this forum.

Our only concern is animal welfare. Felines and canines obviously can't defend themselves, so we have to. And this we will continue to do.

Don't get me wrong, I love animals, and I hold my own cat in higher regard than a lot of people I know. I also know a lot of other people owning cats and having grown up around them. None displaying any signs of schizophrenia or other mental illnesses. I believe most people see this as well, and don't jump to extreme, paranoid conclusions, whatever the statistical blips the science might indicate.

Discussing this topic is exactly what we're doing. I'm just providing more positive information about this controversial issue as a form of damage control.

That's great. I just got to impression you wanted the discussion to be swept under the rug altogether. Might have misinterpreted you there.

[Gareth Lee Hunter]

Oh, no!.. This human study could end bad. I'm going to inform my buddy down at the research lab about it.



Yep!.. It would appear this matter should have been investigated more thoroughly... Felines definitely do transmit something to humans... It's called love.