Cat litter box parasite linked to suicide? (eating, blood, shelter)

[no kudzu]

Litter Box Parasite Toxoplasma Linked to Higher Suicide Risk - ABC News

[bumpus7]

.
Study Links Cat Litter Box to Increased Suicide Risk


A common parasite that can lurk in the cat litter box may cause undetected brain changes
in women that make them more prone to suicide, according to an international study.
Scientists have long known that pregnant women infected with the toxoplasma gondii parasite
-- spread through cat feces, undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables
-- could risk still birth or brain damage if transmitted to an unborn infant.

But a new study of more than ........


Study Links Cat Litter Box to Increased Suicide Risk - Yahoo!
.

[missik999]

I saw that report, and my first thought was hoping that it doesn't lead to people taking their cats to shelters.

Handling and/or eating rare or raw meat is actually a more common cause of toxoplasmosis but everyone wants to blame cats.

[Kittymom4]

I shall do my part and stop eating vegetables

[subject2change]

OTOH, it's been shown that spending time with pets is good for depression, patting your pets lowers blood pressure,etc.
Everyone should use common sense when cleaning litterboxes, following good hygeine practices, for many reasons. I'm not going to worry about it.

[BucFan]

'Cat ladies' more likely to commit suicide, scientists claim - Telegraph

what about cat-gentlemen?

[MissNM]

My sister has cats and always let the litter box get way out of control - downright nasty. She has some serious mental health issues. I'm not be suprised that there is a link.

[ParallelJJCat]

The vast majority of people exposed to toxo are exposed during gardening. It's in the soil everywhere. For yours cat, just scoop the box once a day and wear gloves. Problem solved. I hate when the news reports on this with the TEH KITTEHS WILL MURDER U! slant

[kansas sky]

Not to mention if you are dealing with the litter box because your cats are indoor only the chances of them having toxo in the first place are very low. I guess writing that gardening will cause suicide doesn't sell as well?

[missik999]

Right! I remember all the reports that scared pregnant women about keeping cats. Handling raw meat and garden soil are both bigger causes than litter boxes.