In a recent review of 17 studies conducted by researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia, owning a cat has been associated with an elevated risk of schizophrenia. The comprehensive analysis, spanning 44 years and including data from 11 countries, reveals affirmative evidence linking cat exposure to a higher susceptibility to broadly defined schizophrenia-related disorders.
The research team, whose findings were published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin, reported that individuals exposed to cats had approximately twice the odds of developing schizophrenia. While the study underscores the potential psychological implications of cat ownership, it remains inconclusive regarding the specific condition of psychotic-like experiences (PLE).
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The scientists emphasise the importance of additional, high-quality studies to delve deeper into this complex relationship and better understand the nuances of the association between cat ownership and mental health risks. This investigation adds a new dimension to the ongoing discourse on the impact of pets on mental health, urging further exploration of the potential links between specific pet exposures and mental health outcomes.