Huffing and Puffington Compost? Science article? Yeah, right. I'm not quite sure where to begin, except that this is a glaring example of how we do "science" in the modern age. Anybody want to guess whether Denise Guastello is a cat fancier or a dog lover? Stereotypes suggest that women tend to prefer cats over dogs, and there can be no doubt that women are probably more intelligent than men. Then? You have this..... "Crazy cat lady syndrome" 'Crazy cat lady syndrome' is a term coined by news organizations to describe scientific findings that link the parasite Toxoplasma gondii to several mental disorders and behavioral problems.[71][72][73][74][75] However, later research has found that cat ownership does not strongly increase the risk of T.gondii infection, and in fact eating unwashed vegetables and undercooked meat is a stronger risk factor.[76] The term crazy cat lady syndrome draws on both stereotype and popular cultural reference. It was originated as instances of the aforementioned afflictions were noted amongst the populace. Cat lady is a cultural stereotype of a woman who compulsively hoards cats and dotes upon them, often a spinster. Crazy Cat Lady is also a popular cultural reference to the Simpsons' character Eleanor Abernathy who acts like a stereotypical mentally ill person, also strictly seen throughout the animated series in the presence of felines. Jaroslav Flegr (biologist) is a proponent of the theory that toxoplasmosis affects human behavior.[77] Notable cases Arthur Ashe (tennis player) developed neurological problems from toxoplasmosis (and was later found to be HIV-positive).[78] Merritt Butrick (actor) was HIV-positive and died from toxoplasmosis as a result of his already-weakened immune system.[79] Prince François, Count of Clermont (pretender to the throne of France); his disability caused him to be overlooked in the line of succession. Leslie Ash (actress) contracted toxoplasmosis in the second month of pregnancy.[80] Sebastian Coe (British middle-distance runner)[81] Martina Navratilova suffered from toxoplasmosis during the 1982 US Open.[82] Louis Wain (artist) was famous for painting cats; he later developed schizophrenia, which some believe was due to toxoplasmosis resulting from his prolonged exposure to cats.[83]
Cat scratch fever comes to mind Personally, I don't let any cat in my bedroom at night(nothing like waking up with a cat curled up on your head), but dogs are allowed(they keep the cat's out )
Don't knock the toxoplasmosis. It might make you a more outgoing person. Common Parasite Linked to Personality Changes - Scientific American
I'm not saying I don't like dogs. I've spent a lot of time in Peixian. Dogs are lovely. But they give me gout.
The French have it right about cats. They call them Un Chat, because that's all they do - usually in my garden. Cats should be made into hats!
