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Study debunks link between cats, psychosis

Cat ownership in pregnancy or early childhood was not associated with increased risk for psychotic experiences, according to recent findings.

“The message for cat owners is clear: There is no evidence that cats pose a risk to children's mental health,” Francesca Solmi, MSc, PhD, of University College London, said in a press release. “In our study, initial unadjusted analyses suggested a small link between cat ownership and psychotic symptoms at age 13, but this turned out to be due to other factors. Once we controlled for factors such as household over-crowding and socioeconomic status, the data showed that cats were not to blame. Previous studies reporting links between cat ownership and psychosis simply failed to adequately control for other possible explanations.”

To assess associations between cat ownership, potential exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, and risk for psychosis in early and late adolescence, researchers analyzed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children for individuals aged 13 years (n = 6,705) and 18 years (n = 4,676).

Cat ownership during pregnancy was not associated with psychotic experiences at age 13 years (adjusted OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.97-1.35) or 18 years (aOR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.86-1.35).

Initial univariable findings indicated associations between cat ownership at age 4 and 10 years and psychotic experiences at age 13 years; however, these did not remain after multivariable adjustment.

Cat ownership was not associated with psychotic experiences at age 18 years.

“Our study suggests that cat ownership during pregnancy or in early childhood does not pose a direct risk for later psychotic symptoms,” study researcher James Kirkbride, MSc, PhD, of University College London, said in the release. “However, there is good evidence that T. Gondii exposure during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects and other health problems in children. As such, we recommend that pregnant women should continue to follow advice not to handle soiled cat litter in case it contains T. Gondii.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.