Explore new research suggesting that owning a cat during childhood may be linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia, possibly due to exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This episode delves into an Australian meta-analysis combining results from 17 studies over 44 years across 11 countries, finding that cat owners had more than twice the odds of developing schizophrenia compared to non-cat owners. We discuss how Toxoplasma gondii affects the brain, the role of cat scratch disease caused by Bartonella bacteria, and the implications for mental health. While these findings are significant, we also highlight the limitations of the studies and the need for further high-quality research. Join us as we examine the complex relationship between cats, parasites, and human psychology. Toxoplasma gondii, schizophrenia, cat ownership, mental health, parasite, Australian study, meta-analysis, cat scratch disease, Bartonella, psychosis, cat parasites, mental health research