Cat people have been accused of being crazy before and now there’s research to back it up! A recent study published in Schizophrenia Research examined previous studies and found that childhood cat ownership may be a risk for schizophrenia later in life. A second study, published in the journal Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, found that an individual infected with Toxoplasma gondii was almost twice as likely to develop schizophrenia according to CBS News.

T. gondii has been known to cause illness, developmental disorders and death and now researchers have greater evidence to link the cat-carried parasite to mental health issues, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

“In schizophrenia, the evidence of an association with T. gondii is overwhelming. These findings may give further clues about how T. gondii infection can possibly [alter] the risk of specific psychiatric disorders.”

It’s estimated that 60 million people in the U.S. have T. gondii. Outdoor cats are more likely to carry the parasite than indoor ones. Cat owners can protect themselves from it by keeping cats exclusively indoors and covering the litterbox when it’s not in use. It’s also best to change the litter daily, since it’s infectious one to five days AFTER it’s shed in feces. Like about 10% of the population, I’ve been allergic to cats all my life, so consequently, we’ve never had much use for each other. I wouldn’t say I hate them, but I’m indifferent to them and the feeling always seemed to be mutual. Now I’m so happy I’m not around them EVER.

(via Epic Times)