We’ve all heard the term “crazy cat lady”. It is most likely that you know someone that can be described as a”crazy cat lady.” But have you ever wondered why the stereotype "crazy cat lady" exists?

“In TED-Ed's latest video, “Is There A Disease That Makes Us Love Cats?” host Jaap de Rood explains the cat disease — toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii or Toxo for short) — can influence the behavior and brain activity of cats, rats, and mammals, including humans. Toxoplasmosis is caused by T. gondii, a parasite that is excreted by cats in their feces, and the reason pregnant women are told to avoid cats' litter boxes. Doctors believe a woman who becomes infected during pregnancy is able to transmit the disease to the fetus, which could potentially result in severe brain damage or early death” (Borelli).

That’s right! The bacteria in cat poop that causes toxoplasma gondii can make a person become know as “crazy cat lady”. Also toxoplasma gondii has been linked to mental illnesses.

“It turns out that in addition to toxoplasmosis, it’s possible that T. gondii is linked to mental illness, including schizophrenia, according to recent research. The study, published in the journal Schizophrenia Research, claims that having a cat during childhood is a risk factor for developing schizophrenia or other mental illnesses like bipolar disorder later on” (Bushak).

Works Cited

Borreli, Lizette. "Crazy Cat Ladies Are Real, And This Is Why." Medical Daily.24 June 2016. Web. 07 Nov. 2016.

Bushak, Lecia. "'Crazy Cat Lady Syndrome': How Your Cat May Give You A Mental Disorder." Medical Daily. 08 June 2015. Web. 07 Nov. 2016.