New study finds that owning a cat can lead to severe mental illnesses

Before you send your precious feline off to the pound, consider this: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 60 million people in the U.S. who have Toxoplasmosis may never show symptoms.

Plus, researchers also point out that the parasite mainly affects outdoor cats — so, if you have an indoor cat, the chances of your cat contracting the protozoa are very slim.

If you must handle a litter box, the CDC suggests cleaning it daily, as the T. gondii protozoa “does not become infectious until one to five days after it is shed in feces.”

Also, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards, and consider wearing disposable gloves.

Keep these tips in mind so you can continue enjoying your cat’s special brand of stand-offish affection with peace of mind.

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