Road Rage From Cat Feces?

It’s not your imagination; cleaning your cat’s litter box might actually be making you angrier. Research from the University of Chicago had discovered that toxoplasmosis, a parasite found in cat feces, can make adults more prone to violent outbursts and road rage.

To avoid becoming infected by this rage-inducing parasite, and possible involvement in an auto accident that might require a lawyer in Farmington, Utah or nationwide, here is everything you need to know.

Study Results

Science Daily, an online source for science news, says “In a study involving 358 adult subjects, [researchers] found that toxoplasmosis... is associated with intermittent explosive disorder and increased aggression.”

The study results concluded that individuals who have a psychiatric disorder involving fits of extreme rage, such as those with Intermittent explosive disorder (IED), are more than twice as likely to have been exposed to the parasite, says Science Daily. Common modes of transmission are through infected cat feces, undercooked meat and contaminated water.

Nonetheless, if you are a cat owner in Farmington or across the U.S., the results do not suggest you get rid of your cat in order to prevent fits of rage on roadways, an auto accident or a call to your lawyer.

That Darn Cat

Health, an online source for health news, points out the results came from a small study and not a large clinical trial. Consequently, there is not enough evidence to suggest a cause-and-effect relationship between owning a cat and becoming infected with toxoplasmosis.

Health says, “People can avoid toxoplasmosis by cleaning their vegetables and cooking their meat thoroughly to prevent foodborne infection… Pet owners can avoid infection by keeping their cats indoors, which prevents them from eating the raw flesh of wild animals that might carry the parasite.”

Additionally, Health says pet owners can avoid toxoplasmosis by taking extra care when cleaning the litter box and cleaning the box regularly. If an individual does become infected, the parasite can be treated with antibiotics and an antimalarial drug. 

Individuals in Farmington and abroad who have been victim to someone else’s road rage or an auto accident are urged to contact a lawyer.

Nicole Donaldson is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.