Toxoplasma gondii is a single-cell parasite and an intestinal coccidia of cats. It is distributed worldwide. About 25% of humans around the world have been infected. The positive infection rate in China is 5%-20 %, up to more than 30% in some areas.

Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause congenital birth defects, blindness and neurological dysfunction in unborn children. In immunocompromised adults, it can cause blindness and even death.

< p>When it comes to Toxoplasma gondii, people may first think of cats. Cat feces and cat litter are the main reasons why Toxoplasma gondii infects humans.

Recently, researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia published an article titled "Cat Ownership and Schizophrenia-Related Disorders and Psychotic-Like Experiences: A Systematic Review and Meta" in the journal "Schizophrenia Bulletin" -Analysis "Research Paper.

This study shows that owning a cat in early life may be associated with more than twice the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.

In this study, the researchers conducted a literature search from January 1, 1980 to May 30, 2023, meta-analyzed 17 studies from 11 countries, and analyzed The link between owning cats and developing schizophrenia.

Research has found that keeping cats early in life increases the risk of schizophrenia later in life.

Specifically, compared with people who have not been exposed to cats, those who have cats before the age of 25 have a 2.35 times higher risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.

After adjusting for other factors, it was found that compared with people who had no contact with cats, those who owned cats before the age of 25 had a 2.24 times higher risk of developing schizophrenia later in life.

While other earlier studies have suggested that exposure to cats in childhood may increase the risk of schizophrenia-related disorders, those studies did not identify the exact age or specific time frame of exposure to cats, the researchers said.

The researchers emphasized the need to more accurately determine the critical time window of exposure and find the time window when adolescents are at the highest risk for schizophrenia related to contact with cats, so as to avoid contact with cats during this time.

< p>For risk mechanisms, the researchers believe that the overall risk trend centers on the interaction between the developing brain and Toxoplasma exposure.

Taken together, the findings support an association between exposure to cats in early life and an increased risk of schizophrenia-related disorders later in life, suggesting that cat ownership is a major risk factor for schizophrenia.

Historically, cats have been associated with death and the afterlife in many cultures. The ancient Egyptians considered cats to be sacred animals, associated with the goddess Bastet, a symbol of family, nurturance and protector. However, in some myths and legends, cats are also seen as guardians guarding the dead into the afterlife. Therefore, in some cultures, cats are considered unlucky animals, associated with death and bad luck.

This cultural concept affects people's beliefs and behaviors to a certain extent. In some countries and regions, it is believed that cats can sense human death and therefore stay away from dying people. They believe that if a cat is near a dying person, it may hasten death or bring misfortune.

Although there is no scientific evidence to support this view, some people still hold on to this belief. They may believe that in the last moments of human life, keeping cats close may upset the balance of some supernatural forces, or touch some unknown, invisible and mysterious forces.

In addition, some people have also proposed another explanation: In real life, few people let cats get close to dying people, possibly out of care and protection for cats. Because a dying person may release special chemicals or energy, they are concerned that this may have a negative impact on the cat's health.

In addition to the above points, there are some other explanations and examples to explain why some people believe that cats should not be close to dying people. For example:

A widespread belief is that when humans die, their souls may remain near their bodies for a period of time. If a cat approaches at this time, it may touch these souls, causing the soul to be taken away or causing other supernatural phenomena. This belief is widely spread in some supernatural stories and folklore.

In some cultures, people believe that cats’ eyes can see things that humans cannot. Therefore, they believe that cats can sense signs of impending human death and choose to stay away to avoid the ominous omen.

There is also a view that since cats are usually highly intuitive and sensitive, they may be able to sense changes in the human body and subtle physiological changes. Although this idea lacks scientific support, some people still believe that cats can sense human death in advance.

To sum up, there are many explanations and opinions on the topic of "why cats can't get close to dying people". Some believe it is reasoning based on science and logic, while others insist on the passing on of faith and cultural traditions. No matter which interpretation is more accurate or reasonable, it is important to respect everyone's perspective and cultural background. At the same time, we should also realize that the most important thing for people who are dying is to provide care and support rather than being bound by superstition.