Is there a disease that makes us love cats? - Jaap de Roode

Is your cat amazing ... or is there a parasite in your brain that exercises mind control? Get the facts on toxoplasmosis.
--
Today, about a third of the world’s population is infected with a strange disease called toxoplasmosis - and most of them never even know it. And while the parasite can multiply in practically any host, it can only reproduce sexually in the intestines of cats. Could this disease be the reason so many people love cats and keep them as pets? Jaap de Roode shares what we know about toxoplasmosis.
Lesson by Jaap de Roode, animation by Anton Bogaty.
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[@intuitiveobservations459]

My cat tells me this is just anti-cat propaganda. He also told me to give him more tuna. And to clean his litter box.

[@descai10]

THIS video is basically propaganda. The parasite is real, but it doesn't make you like cats. The video should be taken down.

[@paperfiddler]

💟

[@xrandomnamex5010]

@@descai10 it dosent say that it does that in the video

[@descai10]

@@xrandomnamex5010 Read the title of the video.

[@xrandomnamex5010]

@@descai10 listen to end and also it's a question not a statement

[@Pythonfan3]

The real question is: do we love cats because we have toxoplasmosis, or do we have toxoplasmosis because we love cats?

[@aaronhis5204]

Both

[@user-lf2ui7mn1f]

Which comes first, egg or chicken?

[@pisethhuy8571]

Both

[@Shadow-Shell]

@@user-lf2ui7mn1f Hen

[@randybonney2082]

No, the real question is, how do we get rid of it??

[@mikeyangel420]

The idea that cats are some kind of aliens who host a mind controlling parasite that makes us love them honestly isn't too far fetched

[@rafreyes1190]

👽

[@ZZ_CODM]

How

[@klittlet]

Literally don't understand why people like cats, I guess I don't have this desease

[@heavenlymessiah8692]

@@klittlet cats are cute, you probably never seen a kitten before

[@Suesserto]

@@klittlet chosen one, blesseth by purity. Vigorous and untouched by those who can’t be seen.

[@paullinater]

Toxoplasmosis being linked to schizophrenia, OCD, and bipolar disorder puts the whole "crazy cat lady" stereotype in a whole new light.

[@mynameisgleeriplaypiano4620]

that actually looks like in rick and morty, but I forgot which eps

[@user-xy6om5hn1u]

But toxoplasmosis cause high temperature in human body

[@user-aeb87825]

​@@mynameisgleeriplaypiano4620Probably the Interdimensional TV

[@melissahenriquez2578]

As a cat lover, I don’t care. As a hypochondriac, I’m having a panic attack.

[@bloodFatility]

Same hahahah

[@aryangupta4364]

Wow and I am thinking I am having a heart attack because my left hand hurts

[@larimarsguidetocreativity5468]

Saaaaaaame😵

[@meepitydoodle]

Same idk why I'm watching this I'm freaking out so much ahh

[@sajajan5621]

Same 😂

[@madilamb1411]

1/3 of the population?? Why isn't this all over the news this is an epidemic. Catpocalypse

[@legendz9902]

Madi Lamb because its belived to be essentially harmless...

[@Razorcarl]

@@legendz9902 until it mutate and kill us.

[@xrandomnamex5010]

@@Razorcarl makes sense a parasite that lives in the host killing the host like how people benefit from blowing their own house up

[@ashifaanakorath6813]

It is not so deadly. Then how can you call it an epidemic?

[@ashifaanakorath6813]

@@Razorcarl That won't happen...

[@mangrove]

Yes, and it is called "Cuteus Adorableus."

[@shaykamaryam2166]

😂 😂 😂.. Correct though..!!!

[@atharvapuranik7106]

sounds like a harry potter spell

[@jessical4866]

Everyone go home we don’t need a video anymore

[@someonethatexists46]

Cats 🐱 are soooooooooooooo adorable 🥰, especially when they meow 😸!

[@JupiterKnight]

lol

[@booooooooooooooooooooooo]

What the video didn’t mention is that Toxoplasmosis is generally fought off by the immune systems in health adults, without treatment. It is generally believed that once you recover from the disease, immunity of this parasite is achieved for a life time. So no need to panic

[@doctorh.m.l4727]

I HOPE YOURE RIGHT!!

[@saralbruno]

Oh thank GOD

[@SirCrusher]

Cat propagand

[@marieladomingo6068]

I feel better. Thanks.

[@nothingismysavior]

My brain twitches watching these videos. Idk if its my nerves or...THE PARASITE.

[@FirstNameLastName-gu1mu]

Ok listen up ppl. We love cats cause... Just look at their damn faces. LOOK AT IT...

[@ruiyaxiao8520]

So innocent and cute

[@daisymohamed1587]

but they are secretly planning world domination!

[@nicolenewsome4863]

Aisling Jem dogs do that to themselves.

[@vonalysongreg2780]

😍😍😍

[@vonalysongreg2780]

no further explanation 😍😍😍

[@fruit21orn-imsin12]

plot twist: dog post this video...XD

[@abiscuit3988]

Plot twist: Lizard people made dogs just to get back at cats for eating their ancestors

[@jackieann5494]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@daffymax8456]

Fruit21 Orn-imsin dog people lol

[@dunedain6495]

@@abiscuit3988 actually that sounds pretty legit :)) if you wanna know more about reptilians look for *David* *Icke* on youtube

[@muhammadwalid8440]

Or at least dog lovers/cat haters XD

[@zmeekis]

Me *towards my cat* - "Is this true?!" Cat *start hyperventilating* - They're on to us!

[@Usual_User]

This isn't their fault that parasite choose them as a link in their reproduction line..

[@sydneymomma11]

"nope! haha, nothing to see here...no, siree! everything is tooootally normal and not microscopically altering aaaaaanyone's brain chemistry. who would even think such a thing! just go love your kitties, yes, yes. love them. looove them. loooooove them. yes, everything is normal..."

[@lalakuma9]

When I was in high school, I volunteered to clean cat poop at an animal shelter, and a bunch of cats also climbed on me. I'm pretty sure that was when I got exposed to this disease, because I've loved cats since that day.

[@stargazeronesixseven]

🙏 Our deepest condolences! May you be recovered soon! 🌷🌿

[@frnsh9]

Or they just won your heart with all the eye contact and purring! Life without cats is a lost life. p.s. under cats' royalty's slavery

[@nothingismysavior]

I love cats but that scares me so mucu. I cleaned a liter box for two stray cats my sister got. Now I'm scared I got it.

[@SuperFilmregisseur]

The question is did you become schizophrenic lol

[@FreedomAndJustice4All]

​@@nothingismysaviorThe fear is your problem

[@NicoleCoenen]

My cat came into the room while I was watching this and I quickly closed the browser. We exchanged glances and we proceeded to lick his butt. .... Why did I do that?... did I know, that he knew, that I knew that cats are evil? sleeping with my eyes open tonight.

[@hscar-no8oz]

Nicole Coenen Lmao 😂

[@blaugereskrooge3521]

I love cat butts too

[@MuzikBike]

please tell me you meant to type he.

[@arilahtinen2408]

blauge reskrooge omg lol lmao😂😂😂 then u should like when their poop comes out 😂😂😂

[@kyraarts]

"We proceeded to lick his butt" I'm calling the police

[@stephaniesomer5934]

My cat is watching this with me. She’s really paying attention to THIS. Weird when I can’t ever get her look at my phone screen to watch cute videos of other kitties and such...she looks concerned and guilty AF.

[@ignacioperandres]

Se❤

[@pustota7254]

The cat knows about its crimes.

[@lindahouston5635]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@dinilgamage6894]

I checked the upload date to make sure that this isn't uploaded on April 1

[@DCBfanboy]

XD same!! I just don't believe it!

[@kenzaelbardai]

It’s actually real and pregnant ladies that didn’t already get this virus either need a vaccine or avoid cats.

[@magndis313]

im literally watching this with a cat on my lap💀

[@greenergrass4060]

"The Indoctrination video is working! All according to plan..." - your cat, probably

[@physioweng]

Am I the only one here who adores both cats and dogs equally?

[@chicacreepypasta091]

Nope, I do too :)

[@oliverwirth42]

yup

[@tuskinekinase]

I love all cute fluffy domestic animals. Kittens, puppies, bunnies, hamsters, birds... (Though I do love cats a little bit more)

[@dlh8015]

+chicacreepypasta 09 Me three!

[@oliverwirth42]

XD I thought you were someone I was arguing with and was about to do a real snappy comeback until I realized you weren't talking to me.

[@AmberMaryAnne]

watching this while my cat sits next to me

[@mzsnayem1731]

what does he or she think?

[@themurmeli88]

Oh god, run you fool!!!

[@jonathana.5270]

run!

[@Sheol02]

"Feed me, worthless human"

[@TheSgrizli]

kill it it might give you this shit and run

[@corvividart4745]

Now I'm having an existential crisis about cats

[@sabinej.3410]

Agreed....😰

[@teresajiang7735]

I tested for Toxoplasma (twice) when pregnant with both my little ones since I have had cats for more than a decade. Both results showed no trace of the parasite or any previous infection of the disease. This would be more likely if the cats were more feral or outdoorsy than for home cats.

[@bibodude]

Not sure it's because of toxoplasmosis, but my cat always welcome me when I comeback home. We play very often hide and seek. She loves play fetch games and she follows me everywhere like a dog. When her water was broking ( before she gave birth), I wanted to leave her alone. But she kept follow me very closely and cry very loudly like baby. So I stayed with her and she calmed down and started to give birth. While she was cleaning her babies, I decided to leave her alone again. But to my surprise, she brought one of her babies to me and she kept meowing. I finally went back to the closet where her other babies were and I stayed there with her for at least two hours while she was taking care of her babies. All these stories are true and I don't think I love her because of toxoplasmosis.

[@descai10]

It has absolutely nothing to do with toxoplasmosis. It only has those effects on mice, and it doesn't attract the mice to cats, it attracts them to their urine. The cat doesn't like you because of it either.

[@bibodude]

I know it has nothing to do with the toxoplasmosis. What I don't like about this video is it insinuates that we love our cat because of the parasite.

[@descai10]

bibodude It actually didn't, only those who didn't pay attention properly assume that. It mentioned clearly that it effects mice, and separated the effects that it had on the humans from the effects on mice.

[@bibodude]

Dude. read the title of this video

[@descai10]

bibodude I'm aware of the title, but the info discussed in the video didn't confirm the title.

[@CybeargPlays]

What the hell?! How have I never heard of this?! Now I'm going to be paranoid that every cat I touch will give me mind-altering parasites that will burrow into my brain. Thanks, TED-Ed.

[@snailsalts]

You probably already have it TBH.

[@dominicking4964]

He's right there are so many cats I'm surprised where not in the same state as Egyptians in cat lover terms. And men with toxoplasma gondii. Are bigger risk takers and more attractive to women who aren't infected compared to women who are...wired, huh.

[@snailsalts]

If your talking about me, I'm a girl so..... XD.

[@dominicking4964]

Oh well there's a chance girls who aren't infected might be more attracted to you then others, haha. But infected women actually find the scent of cat urine less appealing, whereas infected men don't think it's as bad..like how infected male mice love that smell.

[@totochacha7733]

Well, I read it somewhere that the French have an extremely high infection rate because they like their steak blue (meaning it still bleeds, very undercooked). It's not just because of cats you see :)

[@marianocolsin8968]

Now I can't stop thinking that everyone in this comment section is just being manipulated for a parasite

[@Ss-hn5rf]

"Toxo increases dopamine." Pharma companies: It's free real estate.

[@carissashley]

Me, as a person with ADD: So all I need is more cats? 😆

[@LaUnicaEsperanza]

Toxo makes ADHD **worse**, and is possibly related to schizophrenia! Lol, "More is not always better" applies to almost everything in the body, especially neurotransmitters!

[@dlr759]

Действительно

[@bunnyfreakz]

So Is there a disease that makes us love pizza?

[@HotCoals]

Yes, it's called the "Marijuana"

[@SimonDoer]

+Cole Loves You lol

[@eeelmane]

+Cole Loves You hahahahah too good

[@dimatadore]

diabetes. lol jk.. pizza IS a problem.

[@MrCannibalMan]

In a way: yes. It isn't a disease, but an addiction to a compound found in cheese called casein.

[@danyocean8024]

When I meet someone and they say they don't like cats I automatically don't like that person

[@ReptilianTeaDrinker]

Same here.

[@vinayantiburman4651]

Same here!

[@mayateola4732]

Hahaha same here

[@vaishnavaramjass]

Is there a disease that makes us love cute animals at first sight? Yes It’s called- having-two-working-eyes-a-monia

[@girl6girl6]

we are actually hard wired to like cute, helpless things and want to protect them. this includes babies and baby animals etc. that is why it is so disturbing to hear about people who torture small animals, or drown kittens, or hurt children. its literally almost impossible for a normal person to wrap their head around someone being able to look at an adorable face with big eyes and a small mouth, and then willingly destroy it.

[@klittlet]

You sound like someone who has toxoplasmosis

[@girl6girl6]

@@klittlet no....you do.

[@klittlet]

@@girl6girl6 I wasn't replying to you

[@girl6girl6]

@@klittlet ok

[@NinjaFlibble]

loving a cat is only due to a parasite but loving a tarantula is perfectly normal? (I'm not saying no one should love spiders, it's just strange that cats can't be loved when they're small, furry, and cuddly)

[@samarth3957]

No, we like cats cuz they are cute, but obsession with cats might be due to the parasites. Rabbits and dogs are cute too but why aren't they king of internet?

[@gematooth1477]

As someone who owns both a cat and a tarantula, i think it's fine and healthy to love both lol

[@agentc7020]

Samarth Srivastava because cats are cuter?

[@scienceium5233]

true

[@kee7374]

@@samarth3957 the reason is simply because cats have more unpredictable behaviors that make them funnier/more interesting to watch

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I’m definitely infected with cat-love disease, whether toxo or not. My hypothesis is that being with cats raises our oxytocin levels, the chemical that makes us feel love. I feel better just looking at cats. I knew a man who was diagnosed with toxoplasmosis, he was quite sick and needed treatment, but he loved cats before that. He was on litter-box duty because his wife was pregnant.

[@SlowerIsFaster139]

so my dog eats cat shit all the time yet she still chases and tries to kill my kitty

[@engideergaming]

poor kitty

[@alice80085]

Delete him

[@theorangedinosaur4098]

Why the poop?

[@1funkyflyguy]

No it doesn't, stop talking sh*t.

[@Burek_so_sirenje]

cold cuts just kill the dog already lol

[@stacey_101]

Person: I like cats Scientists: Well actually-

[@dinasaleem1]

I always tested negative to toxoplasmosis yet my addiction to cats grows everyday. I just love them.

[@Mr_Roomba_]

How do you test?

[@user-yp6kn2uw4k]

@@Mr_Roomba_ There are antibodies to toxoplasma in the blood.

[@definitelynotafurry2503]

It's not a disease! It's a cure!

[@damian9303]

Nah, it's a disease that can turn you into a cat woman one bite of cat shit at a time

[@discovaria9507]

Damian9303 then parasite will eat you

[@ebunoluwataiwo9975]

That sounds like something a cat would say

[@gabriellakm]

Rachel nail it

[@flatloli1009]

My cat helps me whit autism by doing tasks like a dog Dogs aren't angels either I got nearly killed by a huge mutt when I was a child

[@iheartscaryclowns]

If loving cats is an disease then I don’t want a cure.

[@raeraewells7053]

I contracted toxoplasmosis Gondi as an infant. They had no idea for a year what I had, when they did discover what was making me sick my parents were told if I lived I would probably need a liver and kidney transplant and maybe one blind. None of that happened thank goodness. It took a year and a half for it to leave my system. They also told my parents I may have heart problems as I got older. I am 46 and this one does worry me.

[@tetsuoshima2314]

I came down to the comments because I wanted to say how actually dangerous toxoplasmosis can be if caught when young. I got it in like 5th or 6th grade and I thought I was going to die. I was so sick for so long and they also couldn't figure out what was wrong with me until it got so bad my dad had to carry me in his arms to see the doctor and only then did they finally test my blood and sure enough, that's what did me in. Missed like a month of school for recovery. Still love cats though.

[@tortellinifettuccine]

It didn't leave your system, especially if you had it for such a long period of time. Yes it more than likely left your muscles and blood, but it's still very much dormant in your brain, and you will be experiencing a 50% higher chance of Schizophrenia You're very likely to commit suicide and have suicidal thoughts there's also many other medical and brain function issues that can occur but at the end of the day it's forever stuck inside of your brain you cannot get it out.

[@ReiAnikaAyanami]

​@@tortellinifettuccine gee, thanks

[@crystaltranquilino3578]

“ah, very interesting” i say to myself watching this as i cuddle my cat in bed

[@furrball]

Love cats since 25 years, never had toxoplasmosis as evidenced by blood tests made in one occasion where that was a suspected cause for swollen lymph nodes (real cause resulted to be a throat infection). So nope, not my case. And unlikely that of most others. We love cats because they're fun, relaxing, cute, and they often befriend caring owners. I see my non-neutered 7 years old ginger male cat as something between a close friend and a little child who needs my attentions and repays me with fondness and by appearing happy and satisfied. That's really all, no toxoplasma involved.

[@lolrofl2925]

Alessandro Ghignola the video clearly states that it's unsure at 4:15

[@estherloppe-isaac5089]

Wooow cool 😎

[@lordcawdorofmordor2549]

I don't care. Even if I have that disease, I still love cats

[@tarantinopipp7455]

do you realise that the parasite could make you say this?

[@masterthedestoyer1202]

I agree

[@yousuckatdrawing]

Of course you do, irrationality and denial are symptoms. You are being controlled by the parasite in your brain, you shouldn't really be allowed to vote as you are not in your right mind.

[@trishaw7751]

People have a better chance of getting toxoplasmosis from under-cooked meats and unwashed vegetables. Cats are just one small part of this bug. I wear gloves when I clean our cats' boxes, and wash after that, too. I was tested for toxo and came back negative. People just LOVE cats!

[@KaiChenoz]

clickbang through white cell in the blood

[@a.henderson9559]

I’m a dog person, but I have a cat, and love it so much. I also like rats.

[@welcometothestream8860]

4 in 1

[@raggedyexynos9487]

Dude rats are literal disease...

[@ReptilianTeaDrinker]

Rats are adorable and their little grabbies are so cute.

[@naomilindberg2328]

@@ReptilianTeaDrinker grabbies! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Zak-tk8wv]

@@welcometothestream8860 yes

[@kellyalsaleh3032]

Oh my! I found out last year (at age 46) from an examination of my eye by an ophthalmologist that I had been infected by toxoplasmosis as a foetus that had damaged part of the back of my eye and I only narrowly missed being born blind! I have ADHD but it does run in my family so can't really blame toxoplasmosis except maybe as an environmental trigger that switched on a gene I already carried. Also, I love love love cats 🤗

[@sydneymomma11]

oh, wow! glad to hear you're okay. 💜

[@polaroidstyles9348]

Tom and Jerry, am I right? 😹

[@kyliedeed6837]

Heeey, yeeeaahh!!

[@ethanchou4906]

XD

[@jollyrancher4957]

The good old days

[@goodcat6655]

Aren't you *more likely* to get toxoplasma from unwashed, contaminated produce, contaminated meat, from handling contaminated soil and by drinking contaminated water than from cats and cat litter? Can't you get toxoplasma from dogs too? Why are cats always singled out when it comes to things like this?

[@justinwashburn496]

Kakra Cat yeh

[@_wheat856]

That's just how this parasite works also dogs have better immune systems soooo there's that

[@goodcat6655]

That's not the point I'm saying. I'm just curious why cats are always targeted when it comes to things like this. Why must cats always be portrayed as unloving, evil, devilish, you name it, when they're really quite the opposite (Trust me, I know they're the opposite of unloving, evil and devilish.)? I do happen to know for a fact that cat bashing happens to be an old hobby of some kind.

[@nicolenewsome4863]

Twilight true

[@raymondv.m4230]

Kakra Cat He's not bashing cats. He doesn't even say that cats are the main transmission method of toxo. Calm down

[@auto_5]

Extremely concise and effective overview. Also highly unbiased. Thank you!

[@tomoko7584]

There is so much love in my heart for cats

[@StellaMariaGiulia]

The only person I know to have had toxoplasmosis, not only hates cats, but has a quite severe phobia of felines. She says it's because she still remembers playing with the stray cat that gave her toxoplasmosis.

[@DA-js7xz]

CITE YOUR GODDAMN SOURCES. "Some studies say" is not science.

[@muhammadwalid8440]

We all know this is just unknown theory

[@AhJodie]

This is hilarious and freaky as heck! Thank you!

[@chironOwlglass]

Yes, it's called "not being a sociopath"

[@piggybank1385]

I hate cats, and guess what, I ain’t no sociopath

[@punkt646]

Did you recognise that the first of April is not today? I cant take this for real xD

[@GeometryDashAshtonator0]

wut

[@Yarshy.]

I thought this was general knowledge...

[@Tumbolisu]

"reality is unrealistic"

[@kaishadowninja5989]

He thought it was April 1st because: " I cant take this for real" He cant believe it.

[@GeometryDashAshtonator0]

+XvAvX lol

[@anonymouscandle1223]

So the question is, can you like cats and not be infected?

[@goodcat6655]

Good question! I honestly thought that too.

[@kendomyers]

Anonymous Candle no.

[@xrandomnamex5010]

do you need a parasite to like dogs?

[@saundramonette4137]

Yes. I don't come in contact with cats at all. I still love them and obsess over them.

[@largeandmildlythreateningr2966]

humans love any soft squishy animals so presumably yes. we don't need toxoplasma to love guinea pigs, or ferrets

[@whiteraven181]

Apparently being raised for my early years in an unhygenic cat-dense house AND coming from a family with a history of mental health issues I was just doomed to depressive issues from the start.

[@katebishop3724]

I love cats. My two are like my children honestly. I can never understand why people put down those who like cats. I love my cats because I don’t have to walk them and I can tell they care for me to an extent that they think of me as an equal. They’re so interesting to watch and to bond with (even if that bond isn’t instant). I feel as though because you work to become close and to earn each other’s trust it feels rewarding. Like my cats know not to step on my artwork or my computer while I’m typing and know where on my bed they can and can’t sleep. It’s just little things that show they take notice

[@AutumnSpaceship]

YAY! All cat haters can be fixed with toxoplasmosis!

[@linggwenniequin2644]

Uhm.... but what if they're allergic?

[@user-ci3ke1po3o]

@@glazech1570 indeed

[@glazech1570]

@@linggwenniequin2644 they can stick to snakes or arachnids, some spiders and reptiles are cute.

[@glazech1570]

@@user-ci3ke1po3o :P

[@kristymounsey3450]

Gläzech please don’t use slurs against intellectually disabled people.

[@triciaaw4539]

I had the IgG Toxo test done a few years ago - comp'd immune system - and tested negative. Yet I continue to adore cats :) Some of us just LOVE cats!

[@jessepollard7132]

ah ha - their breeding policy is showing positive results. My cat objected to any girl that visited - until my future wife did - who also had a cat.

[@angelikphoenix44]

If that's the case, every human being should have toxoplasmosis so no one could ever be able to hurt cats.

[@sweetdog11]

ok, this explains why i went from having one cat, to 5 cats

[@espurrcat]

Reminds me that i need to adopt a cat.

[@dweeblekeneeble6332]

Ok I have this disease! I love cats and have four. Who else has this!

[@definitelynotafurry2503]

I would have four if I could but I live with my parents and we're renting a house so we can only have one. She is adorable though!

[@annachan8151]

I like street cats and ferals more than tamed cats! I think I got it bad O_0 but I don't care XD

[@MissMaggieLicious]

The Anime Gamer Girl 101 yea me too!! Haha I have three indoor n two outside cats, they r so babies.

[@XxXxbikergurlxXxX]

🙋 I've got it, I have 6 and I've been volunteering at a cat shelter once a week for the past 5 years!

[@SilveniumTheDrifter]

Four cats as well. Only problem I have with them is having to keep up on all of those litter boxes so much more often. Am I right?

[@user-fv6uw8iu5x]

I havent had my cat for 3 months and I still love n miss him terribly. Ur giving plasmo to much power.

[@juliboi08]

Kudos to Ted-ed animators! Very engaging and informative!

[@ignacioperandres]

Best❤🎉😢🎉😂❤

[@largefella4341]

Now I'm scared...

[@1ucasvb]

The animation is just so perfect!

[@hetmodi7578]

now, I'll share this EVERYWHERE!

[@kittybuckley3]

I'm actually a dog person but got this goofy cat, I'm stuck with him now 😆

[@Azucarcontilde]

3:14 eating sand from your garden having cats that poop everywhere could do that?

[@PetroBeherha]

Too bad, I love cats. I like dogs too, but I'd prefer cats over them. I might have t. gondii in my brain, but I need to make sure.

[@agungpanggabean8113]

you can make someone open up your skull to get a sample from your behavior controlling part on your brain and put it under microscope :/

[@PetroBeherha]

I could do that or, more disgustingly, get a sample of cat urine and smell it and see how I like or hate it.

[@descai10]

Doesn't work that way on humans, that's not a valid test on humans.

[@PetroBeherha]

Yeah that was before I found out in a different video that cats (particularly their poop) are just hosts to the parasite and not the source. As for T. gondii's effects on humans, the belief that it "controls your mind" is really just typical media hype and internet rumor. There are studies that suggest having the parasite is more prevalent in people who are more aggressive and competitive, but that's more correlation than causation, and the effects are only quite slight. So you're right, me loving cats is not a valid test.

[@msuchojad]

Petro Beherha Good 4 you! * Pets Dog * yes I am doing what you think I'm doing

[@mayateola4732]

I don't care about those toxos. My cat is giving me so much love and purring, nothing can compare to that joy.

[@camillecirrus3977]

Playlist: "Is there a disease that makes us love Me: Excuse me what Playlist: cats?" Me: Oh... That's what it meant.

[@codinginflow]

this is mind blowing

[@agglyusr]

It's reckless not to mention the very limited amount of time in a cat's life that they actually shed oocysts.

[@rameshmh11]

1:18 this is so fricking cuteeee!!!

[@blakecparis6626]

Cats are so adorable and precious!

[@schrodingerscat1077]

Makes you love cats? SIGN ME UP!

[@descai10]

It doesn't make you like cats. The video is misleading.

[@hoonwoon]

All jokes aside, I have this toxoplasma and it really painful. I still love my cat though.

[@dragonfox2.058]

LOVE the graphics! 💕

[@ijanx]

If toxo makes us love cats even more, then it’s not a DIS-sease it’s more of a pro-ease

[@gabrielalmonte4497]

My cat got me lowkey shook

[@Cat-yx7xc]

I could have lived without knowing this. Im afraid of my cat now

[@Menkuna]

Since I work in a medical lab I already knew what this was about but I still enjoyed it

[@GenerationJonesi]

Me: Pah! My cat: You don't see me going to work every day.

[@boilingfire]

I just love my cat. But when I see another cat on the street or so, I am not like "OMG A CAT ITS SO CUTE I WANT TO PET IT OMG". Explain that.

[@Crimson_Knight004]

Elsa, I didn't know you had a cat. Where was it in the movie? :c

[@ExplodingDarth]

WAIT that's awesome where do you find cats on the street? If I saw a cat, I would want to pet it, if I saw a dog I would want to pet it... I want to pet a dangerous animal also.... like a lion or polar bear or maybe a hippo. Snake- check dog- check cat- check bird- check

[@aaliyahfrancis7205]

I have like 23 pets. If I saw a cat on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a dog on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a bird on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a weasel on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a raccoon on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a lightning bug on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a cricket on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a grasshopper on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a ant on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a frog on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a french fry on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a salamander on the street I would keep it as a pet. If I saw a... you get the point

[@boilingfire]

Cameron P. Just cats that have owners, they are just walking outside

[@averagetoad2802]

there cute

[@v.l.963]

So... Maybe I was born with this parasite because I've loved cats since the first time I saw one. Cat lovers are unique 😺💜

[@madzee9]

I agree

[@TraceyMush]

They should have mentioned that after kitty contracts the parasite, they only shed it for a limited amount of time and then never again.

[@n2bfw884]

I love this narrator's voice.

[@annonymous3388]

So ... should we get tested for toxoplasmosis? Does it stay in one’s brain forever? Is it dangerous? Is there a treatment? Does it go away on its own? Will a person just keep getting it over & over from their cat? This is actually a very serious topic that was glossed over in a ridiculous 5 minute animated video.

[@laurapaglia8229]

Maybe because youtube shouldn't be the place to get health care ^_^ If you fear you might be infested with toxoplasmosis, best thing would be to speak to your doctor. I'm not trying to be sarcastic, I really think that's the safest option, instead of getting health tips here...

[@NinjaFlibble]

I've read that if your cat is strictly indoor and has no contact with cats that go outdoors, then they are not likely to have toxoplasmosis. If your cat does go outside or have contact with another cat that does, then I think two weeks of them being strictly indoors, etc will get rid of the parasite.

[@EvaluateAssimilate]

The video clearly states the detrimental effect it has on mice and that it attracts them to the urine, not the cat. It also details how, in humans, it is not the same, so I'd say relax and find the information interesting.

[@blackmonalisa9732]

Me:I just like cat bruh *Nerd friends explaining why I like cats*

[@chaoswitch1974]

I'm IN LOVE with cats. Obsessed. I live FOR them. They're my purpose.

[@369blackpanther]

We Love Cats because they are the most incredible Beings on the planet❤

[@vickylombardi7908]

I have it, and don’t you dare try to give me medicine for it. Want to keep it 😍

[@fabianastacia3350]

Well... I just know one person with toxoplasmosis, and she HATES cats.

[@elliotfinn146]

Ted-ed answers every single one of my unasked questions.

[@KineticManiac]

The video: 4:15 "And is toxo the reason so many people love cats and keep them as pets? Well, the jury's still out on that one. Some recent studies even contradict the idea." The comment section: "I love cats so much, I have this disease!!!!!!!"

[@therealtulip]

“Is there a disease that makes us love cats, and do you have it?” Yup, if there is such a disease, I definitely have it. And ain’t no one gonna take it away from me either!!

[@kasugaifox8571]

Yay! I love my kitty overlords.

[@lorettap.925]

To anyone who is worried about possibly having this parasite: Don't. If you do have it, there is nothing to do about it anyway. And then you might as well enjoy it. Because let's say it does make you love cats. (You probably had an affection for them anyway.) What did you lose? A beautiful, pure, overflowing love whenever you see or pet a feline? Do you really think that's a bad thing? Because whenever I'm at the shelter and help those furry babies and receive their love, I'm anything but worried. How can that be bad? Don't worry. You've only got this one life. Don't waste it worrying about things that make you happy.

[@luongthaovu1701]

The animation is so *CUTE BUT DEADLY*

[@sodachery666]

A CAT CAN MAKE MY FUKING DAY LIKE I COULD GET CANCER AND MY FRIENDS ALL HATE ME AND HOMELESS I COULD SEE A BABY CAT AND BOOM IM SOOOOO FUKIN HAPPY

[@feeberizer]

Do you know what I like about people? Their cats! 😻

[@SleepIntoTheDiamondLife]

mood

[@wisdom6073]

Watching this while I have my cat on me. 👌😺❤

[@nellymalone2802]

Love the graphics!!!