Could a brain-altering parasite be the reason we love our cats?
In short: About one-third of the global population is infected with toxoplasmosis, a parasite that can only reproduce sexually within the intestines of cats. This video explores whether this infection might influence human behavior and the fascinating biological connection between cats and their hosts.
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite that can multiply in almost any host, though it is restricted to the intestines of cats for sexual reproduction. While many people infected with the parasite never experience symptoms, the infection has been documented in humans as far back as ancient Egypt. Evolutionary biologist Jaap de Roode examines the complex co-evolution between parasites and their hosts, addressing the scientific questions regarding how this infection might impact human behavior and our affinity for feline companions.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Is there a disease that makes us love cats? - Jaap de Roode
- Also: Is there a disease that makes us love cats?
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