Talker: Cat Parasites Could Be Creeping Into Your Brain

An article in this month's Atlantic magazine profiles a biologist who believes that a parasite in cat feces may be manipulating his brain and the minds of others.

The parasite causes toxoplasmosis, which is why pregnant woman are told to avoid cat litter boxes. The disease can be transmitted to the fetus and cause brain damage or death.

Up until now it was believed that the disease would only cause flu-like symptoms in healthy children and adults. But Czech biologist Jaroslav Flegr believes that the organism contributes to car crashes, suicides, and mental disorders such as schizophrenia. 

And his research also contends that the parasite does some amazing things, including altering the behavior of rodents so that the parasite can get back inside a cat: where it needs to be in order to sexually reproduce. Flegr's research indicates that infected rodents become less fearful of cats and may actually be attracted to them, making them easy prey.

Read the full article and let us know your thoughts? Is your cat driving you crazy?