Cats are fluffy, adorable creatures that make you want to rush over and hug them. However, be careful because if a cat infected with Bartonella bacteria bites or scratches you, you could wind up getting schizophrenia.
A 14-year-old boy suddenly developed schizophrenia-like symptoms and was later found to carry a species of Bartonella known for causing cat-scratch fever. By treating the boy with antibiotics, the boy’s severe psychiatric problems seemed to clear up.
So if you or someone in your house is acting crazy, the cat might be to blame. Then again, maybe that person is just crazy after all.
To learn more about the link between bacteria in cats and schizophrenia, click here.