Beware of Cat
May 3, 2009 5:43 PM   Subscribe

This post was deleted for the following reason: This was aprt of a larger more comprehensive post on this general topic and one news article plus one wikipedia article doesn't really go beyond that. -- jessamyn



 
Fascinating read.

I'm glad to see the scientist isn't trying to force these conclusions on anyone, just suggesting the possibility of toxoplasma gondii parasites affecting our personalities as they do with those of infected rats, and advocating more research.
posted by misha at 5:50 PM on May 3, 2009


I HEART TEH KITTIES!!!!
posted by Artw at 5:58 PM on May 3, 2009


Well it's new to me, but thanks for the previous link B.
posted by Elmore at 5:59 PM on May 3, 2009


Another, slightly more scientific and explanatory article.

This is a secondary analysis of data on national personality types and Toxoplasma gondii infection rates. It differs from the previous mentioned post because Lafferty is ascribing this parasite the power to affect entire human cultures not just individual personality. Quite amazing if true. (Although, of course, that thread does actually contain discussion of this very point.)
posted by Sova at 6:02 PM on May 3, 2009


My cat thinks I'm boring and unintelligent! Oh shit!
posted by orme at 6:05 PM on May 3, 2009


(Oh, and that thread has ponies pictures too.)
posted by Sova at 6:05 PM on May 3, 2009


"men tend to be less intelligent and probably a bit boring. But both men and women who are infected are more prone to feeling guilty and insecure."
Wow, sounds like I must have it. How can I be sure? Without reading all those big words.
posted by Iron Rat at 6:08 PM on May 3, 2009 [4 favorites]


Well, that explains it!
posted by MaryDellamorte at 6:08 PM on May 3, 2009


AAAAAAH CAT FLU!
posted by XMLicious at 6:09 PM on May 3, 2009 [1 favorite]


Cats are filthy creatures that shit inside the house. I will never own a cat.
posted by Afroblanco at 6:16 PM on May 3, 2009


Hmmm, some intresting reactions. Clicks on profiles, clicks on Flickr link... Oooooh, look at all those cat photos. CAN I HAS KONTROL!!!
posted by Elmore at 6:16 PM on May 3, 2009


Where do you opt to do your business, Afroblanco?
posted by Hildegarde at 6:18 PM on May 3, 2009 [4 favorites]


But I'm intelligent, yet boring. How do those "scientists" explain that?

Good to see this again. Parasites are fascinating they way they adapt to their environment, the host.
posted by orthogonality at 6:18 PM on May 3, 2009


Cats are filthy creatures that shit inside the house. I will never own a cat.

Last time I checked, I shat inside the house too. Are you saying that you shit outside?
posted by MaryDellamorte at 6:19 PM on May 3, 2009 [2 favorites]


Cats are filthy creatures that shit inside the house.

My, how lush your yard must be.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 6:21 PM on May 3, 2009 [3 favorites]


Are you saying that you shit outside?

The Pope does, but his mind control remains effective. Back to the drawing board, science.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 6:21 PM on May 3, 2009


Cats are filthy creatures that shit inside the house.

Couldn't agree more, Afroblanco. That's why you are always welcome at my house.
posted by StickyCarpet at 6:22 PM on May 3, 2009 [1 favorite]


You're all full of shit. Except Afroblanco, who has filled your garden with shit.
posted by Elmore at 6:24 PM on May 3, 2009


But you are still all full of shit.
posted by Elmore at 6:25 PM on May 3, 2009


Sure didn't take long for this thread to turn unintelligent and boring. That bug works fast.
posted by mhoye at 6:32 PM on May 3, 2009


Quick, everyone, say something exciting and intelligent.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 6:34 PM on May 3, 2009


How warm and outgoing of you.
posted by anthill at 6:37 PM on May 3, 2009 [1 favorite]


Is there a quick and easy way to test for toxoplasma gondii? Because those symptoms are so generic that a whole lot of people are going to think they exhibit them.
posted by One Second Before Awakening at 6:37 PM on May 3, 2009


If being warm and outgoing is the price I have to pay to cuddle my cat every morning, well dammit, I'll just have to pay it.
posted by Hildegarde at 6:38 PM on May 3, 2009


You're welcome to actually add to the thread at any stage if you feel it is boring or unintelligent. Of course if you have nothing interesting or intelligent to offer, then why not just shit in it.
posted by Elmore at 6:39 PM on May 3, 2009


HOW DO I GET IT OUT OF ME
posted by 235w103 at 6:44 PM on May 3, 2009


HOW DO I GET IT OUT OF ME

The cat's in the bag, and the bag's in the river...
posted by Elmore at 6:49 PM on May 3, 2009


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