Does a common cat parasite dictate human personalities?

[Scarlet Ibis]

Are you controlled by a cat parasite?

Scary. I've never been so glad to not be warm and outgoing.

 

[I am a Ghost]

Cats ARE parasites.

 

[MindlessRuffian]

hahahaha wow. thats so strange!

 

[Quiffaa]

So, the reason for 'gender differences' is finally found??

Research has shown that

women who are infected with the parasite tend to be
warm, outgoing and attentive to others,

while infected men tend to be less intelligent and probably a bit boring.

 

[I am a Ghost]

while infected men tend to be less intelligent and probably a bit boring.

Glad I'm not infected.

By this, at any rate...

 

[Quiffaa]

Toxoplasma, he notes, is "frighteningly amazing."

It can change the personality of a rat so much that the rat surrenders itself to a cat, just as the parasite wanted.

Maybe just a suicidal rat of the masochistic persuasion?

I forgot to add that he presumes that cultural differences 'seen around the world' might be linked to that. Brazil/US of A. Highly dubious IMHO

But relax:

"This isn't about trying to freak cat owners out," he says. "Simply having a cat as a pet doesn't mean you're going to get infected, for sure."

Of course, maybe some other parasite is making him say that.