Attn: crazy cat ladies, you’re not as crazy as you think

A new studyfromthe University College London has found zero correlation between owning a feline friend and showing signs of psychosis. Thus, cat people can finally catch a break.

Previously, research showed concern for cat ownership leading to mental health problems like schizophrenia. After all, cats are known to house the common parasite Toxoplasma Gondii (T. Gondii), which researchers at the University of Chicago in a 2016 study originally linked to angry outbursts.

This study, which followed about 5,000 people over a 20-year period, disputed that. It followed young children with cats, as well as, women who were pregnant and cat-owners. The study controlled factors such as household overcrowding, as well as, socioeconomic status — finding that cats were not to blame for symptoms of psychosis.

“The message for cat owners is clear: there is no evidence that cats pose a risk to children’s mental health,” Dr. Francesca Solmi, the lead author of this research explained.

Still, Dr. James Kirkbride, the senior author added, “There is good evidence that T. Gondii exposure during pregnancy can lead to serious birth defects and other health problems in children. As such, we recommend that pregnant women should continue to follow advice not to handle soiled cat litter in case it contains T. Gondii.”

So if you’re pregnant, delegate someone else to clean the cat litter. Otherwise, go on down to the MSPCA, adopt a whole litter, and live your best life!