Science Says: Cat Owners Are More Attractive and Have More Sex

A study found that women infected with a parasite commonly caught from domestic cats had 63% more flings.

Both men and women carrying the parasite "Toxoplasma gondii," commonly found in cats, were perceived as more attractive.

According to the results published by lead researcher Javier Borráz-León on Peer J, studies found that "Infected men had lower facial fluctuating asymmetry whereas infected women had lower body mass, lower body mass index, a tendency for lower facial fluctuating asymmetry, higher self-perceived attractiveness, and a higher number of sexual partners than non-infected ones.

Then, found that infected men and women were rated as more attractive and healthier than non-infected ones."

Researchers analyzed data on 213 adult humans, those infected were found to be a third more attractive. They also appeared a fifth healthier than the non-infected.via GIPHY

It is unclear, but scientists believe the parasite subtly alters hosts’ behavior, interfering with genes that control the production of the happy hormones serotonin and dopamine.

Other animal studies have shown that Toxoplasma-infected male rats were perceived as more sexually attractive and were preferred as sexual partners by non-infected females.

People can obtain this parasite from:

Eating undercooked, contaminated meat
Accidentally swallowing the parasite through contact with cat feces that contain Toxoplasma
Cleaning a cat’s litter box
Receiving an infected organ transplant or infected blood via transfusion

Lead researcher Javier Borráz-León, of Finland’s University of Turku, said: “The parasite may produce changes in the appearance and behavior of the human host, either as a by-product of the infection or as the result of the manipulation of the parasite to increase its spread to new hosts.”

Here is a YouTube video that clearly describes the science behind the parasite:

This is not a suggestion on how to cure your ugly, this parasite will actually make you ill and would negatively affect your health. If you have a cat, make sure you clean their litterbox with caution and always wash your hands!

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Source: Science Says Cat Owners Are More Attractive and Have More Sex, Thanks to Parasite

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