Skip to main content

Is there a disease that makes us love cats? - Jaap de Roode

1,831,999 Views

7,294 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Today, about a third of the world’s population is infected with a strange disease called toxoplasmosis — and most of them never even know it. And while the parasite can multiply in practically any host, it can only reproduce sexually in the intestines of cats. Could this disease be the reason so many people love cats and keep them as pets? Jaap de Roode shares what we know about toxoplasmosis.

Infection with Toxoplasma is associated with an increased risk of traffic accidents. This could be due to the parasite causing a lack of concentration and increased reaction times. Can you think of an experiment to confirm whether infection with Toxoplasma truly increases the risk of accidents?

Login to answer question

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Jaap de Roode
  • Script Editor Eleanor Nelsen
  • Director Anton Bogaty
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

More from Getting Under Our Skin