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catwoods
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« Reply #15 on: February 01, 2008, 10:44:12 PM » |
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I've seen at least one reference in the past in a newpaper on toxoplasmosis that had IMO incorrect information, and I've heard pregnant women say "cats carry something . . ." The CDC info is good but I also like to get the articles written by veterinarians. I can't recover all the info I read on this before but here are several fairly comprehensive links. They all indicate actual disease in the US occurs more frequently from undercooked meat. They also mention something I've read elsewhere, that disinfectants will not kill the parasite, but scalding water will and can be used to clean cat pans. There is advice here that will be considered out of date by feeders of raw, sorry. http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/index.cfm?function=showarticle&id+476http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1359&articleid=770http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/toxoplasmosis.htmlThere are more articles - just type in toxoplasmosis and DVM. I'd like to see someone check thoroughly into the articles linking toxoplasmosis to schizophrenia too. May do that if I get time, sigh. I wish someone would write an article for popular consumption on this, one that is based on the actual scientific facts, to be run in major newspapers in hopes of actually informing the public. I checked the links and found that in link #1 you have to click on "cats" and then click on "Toxoplasmosis is not Related to Cat Ownership" to get the article I read. Me and tech, not pals. the other two links work well, yay. |
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« Last Edit: February 01, 2008, 10:53:36 PM by catwoods »
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kaffe
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« Reply #16 on: February 02, 2008, 12:57:51 AM » |
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Below is a copy of the note I sent to the ASPCA last night after I listened to a newscast from WSBTV in Atlanta Ga reporting that OWNING CATS CAUSES MENTAL ILLNESS ....
Then I must be a flaming lunatic...  ;DI've been raised with cats, cats, cats... and always had cats, cats, cats. If this is lunacy... I rather like the feeling  |
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Janet
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« Reply #17 on: February 02, 2008, 07:25:04 AM » |
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I found a good ABC News article concerning our discussion... http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=1299317The main theme of this article is that a link between Toxoplasmosis and Schizophrenia is a THEORY that has not at all been PROVEN. Making this unproven theory the focus of a newscast is, in my opinion, irresponsible news reporting. |
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catbird
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Torti Goddess
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« Reply #18 on: February 02, 2008, 11:29:57 AM » |
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I wonder if the writer of this newscast wasn't just making a thinly-disguised statement of cat hatred, similar to the witch hunts of the Middle Ages, when they blamed cats for being witches or belonging to witches. Some people irrationally hate cats and blame them for all kinds of things. To me, this is just the witch hunts in modern dress.
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JJ
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« Reply #19 on: February 02, 2008, 11:54:58 AM » |
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This must be the time to put out inflammatory newscasts, etc. On radio they are stating that if a man does not father a child then he will get prostate cancer. WTF? How does sperm know if its fathering a child or not and how would the prostrate know either? These people who put out this propoganda need to get a life and put out some real news. They must think we're all stupid lemmings who will believe anything they tell us as fact and is the truth. Feel sorry for the whole lot of em-they should all burn in that hot place reserved for inflammatory people who incite and upset people.
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'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,
But how to dance in the rain.'
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catwoods
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« Reply #20 on: February 02, 2008, 02:07:21 PM » |
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Another CDC link with a lot of information on it, rather lengthy. I can't find info I had previously on the actual number of and location of cases in the US in a certain year. http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4902a5.htmJanet, I'm glad you posted the link to the article on toxoplasmosis and skitzophrenia. It affirms what I thought I had recalled - that this is just a theory. I wish they would word these articles differently - when they write "a parasite found in cat droppings", that gives people the impression that it's always there. In actuality, it is only SOMETIMES found in cat droppings and it's a relatively rare occurance. I was motivated to look up this information myself in prior years because I needed talking points to counter the amount of misinformation out there. Catbird and JJ, I agree with both of you, there could very well be persons biased against cats, as well as media types who create sensations for attention. Very sad. |
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Meowli
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« Reply #21 on: February 02, 2008, 03:06:40 PM » |
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I just sent the station a blasting out letter. Not swearing though, although certain words are very tempting, I was somewhat less than polite.  Maybe they'll get sick of every one complaining and be more careful of the facts next time- or is this dreaming? I know a couple of people that would fall for irresponsible stories like this, hook, line, and hysterical sinker. Meowli |
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Janet
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« Reply #22 on: February 02, 2008, 06:10:42 PM » |
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I wonder if the writer of this newscast wasn't just making a thinly-disguised statement of cat hatred, similar to the witch hunts of the Middle Ages, when they blamed cats for being witches or belonging to witches. Some people irrationally hate cats and blame them for all kinds of things. To me, this is just the witch hunts in modern dress.
[/quote
{I tried to pull up this newscast several times today and couldn't access it} For those of you who were unable to view this newscast... A portion of this report featured an interview with a woman who claimed to be involved with the Phoenix Cat Club (whatever that is?). As part of the reference that "cats cause mental illness" she readily and happily passed along the information that she has an elderly aunt or friend (can't recall which) that owns many cats and seems to be crazy (?) but that she apparently is quite happy with all her cats.
I was appalled by this insinuation... |
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Offy
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« Reply #23 on: February 03, 2008, 07:08:10 AM » |
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Please: File complaints with the FCC.http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html. Let your local humane societies know about this too. I sent mine: Dear Management: The promo says paraphrasing "You've heard of the Crazy Cat lady, well maybe there's a reason...." Reporter Tom Regan. It's sick, sensationalism that could cost cats their homes and lives and disparaging to cat owners. It's a theory and they presented it with all the vocal inflections to generate hysteria. Your facts seem missing to give viewers an accurate report of the THEORY. You should be sued for the equivalent of shouting fire in a theatre. Irresponsible, careless, inflammatory sensationalism. Your reporter should take journalism classes and learn to read. Logical thinking and common sense training should be mandatory for your staff/reporters. Reporters apparently sufficient to be called brainless people masquerading as "journalists". He should be forced to work in a local shelter doing community service and for some education about the cats. Countless people believe what they hear on TV and you have most likely caused the needless death of cats from fear struck owners and panic among citizens across the Internet and locally. You should be sued by every animal organization across the US. Right, forget about undercooked meat and blame the cats. I think most cat owners handle changing the litter carefully. Same as cleaning a toilet. Handling & cooking meat I would bet is handled with less care in a household than cleaning the toilet or litter boxes. Irresponsible, inflammatory reporting. http://www.wsbtv.com/video/15196658/index.htmlIt should be read on the newscast to make sure people know the reporter was way out of line and damaging people and animals. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=86621Most toxoplasma infections occur early in life through exposure to cat feces or undercooked beef or pork. Infections rarely cause symptoms, but the parasite remains in the body and can become active after being dormant for many years, according to background information in a news release about the study. http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4902a5.htmhttp://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=1299317"ABC medical contributor Dr. Tim Johnson said he is skeptical of the study, but said there are diseases people can get from cats, the most serious being toxoplasmosis. Johnson said millions of people are affected with this parasite, but their immune system fights it off. " I will be filing a complaint with the FCC. |
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« Last Edit: February 03, 2008, 07:22:40 AM by Offy »
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cynthiak23
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« Reply #24 on: February 03, 2008, 09:02:59 AM » |
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What the @#*#! One of the most ABSURD things I ever heard! What are they trying to accomplish by publishing this??? There is a GREATER chance of disease by exposing yourself and your child to the TOXIC FRAGRANCE PRODUCTS on the market and from TOXIC CARPETING that your child crawls on. Are they trying to BLAME problems on cats TO DETOUR us away from the REAL ISSUES? It's all the toxic products on the market today that are making everyone sick! EVERYONE NEEDS TO INUNDATE THEIR EMAIL BOX and the Explain to them that we are at a greater risk of illness by being exposed to all the UNREGULATED PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET! Will they publish that? NO, not likely. They are in the business of making money, so they protect their unscrupulous advertisers. Just LOOK at what we (and our pets) are exposed to everyday. These are the REAL ISSUES they need to report on.
Carpet Politics and Alternatives - chemicals given off by carpeting found to cause health problemsTownsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, August, 2001 by Rose Marie Williams In the June 2001 issue of TLfDP, #215, this column discussed the Hidden Dangers of Carpeting. Some of the topics covered were indoor air quality -- asthma -- formaldehyde -- children -- pesticides -- and cleaning hazards. Potential sources of toxic chemicals emanate from the synthetic fibers, carpet backing and padding, dyes, fireproofing, mothproofing, stain proofing, and floor adhesives. [1] Researching information about carpet safety produced some interesting twists and turns through the land of government inefficiency and corporate spin doctoring.
Read the Article:http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2001_August/ai_78177235Fragrance
—A Growing Health and Environmental HazardKlaus Ferlow—09/2007 "Neurological Effects - Fragrance chemicals affect the brain and nervous system, with some effects being immediate and transitory, and other effects being chronic and long lasting. Effects on the nervous system can occur from chemicals absorbed, inhaled, or ingested."
Read the article:http://www.energygrid.com/health/2007/09kf-fragrance.html |
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« Last Edit: February 03, 2008, 09:06:34 AM by cynthiak23 »
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"In politics, nothing happens by accident. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way." Franklin D. Roosevelt "The Price Of Freedom Is Eternal Vigilance." Thomas Jefferson Join the Campaign for Liberty! http://www.campaignforliberty.com |
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Offy
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« Reply #25 on: February 03, 2008, 11:33:13 AM » |
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One thing is for sure - you didn't & wouldn't read this as the headline for that article/newscast: Warning! Undercooked meats can carry the same dangerous parasites as cat feces Put a plate of each in front of that reporter and ask him to pick one |
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« Last Edit: February 03, 2008, 11:37:04 AM by Offy »
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Trudy
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« Reply #26 on: February 03, 2008, 02:43:03 PM » |
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Very good letter you wrote Offy.
You can also get it from untreated water. and from unwashed fruits and vegtables.
did they mention that on the news?
From gardening, Etc.
But if We have had cats all our life, We must all be Crazy!
what a bunch of crap.
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kaffe
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« Reply #27 on: February 03, 2008, 04:48:00 PM » |
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Excellent letter, Offy! THANK YOU for sending it!
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catwoods
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« Reply #28 on: February 03, 2008, 11:35:05 PM » |
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I agree, Offy, that was a great letter!
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JJ
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« Reply #29 on: February 04, 2008, 01:39:35 AM » |
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Please: File complaints with the FCC.http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html. Let your local humane societies know about this too. I sent mine: Dear Management: The promo says paraphrasing "You've heard of the Crazy Cat lady, well maybe there's a reason...." Reporter Tom Regan. It's sick, sensationalism that could cost cats their homes and lives and disparaging to cat owners. It's a theory and they presented it with all the vocal inflections to generate hysteria. Your facts seem missing to give viewers an accurate report of the THEORY. You should be sued for the equivalent of shouting fire in a theatre. Irresponsible, careless, inflammatory sensationalism. Your reporter should take journalism classes and learn to read. Logical thinking and common sense training should be mandatory for your staff/reporters. Reporters apparently sufficient to be called brainless people masquerading as "journalists". He should be forced to work in a local shelter doing community service and for some education about the cats. Countless people believe what they hear on TV and you have most likely caused the needless death of cats from fear struck owners and panic among citizens across the Internet and locally. You should be sued by every animal organization across the US. Right, forget about undercooked meat and blame the cats. I think most cat owners handle changing the litter carefully. Same as cleaning a toilet. Handling & cooking meat I would bet is handled with less care in a household than cleaning the toilet or litter boxes. Irresponsible, inflammatory reporting. http://www.wsbtv.com/video/15196658/index.htmlIt should be read on the newscast to make sure people know the reporter was way out of line and damaging people and animals. http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=86621Most toxoplasma infections occur early in life through exposure to cat feces or undercooked beef or pork. Infections rarely cause symptoms, but the parasite remains in the body and can become active after being dormant for many years, according to background information in a news release about the study. http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/preview/mmwrhtml/rr4902a5.htmhttp://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=1299317"ABC medical contributor Dr. Tim Johnson said he is skeptical of the study, but said there are diseases people can get from cats, the most serious being toxoplasmosis. Johnson said millions of people are affected with this parasite, but their immune system fights it off. " Anyone who listens to this Dr. Tim Johnson has got to enjoy that placating, nauseating information/propaganda he puts out. He makes me so ill every time he speaks its unreal. Where did they find this guy? Did he get his degree from some online school or something? He just makes me ill, so ill that I wish they would get someone else or get take him off their station and not have anyone spouting medical mumbo jumbo that makes absolutely no sense in most of what he says and thats what makes it so nauseating to hear. I will be filing a complaint with the FCC. |
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'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,
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