If you suffer from severe PMS your cat could be to blame

It sounds bizarre, but it is a possibility.

If you're a cat owner, you probably find your pet quite helpful during your period. If you've got cramps you can just plonk the cat on your tummy to act as a cute hot water bottle. However, if you suffer from premenstrual symptoms it may be time to step away from the cat. A new study has found that a parasite, called toxoplasma gondii, can cause PMS to be more severe. You're probably wondering where cats come in. Studies have found that the parasite can enter the bloodstream through the handling of cat litter and cat faeces. Scientists from the Juarez University of Durango State, Mexico, have found that women with bad PMS are more likely to have the parasite in their bloodstream.

In a study of 151 women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, researchers took blood samples to analyse for signs of the organism and ten of the women were found to be carrying it.

The scientists compared the symptoms and found the infected women were nine times more likely to report feeling ‘overwhelmed’ or ‘out of control’ coming up to their time of month compared to those who were not infected.

Although 151 people is a small study, the researchers said about the findings: ‘'The results of this first study of its kind suggest toxoplasma gondii infection might be linked to some symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.''

The parasite has also been linked to anxiety and schizophrenia.