Adorable Video Captures Unlikely Friendship Between Mouse and Kittens

A TikTok video capturing a ginger cat nursing her kittens while a mouse snuggles in has gone viral, sparking concerns about the potential presence of toxoplasmosis in the mouse. Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite that can eliminate infected mice's fear of felines, leading to a potentially fatal attraction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that more than 30 million people in the U.S. carry the toxoplasma parasite, which can cause severe illness in infants and those with weakened immune systems. Cats can get infected by eating contaminated animals or feces, and the parasite can live in the environment for months. Symptoms in humans can range from flu-like symptoms to severe complications, while cats may experience fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Treatment for cats often involves antibiotics.