Having pets and children under one roof can be worrying at times. When it comes to cats, they can sometimes carry diseases, but there are very few diseases that are transmissible from cats to humans.
Doctors recommend keeping the cat indoors and away from roaming cats, this is one of the safest ways to keep the cat free from disease and parasite.
If your children are cat lovers, then you should be wary of pets or rather some unwanted visitors they may be carrying — affecting the children’s brains, according to a new research.
According to a study by The Journal of Parasitology, parasites carried by cats are linked to reduced reading and memory aptitude in children. Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite grown in the guts of cats that hides in cells in the brain and muscles without producing any symptoms.
Children who tested positive for this parasite, which can be spread through contact with faeces, had poorer reading and memory skills.
Scientists at the University of Iowa and Florida International University conducted the study. They gave children a cognitive test to assess their reading and memory and found that children who tested positive for the parasite, scored lower in the tests.
Toxoplasma gondii can produce a flu-like illness, but in more severe cases, it can go on to form cysts in the brain cells.
The authors of the study also said that vitamin E could help reduce the effects of Toxoplasma gondii on the brain.
However, they said they would need more longer-term studies to confirm findings.
The scientists also referred to previous research that found this parasite can alter human behavior due to the effect it has on the brain.
Besides cats, other causes of this parasite infection include: undercooked meat, especially lamb and venison, and ingesting water, soil or anything else contaminated by cat faeces.
According to pediatrician Dr. Laila Jamal at King Abdulaziz Hospital, it is fairly rare to pick up a disease from a cat. “It is highly recommended that mothers take their cats to the vet for a full checkup before their child is born,” she said. “The vet should check the cat for ringworm. They need to ensure they stick to a regular worming and de-fleaing regime,” she added.
Below is a list of diseases that can be caused by pets, especially cats:
Salmonella: This diseases is caused by bacteria of the Salmonella genus existing in cats. It is most commonly acquired via oral ingestion. Cats are most likely to become infected after eating certain kinds of birds. Humans and cats are not allowed to be physically close to their nose and mouth.
Cat Scratch Disease: This is caused by a bacteria called Bartonella Henselae. This is rarely a problem in people with a healthy immune system; it is most often seen in immunocompromised people. Antibiotic treatment for you and your cat usually clears up this infection.
Toxoplasmosis: It is caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Many animals can get toxoplasmosis including sheep and cattle. Cats shed the parasitic cysts in their faeces, which then infect humans and other animals. In healthy adults, Toxoplasmosis usually causes only mild symptoms. If a woman becomes infected during her pregnancy it can have devastating effects on the unborn fetus.
If a woman owns a cat while being pregnant it is advisable to do a blood test to see if she has antibodies to Toxoplasmosis, which would indicate a past exposure to the parasite. If she has been infected in the past, there is little to no risk of her passing it on to her unborn baby. If the new mommy hasn’t had prior exposure, it is advisable to have her partner clean litter trays during the pregnancy. Or if she chooses to clean it herself, she must use rubber gloves and try to avoid inhaling any dust from litter trays, it is advisable to wear a mask.
Humans can also be infected by eating undercooked meat and vegetables, one must ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and that they wash their hands and utensils after handling meat. There is a greater risk of one becoming infected with Toxoplasmosis from raw and undercooked meat than there is from your cat, if kept indoors.
Ringworm: This is caused by a fungi, not a worm. It is more a nuisance than a danger. It can sometimes be hard to eliminate from the environment, however with stringent cleaning and the use of anti-fungal creams it can be cleared up. Again, if the cat is indoors and has been cleared as safe by the vet, there is little chance of catching the disease. Ringworm is more common in kittens and cats living in over-crowded conditions.
—
Email: Life.style@arabnews.com
Are pets dangerous for your children?
Are pets dangerous for your children?
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Wingstop’
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and American-style wings, Wingstop’s newly opened branch at Jeddah Park might just be your next go-to spot.
Located on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz street, this popular American chain has finally landed in Jeddah after creating a buzz in Riyadh, and the crowds are proof of the excitement.
The menu offers what fans have come to love: 10 flavorful wing options, including lemon pepper, smoky hickory BBQ, spicy-sweet Korean Q, and the fiery atomic for those who can handle the heat, with choices of six, eight, or 12 classic wings per order.
They also have boneless wing options tossed in your flavor of choice. Their crispy tenders are juicy and well-seasoned, and if you’re in the mood for something different, their big flavor chicken burger is a solid choice with its crunchy tenders layered with slaw, pickles, and ranch served on a soft brioche bun.
Sides are more than just an addition here. The loaded fries are served with house-made ranch dip, which pairs perfectly with the wings.
To top it off, Wingstop offers milkshakes in a range of flavors, including Oreo, Lotus Biscoff, and salted caramel.
For dessert, don’t miss the churros; choose your crumb (Oreo or Lotus) and sauce (chocolate or caramel) for a sweet finish.
Expect long queues, especially in the evening, and limited seating during peak hours.
Check @wingstopsaudi on Instagram for more details.
Review: A cinematic dining experience at Munchies in Safwa
- With dim lighting, cozy seating, and attention to music and mood, the ambiance supports the food without overshadowing it
- Menu offers variety, with more than 50 items ranging from Italian comfort dishes to bistro classics
SAFWA: Munchies in Safwa city, Qatif governorate, may not catch your eye at first. There are no flashy signs or strong online presence to draw you in. But those who visit will find a unique dining experience.
Ahmed Al-Quraish opened the restaurant in 2023. It operates on a reservation basis and relies mostly on word of mouth.
The low-key approach continues inside, where the interior feels more like a carefully designed set than a typical restaurant.
With dim lighting, cozy seating, and attention to music and mood, the ambiance supports the food without overshadowing it.
The menu offers variety, with more than 50 items ranging from Italian comfort dishes to bistro classics.
A recent visit started with a crispy Caesar salad, generous in size and flavor, followed by hot arancini with a molten center. Both had a good balance of texture and temperature.
The main dishes were well prepared. The wagyu steak arrived cooked as requested, served with creamy mashed potatoes. It was tender, well seasoned and satisfying.
The pasta was rich and silky with a proper bite, and the fish and chips were golden and crisp.
The dessert menu focuses on enjoyable flavors. The chocolate cake was fudgy, the choux pastries flavorful, and the vibrancy and refreshing nature of the passion fruit cake stood out.
Munchies occasionally offers live music or themed events, but at its core are thoughtful food and atmospheric surroundings, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Munchies is open from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This spot delivers consistent quality and ambiance.
The overall experience is worth making a reservation for. Check their Instagram, @munchiesksa, for more details.
Michelin Guide to launch first-ever Saudi edition
RIYADH: The Michelin Guide is set to launch in Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in the Kingdom’s evolving culinary landscape.
Organized in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the “new selection will focus on the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the Kingdom, including Khobar, AlUla, and many more,” according to the Michelin Guide.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, spoke to Arab News in Riyadh on Tuesday and explained that the ultimate aim is to “(explore), gradually, the regions to unearth all the culinary gems and to make sure that we are letting no stone go unturned.
“I think you have the heritage, you have the dynamism, you have young talents,” he added of the Kingdom.
According to the organization, Michelin inspectors “are already in the field.” The selection will be made according to the Michelin Guide’s criteria: “The quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavors, the personality of the cuisine and the consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole,” according to a released statement.
One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
Alongside the coveted star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.
Aside from impacting the country’s F&B scene, Poullennec also touched on the Michelin Guide’s effect on the local economy.
“I have to say that, beyond the selection, beyond the stars, there are also a lot of ripple effects throughout the food chain. For example, impacting the products and the farmers (who) will find a demand for local high-quality products in a region,” he said.
The restaurant selection for the inaugural edition will be unveiled toward the end of 2025.
The guide currently operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
The prestigious French guide began as a handy guidebook for Michelin tire customers in France in 1900. It was the brainchild of the Michelin brothers, who sought to “provide motorists traveling through France with all the useful information to supply their automobile, to fix it, where to sleep and eat, and which means exist to communicate, by mail, telegraph or telephone,” according to Christie’s auction house, which put a set of guides under the hammer in 2016.
The first edition saw almost 35,000 copies printed and contained useful information for motorists, including a list of hotels, groceries, bakeries, hardware stores and instructions on how to fix and change tires.
In 1931, ratings featured the current system of three stars for the first time, with the definitions becoming clear and definitive in 1933.
Although production of the guide was suspended during both world wars, the 1939 edition of the guide was reprinted by the US military in 1943, just before the June 6 invasion of Normandy the following year, as it was deemed the most up-to-date map available to the armed forces.
The push eastward is relatively recent, as until 2006, Michelin’s country guides only covered Europe.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kimono’ – Japanese cuisine in Riyadh
- The kimono crab salad was equally refreshing, full of texture from the tempura flakes and tobiko, with a touch of indulgence from the creamy house sauce and crispy potato chips
Kimono is not just another Japanese restaurant in the Kingdom’s capital but a bold reinterpretation of the cuisine through a Saudi lens.
Since its launch in 2018, Kimono has blended culinary precision with casual, modern street-style vibes, offering dishes that are as creative as they are comforting.
Beef tacos were a standout: tenderloin wrapped in crunchy shells, coated with a gochujang glaze and topped with a tropical mango-pineapple salsa. The result is a culinary fusion that surprises and works.
The kimono crab salad was equally refreshing, full of texture from the tempura flakes and tobiko, with a touch of indulgence from the creamy house sauce and crispy potato chips.
Shrimp tempura was served golden and light, with a sweet-spicy ginger dip that added balance. The gyoza shrimp dumplings were delicate, juicy, and paired perfectly with a signature soy-based sauce.
Maki rolls and double crab were both flavorful standouts, rich in texture and layered taste. The avocado craze roll brought together creaminess and spice with precision, while the salmon sashimi offered a clean, fresh bite for those who prefer simplicity.
For a warm, hearty option, try the the beef ramen, which is beautifully assembled with slices of grilled meat, vegetables, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg -- a dish that warms you from the inside out.
Kimono has mastered the art of reinventing Japanese cuisine, while staying approachable and trend-forward. There are four branches in the Kingdom, and the concept deserves to expand further.
For more information, check their Instagram @kimono.sa.
Two Dubai restaurants make World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list
DUBAI: Two restaurants in Dubai made the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, which was unveiled on Thursday.
Orfali Bros placed 37th, while Trèsind Studio came in at 27.
“The Orfali brothers from Aleppo, Syria, have created a genuinely unique dining experience in multi-cultural Dubai,” the guide read.
“There are three brothers: Mohamad (head chef), Wassim and Omar, pastry chefs. They mix traditional Syrian staples with pan-regional favorites, and European culinary tropes with Asian ingredients to create a menu that defies categorization.”
The restaurant also has one Michelin star.
Meanwhile, Indian eatery Trèsind Studio, which has three Michelin stars, was awarded No. 27 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.
In a released statement, head chef Himanshu Saini said: “Being named #27 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is a celebration of the team, our culture, and the flavors that inspire everything we do. This honor reinforces our belief that modern Indian cuisine belongs on the world stage while staying true to our heritage.”
The restaurant was also awarded The Best Restaurant in the Middle East 2025 top spot.
“Dining at Trèsind Studio, now located on The Palm Jumeirah, can be a dramatic experience, with just 20 seats available. As you progress through the tasting menu, expect to be relocated to different areas of the restaurant, each carefully curated to match the plates in front of you, cooked by chef Himanshu Saini,” the Best Restaurant guide read.
The World's 50 Best Restaurants list is annually created by William Reed Business Media. It collates the opinion of more than 1,000 international restaurant industry experts, including chefs and food writers who vote for their favorite dining experiences.
