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.
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Email: Life.style@arabnews.com
Are pets dangerous for your children?
Are pets dangerous for your children?
Where We Are Going Today: Ashwag restaurant in Jeddah
- Ashwag’s cozy atmosphere offers comfort and privacy, making it a perfect spot for families
If you are craving comforting Turkish flavors in a cozy, family-friendly setting, Ashwag restaurant in Jeddah is the place to go.
Since 1975, Ashwag has been a favorite for families seeking authentic Turkish food in Jeddah and Makkah. For many of us who grew up in Jeddah, it holds a special place in our hearts.
The menu features traditional dishes including mixed grills, juicy shish tawook, shawarma platters, meat with eggplant, and more.
My top pick is the Iskender meat: tender shawarma-style cuts over soft Turkish bread soaked in ghee, topped with tomato sauce, and served with fresh, creamy yogurt. It is a dish that brings back weekend family memories.
Ashwag’s cozy atmosphere offers comfort and privacy, making it a perfect spot for families. The decor blends vintage charm with a classic feel, creating a warm and welcoming vibe.
For dessert, try their baklava, sutlac (rice pudding), kunafa, caramel pudding, and basbousa. All pair wonderfully with Turkish tea to finish your meal.
With Turkish pies, rich tajines, and plenty of vegetarian options, Ashwag offers a great balance of tradition and variety. There is something for everyone.
For more details, check Instagram @ashwag_restaurant.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ovun Bakehouse’ in Riyadh
- Among the standout dishes was the homemade soujouk, which had just the right level of spice
Ovun Bakehouse in Riyadh blends Lebanese flavors with modern techniques — all without losing touch with its roots.
The space itself is warm and intimate, and everything from the menu to the ambiance is carefully curated, down to the fresh bread that is baked in house.
We started with the Ovun salad and stuffed tomato for SR38 ($10), both were vibrant and well balanced. The mama ganouj was a surprising twist — instead of traditional eggplant, it’s made with grilled cauliflower, giving the dish a lighter, earthier flavor, while keeping the smoky essence that makes it a classic.
Among the standout dishes was the homemade soujouk, which had just the right level of spice. The pesto tawook for SR72 was tender, juicy, and paired with the softest flatbread.
We also tried the zaatar and cheese manakeesh, which was baked to perfection — crisp on the outside, soft inside, and bursting with flavor.
For drinks, the mango cooler was refreshing, not too sweet, and paired well with the richness of the food.
Saudi national guard minister
While some dishes are a little pricey, what makes Ovun worth visiting is not just the food, but how every dish feels like a personal invitation into Lebanese culinary tradition.
For more information, check their Instagram @myovun.sa.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Salad To Go’ in Riyadh
- The pasta salad featured a colorful mix of ingredients including kale, carrots, green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and dried cranberries, all topped off with succulent grilled shrimp and a light ranch dressing
Salad To Go in Riyadh has quickly become my go-to spot for a satisfying meal that doesn’t weigh me down.
On my most recent visit, I was particularly impressed with the crab salad and the pasta salad. Each was bursting with flavor and freshness, and I was able to indulge without my usual post-meal guilt.
The crab salad stood out because of the sour mango shreds which added layers of sweet and sour flavors.
The pasta salad featured a colorful mix of ingredients including kale, carrots, green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and dried cranberries, all topped off with succulent grilled shrimp and a light ranch dressing.
However, I was underwhelmed by the fattah salad, which did not have the balance of flavors that I was hoping for.
Salad To Go’s prices are very reasonable considering the generous portion sizes on offer. If you're looking for an extra protein boost, add-ons are available.
The restaurant also offers a large salad box option for SR85 ($23), which is great for larger parties, or when you want to sample a little of everything.
You can, of course, also customize your own salad.
Salad to Go is a must-try for anyone seeking a light and satisfying meal. Home delivery is also available.
The female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh that aim to empower women
- Yoga, Pilates studios provide safe, calm environment
- ‘I have met some pretty incredible women,’ Australian customer says
RIYADH: A number of female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh are aiming to provide empowering communities for women, driven by the desire for privacy and comfort.
Locations like gyms, pools and even some theme parks have created safe spaces exclusively for women on designated days.
This allows women to dress freely and engage in activities that foster a sense of community.
One such place is Sunsets Yoga, a serene studio environment dedicated solely to women.
It offers an array of classes and programs focused on health and wellness and also has an entertainment center where women can unwind and connect.
“Sunsets Yoga was born out of my passion for yoga and my deep desire to help people,” owner Wateen Al-Tuwaijri told Arab News.
Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.
Emma Shirley
“I opened this space because I believe in the transformative power of yoga — not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well.
“My goal for Sunsets Yoga is to create a welcoming, peaceful environment where individuals can escape the stresses of daily life, reconnect with themselves and grow both physically and mentally.”
Al-Tuwaijri said it was “especially important” to have places in Riyadh that cater exclusively to women.
“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers.
“It’s about supporting their journey of self-discovery and personal growth in a place where they can feel free, strong and inspired.”
Al-Tuwaijri said she wanted to build “a community that supports, encourages and nurtures” people.
Another prominent female-only space is the reformer Pilates studio Bdn in Al-Rayyan District.
“I’ve been practicing reformer Pilates for over 15 years now and swear by it,” owner Najd Al-Hatlani said.
“It has given me impeccable self-awareness regarding my body and how the smallest muscles move to support the larger ones … it has completely changed my perspective regarding all workouts.
She said she opened the studio to serve an untapped market in the east of Riyadh.
“Female-oriented spaces have always been part of our cultural heritage and experience. I think it’s important to continue to offer these safe haven spaces for women in order to maximize their well-being.
“As kind as many people want to be, we as women have shared far too many similar experiences through life which makes it comforting to be in the same room as that unspoken supportive energy.”
The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions, Al-Hatlani said.
Emma Shirley, an Australia living in Riyadh, is a regular at Bdn.
“Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. My go-to Pilates studio in Riyadh is Bdn. I have been going there for a few months.
“Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.”
Where We Are Going Today: Ramen Restaurant – authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine in Riyadh
- The kimchi jjigae (SR90) brought comfort in a bowl — hearty, warm, and loaded with kimchi, tofu, and beef
This cozy spot in Riyadh Park is officially my new favorite ramen destination.
Ramen Restaurant blends authentic Japanese and Korean cuisine with warm interiors and traditional seating that make you feel like you have stepped out of the mall and into a corner of Tokyo or Seoul.
We kicked things off with a complimentary banchan, then moved on to the beef dumplings at SR44 ($11.73), which were tender and juicy with a crisp bite.
The dakgalbi (SR82), a bubbling dish of cheesy rice cakes and chicken ribs, came packed with rich flavors and that perfect spicy kick.
The kimchi jjigae (SR90) brought comfort in a bowl — hearty, warm, and loaded with kimchi, tofu, and beef.
But the real standout? The special jjampong ramen (SR85) — a bold, seafood-rich broth with chewy noodles and just the right amount of heat. Every bite was layered, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but the quality and authenticity of the food easily justify the cost. From flavor to presentation, every dish felt thoughtfully made.
One downside, though, is that the establishment does not serve sushi — which might disappoint some diners expecting a full Japanese menu.
Also, it can get a bit busy during peak hours, so service may slow down slightly. It is best to visit early or make a reservation if you are going with a group.
Still, if you are looking for a genuine Korean-Japanese dining experience in Riyadh, this one is a must on your food bucket list.
For more details, check the restaurant’s Instagram @ramen.ksa
