Weird NewsPET OF THE DAY

Cat owners: a little-known parasite is more common in winter

ScienceAlert says the little-known parasite is more common in winter, which matters to the many Americans who own cats; the cats declined to comment.

On air: Chip Darnell and Kenji Moonfield on Weekend Edition
Published 7:24 AM ET, Saturday, October 17, 2026

At a glance

First reported by ScienceAlert: “Cat Owners: There's a Parasite You've Probably Never Heard Of, And It's More Common in Winter”.
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 7:24 AM ET on Weekend Edition, by Chip Darnell and Kenji Moonfield.

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

ScienceAlertCat Owners: There's a Parasite You've Probably Never Heard Of, And It's More Common in Winter

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorScienceAlert reports there's a parasite most cat owners have never heard of, and it's more common in winter.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentIt's pushing toxoplasmosis aside, so the cat has a new publicist. Today's honoree is the Unwitting Carrier, Winter Division.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorStat line: zero hunts, zero chases, one hundred percent of the season spent on a warm radiator.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentCareer-best numbers, honestly, for a cat.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorI'm getting emotional. All winter it stayed home with us, quietly doing nothing, and that is courage.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentIt won't come get the trophy, but that's fine. Rex, what've you got, besides a grudge?