[hunterb123]

I wasn't implying that either, indicated by "as humans don't transfer to each other."

I painted a scenario where your environment would occur, and dispute it by saying those cats in that environment generally aren't infected

Unless those attractive people are hanging out in barns or patios with outside cats.

Now that could be the case if you go at it from an outdoors perspective, outdoorsy people may be more attractive on average, and they may encounter infected cats more on average.

[mulmen]

There are house cats all over my neighborhood. I can think of four in the area. It’s extremely common to have an outdoor cat as a pet.

Your characterization of cat ownership is unrealistic.

[hunterb123]

Most cat owners I know have inside only cats, as do I. I do know of 3 cats that roam my neighborhood, they could be from quite far away as outdoor cats have a large range.

I guess anecdotes from you or I isn't really telling if an indoor or outdoor majority of cat ownership is "unrealistic". Maybe we need a study :p

Do outside cat owners generally let their cats inside their home?

[mulmen]

Doesn’t matter, they’re domestic cats and you already explained a circumstance where they could expose visitors and owners. Half the year here is a hospitable climate for outdoor recreation and cat survival. Half of it isn’t. I have seen these cats for multiple years so unless they have an outdoor cat house (something I have never seen in my life) then I suspect they come inside.

The ratio of cat owners with outdoor cats is irrelevant. They exist and they are common. That’s enough to sink your assertions.

[hunterb123]

> Doesn’t matter, they’re domestic cats and you already explained a circumstance where they could expose visitors and owners

> The ratio of cat owners with outdoor cats is irrelevant.

It's extremely relevant when talking about a large enough scale of infection to support the attractiveness causation hypothesis posed by GP.

> I have seen these cats for multiple years so unless they have an outdoor cat house (something I have never seen in my life)

Outdoor cats generally stay underneath the house / porches, cars, etc. during cold or especially hot weather.

> That’s enough to sink your assertions.

I'm disputing the above proposed hypothesis on the grounds I don't think it's common enough occurrence and we're lacking information.