Toxoplasmosis is a protozoan which can be spread from cats and a wide variety of other sources to humans. A pregnant woman who contracts toxoplasmosis risks having a baby with congenital defects. Psittacosis is an upper respiratory infection usually caught from cage birds e.g. parrots. It is a chlamydial infection of birds which can cause pneumonia in humans. Although easily cured in healthy adults, it is dangerous to the very young, very elderly and to those with a poor immune system.
Psittacosis also causes chlamydial eye and respiratory infections in cats.
This a short and simple owner's guide to common zoonoses. If you have any concerns, your veterinarian and your doctor will be able to provide information. Many pet owners have probably had zoonotic illnesses without even noticing the symptoms. The only one of concern in the context of this article is ringworm. Ringworm Ringworm is probably the most common zoonosis of cats.