Ailurophobia

Ailurophobia refers to the condition of having an abnormal, extreme, and persistent fear of cats, sometimes more specifically of being harmed (such as attacked, bitten, or scratched) by a cat or cats. This can cause suffers to go to extreme lengths to prevent themselves from coming into the proximity of cats, and of cats approaching them. Even cats that are pets of trusted friends and family, and pose no treat, may cause them distress.

Extreme fears (phobias) such as ailurophobia can lead to a variety of disturbing symptoms such as: Breathlessness; difficulty in thinking or speaking clearly; dizziness; dry mouth; fear of dying, "going mad" or losing control; feeling sick; inability to concentate, inability to make usually-simple decisions, nausea; palpitations, shaking; sweating profusely; or a severe anxiety attack. Not all sufferers are affected by all possible symptoms, and some individuals may also have other reactions.

Even though many adult sufferers of ailurophobia (and/or other fears/phobias) are aware that their fears are unreasonable, many still experience severe anxiety even when just thinking about the subject or situation they fear. However, phobias such as ailurophobia are a known form of anxiety disorder and may be treated conventionally using cognitive behavioral therapy including exposure and fear reduction techniques. Drugs may also be offered, typically anti-anxiety or anti-depressants - particularly during the early stages of treatment. Other forms of treatment offered may include hypnotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or other similar therapies.

Note that the list of phobias included in this section (see the list on the left) is not complete. There are very many, some obscure, fears that have specific names in this format. Click here for a longer list of these terms.