There are steps you can take to overcome a fear of cats
Many people have fears of certain animals, such as dogs or snakes. A fear of cats, also known as ailurophobia, is slightly less common but can be just as debilitating. These kinds of fears often become worse over time, unless treated, because each anxiety-producing event can condition a person to feel even more fear the next time. The anxiety, therefore, builds on itself.
A fear of cats poses a particular problem because cats are popular pets and are usually abundant in cities, making them difficult to completely avoid. You can take several steps to help alleviate this fear and live a more peaceful, less anxious life.
Instructions
1. View photos of cats. Make sure you are in a peaceful setting, one that makes you feel secure, when you do this. Put on soft music and do whatever else makes you feel most relaxed. You can start with one photo at a time.
2. Look at cat videos while listening to calming music. Many home videos of cats exist on the Internet. Turn the sound of the computer down, at first, if the sound of cats disturbs you. As you grow more comfortable looking at cats in videos, you can gradually expose yourself to hearing them meow and make other cat sounds.
3. Find a friend of relative who owns a cat. Ask this person if he will allow you to come over and spend time with the cat occasionally. You do not have to spend a lot of time initially, and your friend or relative should remain in the room with you both. Start by just being in the same room while your friend holds the cat. Work your way up to petting and holding the cat.
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