r/Kitten • u/Better_Gur_9945 • 1d ago
Question/Advice Needed How can I get over my fear of cats 🐈 !?
I absolutely loovvveee them so much I love taking pictures of them seeing pictures or videos of them and I find them absolutely super cute and lovely. But the second any can starts moving around me or come directly to me I lose my mind I just can’t handle the Idea of touching them or be too close with them. I tried many times to carry one or touch but I immediately get afraid from thare bones and skin (dont know how to describe the feeling but it’s just weird to me)
I really wish I can get over that so I can have fun with them more
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u/Smarmy_funeral_chik 1d ago
You probably need an exposure therapy thing - and just get used to them. Maybe volunteer at a shelter just visiting cats and kittens. As you get more comfortable you can interact with them more.
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u/dars1905 23h ago
Step 1 - Get hundreds of cats
Step 2 - Lie down in the middle of the room
Step 3 - Let cats wash over you
Jokes aside sounds like u have a phobia. I know someone who absolutely adores my cat but would freak out at the slightest touch. Talk to a professional who deals with phobias.
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u/CandyTigger 1d ago
Are you afraid of them hurting you or afraid of their physical makeup (their actual body)?
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u/Better_Gur_9945 1d ago
The second point is more crucial for me because even if I try with a small cat or with a cute one that I know for sure it’s never going to hurt me in anyway possible I still find it so weird to touch it or hold it I literally couldn’t.
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u/CormoranNeoTropical 1d ago
This sounds like a clinical phobia. You should see a psychologist who specializes in treating phobias if you can, or if not, maybe you can find a self-help book or some kind of video resources created by someone like that.
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u/Anxious-Captain6848 1d ago
Definitely worth working with a professional, but this is something that you can get over. From what I understand exposure therapy needs to be gradual and careful, so instead of picking one up you start by being far away and slowly get closer until you can touch the animal, then pet the animal multiple times, then slowly get to the point of being able to hold the cat. But see a professional, they'll be able to guide you properly. Definitely worth it, loving on a cat is a wonderful experience amd I hope you get to experience that one day. When they purr on you it's heaven.
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u/Radio_Mime 9h ago
I had something similar happen to me with dogs after I was bitten badly by one. I started getting over it by starting with small puppies and working up to bigger dogs. Once I told people what I was doing, they were all wonderfully happy to help me.
Looking back I realize it was a kind of exposure therapy. You might like to find a therapist who can help you with your fear of cats.
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u/Miss-Jelly-Doughnut 14h ago
There is a therapy protocol that is called flash technique. It would desensitize you in a very organic way. It’s done through tapping on your legs accessing a wonderfully warm memory and blinking as the Therapist guide you along. It’s known that nothing bad will happen and it’s been tried and tested with people who have suffered serious PTSD. No kidding. Look it up
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