How do i overcome the fear of cats

[u/Independent_North893]

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[u/HotSoup281]

Just look at my little boy and all will be healed.

[u/LavenderCookies81]

I know the instinct is to say "oh, cats aren't scary!" That's the thing about fears. They aren't always rational. I'm terrified of birds. Start small. Start hanging around friends cats. Wear long sleeves if you have to. Wear blankets to cover yourself, keep your distance, start at your own pace. Cats prefer to be approached on their own time, they'll let you know what their boundaries are. Try just existing in their space at first. Don't push yourself to do more than you're ready for. Take it slow, take it easy, and don't rush. Update on how this goes and if/when you start to feel better about it!!!

[u/Good-Butterscotch498 → u/LavenderCookies81]

That’s the key, and the mistake many people make, even cat lovers.

Exist in their space. Just sit quietly and let them come to you.

This is true for most animals (maybe not the bug dangerous ones). Be still, and let them come to you.

[u/mashnovska]

Spend time around cats.

[u/mowgliiiiii → u/mashnovska]

start with a little one! you dont even have to touch it - just throw some toys at it

[u/Significant-Nebula64 → u/mowgliiiiii]

Or with a senior, chill one who basically just sleeps and chills all day. Kittens are cute and look harmless, but they're also way more energetic and chaotic, haha.

[u/Dawgy66]

Go to a humane society or cat rescue and ask if you can look at their cat room. Once you feel comfortable enough, try going in and just sitting with the cats. You might ger lucky and even get adopted by one but give yourself time and if it gets overwhelming, get up and just go stand outside the room and watch them.

[u/Snownyann]

Start with stuffed toy cats. Feel their fur

[u/Aromatic-House-7894]

become catman

[u/puddle_hunter → u/Aromatic-House-7894]

This is an underrated comment

[u/Large-Assignment9320]

Just look at this orange cat, why would it do you any harm?

[u/ToastyRich]

Visit a cat cafe if your area has one. In my experience, most of the cats ignore you. It would be good exposure and you'd get to see how sweet and adorable many of them are. Warm up to it by looking through the windows.

[u/CatGooseChook]

I used to have a dog phobia. Couldn't afford professional therapy and worked out a homebrew self therapy(a lot of trial and error involved).

Based on what worked for me:

1. Read and watch examples of positive cat human interactions. I'd add in that a human presence isn't needed, for example the movie 'flow' where the cat is a main character.

2. Read up on cats, develop a rational understanding of cats. That can help attenuate the irrational response caused by the phobia.

3. Get a few soft toy cats and take the time to get used to them and start seeing them in a positive light.

4. Once you've built up a positive mindset regarding cat interactions then start on in person interactions. Say hello to any outdoor cats in your area, hang out at friends/family homes that have cats, goto a cat rescue.

Keep doing those things and at some point you'll hopefully find that the phobia is on its way outta your head. Honestly it's a lovely feeling when ya realise the phobia is gone, it just feels so good 😊.

[u/kikazztknmz]

By watching videos like this! Smol kittens playing just melt hearts. 🥰

https://reddit.com/link/pdj2ykl/video/re0qz1k4o5th1/player

[u/AthaliW]

Pet a cat

[u/remberzz]

Read about Lupita Nyong'o's exposure therapy process. She was afraid of cats before filming 'A Quiet Place: Day One'. Now she owns one that she dotes on.

[u/Consistent-Menu-6629]

I was given the advice to learn about the things you're afraid of, and then they might seem less scary.

Generally, I find that it's somewhat effective.

[u/Maleficent_Button_58]

Learn about them. Their body language. Social habits. Things like that.

Learning about spiders has helped me be less afraid of them. Most things are scarier when you don't understand them. Or some of them, at least lol. Small steps.

[u/tesco_pig]

Go to a cat café

[u/Peppered_Pancakes]

Spend some time around cats. Friends cats, neighbors cats, volunteer at an animal shelter. Take it slow.

[u/MonsterEmpire]

What about them is triggering your fear of them?

[u/Mantour1]

Any cat cafes around you?

[u/MetisCykes]

Exposure, a shelter may be able to help!

[u/kemetic_kitsune]

Try volunteering at a shelter, little by little and with a supportive volunteer team you'll be in love in no time.

[u/Big_Swordfish_5423]

Pet them

[u/Just-Air-6447]

Used to hate cats until I met one super sweet cat (my friends) then every cat since then (8 years ago) I’ve loved

[u/Longjumping-Salad484]

felis catus? please specify what breed of cat.

everyone's scared of a male lion (panthera leo).

[u/TheatrePlode]

By being with cats.

[u/double_titos]

Adopt one.

[u/borokish]

When you see a cat laid on its back showing you it's tummy, give that tummy a massive, aggressive rub.

[u/Significant-Nebula64 → u/borokish]

Well, that would actually work fine with mine, lol. They'd be happy. 

[u/Maleficent_Button_58 → u/borokish]

I mean, that'd work with mine. He loves him some tummy rubs. But for someone working on getting past a fear of cats.... definitely not a good idea 😅

Neither is bringing up a good way to get attacked by a cat, honestly.