If you have a fear of cats, you are not alone. In fact, there is a large group of people who fear the domestic cat (Felis catus). In the United States alone, 16% of women and 23% of men fear cats. Fear of cats is termed as ailurophobia. Some sources cite that the fear of cats may be more common in females than male counterparts. What I want to talk about in this short article is why we fear cats, how to overcome your fear if you have ailurophobia and lastly, spirituality behind ailurophobia or the fear of cats.
Momentarily, the concept of how to overcome the fear of cats. Fear — a thing which is timeliness and relevance to each other, in so much that the real hatred (in this case it is the fear) can arise and do bad, or even dangerous things. The level of danger will depend on the magnitude of fear — the greater you say about their own resentment for cats, or generally fear cats. I think we all agree: very dislike and fear does not endure, it is time to fight with this dark feeling. And not only for you need to be able to control your emotions and not offend other people, but also for your health. Moreover, if you sit at home for a long time in fear of cats to spend, it is possible that over time will appear habits that are associated with this hatred. Learn about; What Is Gatophobia, How People Express Their Fear of Cats.
Spiritual meaning of fear of cats
The fear of cats has been around since the beginning of time. It is a fear that has been passed down from generation to generation. In this article we will take a look at some of the most common myths and fears surrounding cats, as well as some spiritual meanings associated with this fear.
In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped as gods and goddesses. Cats were believed to be able to see into the future, cure diseases, and even predict death. This belief was so strong that it led many people to worship these animals in an attempt to gain favor with them. This practice continued well into medieval times when they were considered witches’ familiars who were able to transform into humans at night time and cause mischief in the villages that were nearby.
It wasn’t until around 1860 when people began to realize that these animals were not evil spirits but rather domesticated pets that could provide much-needed companionship for lonely elderly people living alone in their homes; however, it wasn’t until 1950 when cat ownership became widespread among Americans due to improved sanitation standards which helped reduce rodent populations which resulted in fewer homes being infested by rats or mice (which are carriers for diseases like rabies).
The spiritual meaning of fear of cats is one that indicates that you are not being true to yourself. You may be holding back on your own personal desires and goals, or you may be afraid of speaking up for what you want in life.
Cats are often viewed as somewhat aloof and introverted, but they are also very capable of protecting themselves. They rely on their instincts and intuition to guide them through the world. This can sometimes make it difficult for them to connect with others and express themselves honestly.
When you’ve got this fear of cats, it’s a sign that you need to be more open about how you feel about certain things in your life. It could be a relationship issue or an employment situation—whatever it is, whatever is making you afraid to speak up about it needs fixing!
What Is Gatophobia
Known as both gatophobia and ailurophobia, the fear of cats is not as common as the fear of dogs.1 Nonetheless, the fear of cats can have profound effects on peoples’ daily lives, making it impossible to visit cat-loving friends and forcing them to limit their daily activities.
Causes of Gatophobia
People are usually afraid of cats for two reasons: they’re afraid of the physical harm they may cause,2 or they associate them with evil.
Physical Harm
Although it can be tough to remember when cuddling a tiny kitten, cats are, by nature, predators. Domesticated house cats retain many of the same basic instincts as lions, tigers, panthers and other large cats. Those who have been bitten or scratched by a cat in the past may be at higher risk of developing a phobia of cats.3
Some people are not afraid of indoor cats, particularly those that have been declawed but are terrified of unfamiliar cats that they encounter outdoors. Some fear only male cats, which they perceive as being more threatening than females. Still, others are afraid of all cats and kittens, regardless of circumstances, because they witnessed or personally experienced a negative event with one.
Fear of Evil
Throughout history, cats have been alternately revered and reviled due to their alleged supernatural powers. In Ancient Egypt, cats were worshiped as deities. It was believed that they were under the special protection of Bast, goddess of fertility and of the moon. Deceased cats were often mummified and buried in the great cemeteries. Killing a cat, intentionally or accidentally, was often a capital offense.
Perhaps no movement is as closely tied to the vilification of cats as the 17th-century witch hunts in both Europe and the American colonies. Beginning in the Middle Ages, cats were often seen as witches’ servants, nocturnal messengers capable of doing the witch’s bidding. By the time of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 and 1693, cats were widely believed to be witches’ links to the devil himself.
Today, the fear of cats as harbingers of evil is typically rooted in a religion-based phobia. In some cases, the fear of evil is a sign of disordered thinking, but modern therapists are careful to take clients’ religious beliefs into account before making a diagnosis.
How People Express Their Fear of Cats
In some people, the fear of cats is so strong that it is triggered when thinking about a cat or kitten or hearing one purr. When it is triggered, a variety of reactions is possible. One of the more obvious ones is a “fight-or-flight” response—the person will quickly run in the other direction. Others may have a panic attack. Avoidance is also common, where the person will do absolutely anything possible to not cross paths with a cat, both in real life and in more extreme cases on TV.
Treatment for Gatophobia
As with most other phobias, psychotherapy and counseling sessions are usually necessary.4 A therapist may help figure out the root cause of the phobia, help put the fear in perspective, and then help you plan out steps and treatment for overcoming it. It may seem like a simple approach, but can be quite difficult to do on your own.
One common therapy is gradual exposure to cats.5 With small steps, a person can become accustomed to cats. For example, they would first practice looking at pictures of cats, then watching videos and movies with cats, touching cat-like material, playing with a toy cat, and finally holding the real thing. These steps should be taken in controlled, comfortable settings with lots of support, both from the therapist and family members or friends.
Throughout this process, relaxation and visualization techniques are often used. They also help reframe the person’s mindset and methodically rationalize their fear. In some cases, hypnotherapy may also be useful.