What is ailurophobia?

What is ailurophobia?

People with ailurophobia (eye-lure-o-PHO-bia) have a fear of cats. Someone with ailurophobia may have extreme anxiety or fear when seeing or thinking about cats. They may avoid visiting friends who have cats or stay away from co-workers who talk about their cats. In some cases, people may stop leaving their house to avoid the chance of seeing cats outside.

The word ailurophobia comes from “ailouros,” the Greek word for cat. Phobia means fear.