Fear of cats...

What a horrible thing to have to witness. I tend to agree with the others who said that it's more likely to be a fear of being trapped somewhere thats burning and not being able to get out. I don't think that owning a cat would constantly remind you of what you witnessed. In fact it may actually help you get over the incident. I wish you luck.

Well it sounds like you had a dramatic experience and I dont think you will ever get over it. That will always be locked in the back of your mind. I dont think you have a fear of cats you just dont want to see them because it brings it all back when you see a cat. Thats my analythesis of it all. Im sorry this happened to you and I hope someday day you can forget it completely. I have 3 of them they are my babies.LOL

I have a house of a zillion cats. Come for a visit.. .you will either run home screaming or be over that fear quick! lol

That is kind of scary. Sorry you had to see/hear that. Maybe try adopting a kitten/cat and just become it's main caregiver and by that, you will build a bond with the kitten/cat. It might help? That is the only advice I can give as of now. I do think it would be worth a shot.

You are not afraid of cats but of something horrible happening to them if you were taking care of them. It was not your fault that they could not get the cats out. You could help at a vet hospital or get close to some kittens. Pet them or something and then gradually get used to older cats.

Howard, now listen to me, go and get yourself acquainted with a local pussie and you'll get over your fear. I am truly sorry that you had to experience such a nasty thing at such a tender age but it's now time for you to deal with this. Please have no fear of cats, they are lovely creatures and are very good for calming oneself down. A few strokes and you'll wonder why you never did it before. That is your mission, I expect to hear back from you in the next week that you have made some progress with this. Take care, I'll be thinking of you. purr!

wow that is such a traumatic and horrible thing to have to go through as a young child. unfortunately it is something that ones mind wont forget but therapy may help deal with it. even as a child you may have felt so bad and guilty that you were too small to help and that is understandable. you may actually have a post traumatic stress and should go to therapy for it...as should your sister. they often find ways to try and help you with your fears and flashbacks and you may even be able to touch a cat after it....i personally dont think that exposing yourself or your sister to cats will benefit until you understand the emotional side and get help for it. im sure you have tried over the years without success....your situation isnt exactly a 'normal' one (not like a dog bite so fear dogs type thing). i do hope that you find a psychiatrist who can help with the traumatic stress that you suffer. take care and good luck

I'm not sure I know when I was younger I thought a boy that lived near by not to be scared of dogs. With seeing cats in a fire and being young that had to of been a nightmare. I am sorry to read about this.

I am not sure about that. Most of the people's fear for such peculiar things happen because of some childhood incident. My friend has the fear of crows. When she was a kid, some crow snatched a biscuit from her hands, that gave her this.

I'm so sorry that you had to see something so awful!! I actually got a tear in my eye when I was reading you story cause it's just so horrible! Maybe getting a cat would actually help you to heal or something, because then you would be able to actually take care of it and protect it from bad things like that. Maybe that would make you feel better, and then you would have new and happy memories to associate with cats instead of that awful one. I'm no expert, but just thought maybe that could help! I hope you are able to get past that awful experience!

Could you get a cat and have it as a pet. I can really recommend a Burmese they are wonderful companions. That way you will replace all your negative feelings and memories with something rewarding and very beautiful Everyone should experience owning a cat sometime in their life.

You should'nt fear cats for this reason. What happened was not your fault. I'm sorry you had to see such a sight. What you can do is treat every unfortunate cat you come in contact with love, and help them. All animals need our help. Where back so far in the day, when animals ran free, and we tried to domesticate them, sometimes it was good, sometimes not. But this should not stop us from helping our little friends. They really need us! I would take in every stray if I could.