From Wikipedia: Ailurophobia is a type of specific phobia: the persistent, irrational fear of cats. It comes from the Greek αἴλουρος (aílouros), "cat" and φόβος (phóbos), "fear".
Now we all know people who have an irrational fear of cats for whatever reason. But when it's based on the following true story, it borders on just plain stupid.
One night in 1947, my great-grandmother, Nonon (or 'Pinch Grandma' as we called her since she was always sewing and would stick us with a needle when my 500 cousins and I got out of hand) went into the family kitchen and found one of her son's beloved cats fast asleep on the chair she wanted. Grandpa loved animals ~ his mother could barely stand children, never mind all the "animales" he brought home on a regular basis.
Without a word, she violently shook the chair to rid it of the cat. The poor creature was so frightened, it jumped up and bit a CHUNK of flesh out of Nonon's arm, causing the family to rush her to the local hospital's ER where, when all was said and done, one of my aunts asked the doctors, "Could she have Rabbis?" (I kid you not.)
And so, since 1947, the majority of the family fear, dislike and even hate cats because of this singular incident. I, however, inherited my grandfather's intense love for all animals and now, in that beautiful cat's defense, I would like to say the following:
If somebody woke me up in such a manner, there'd be no need to go to a hospital because they'd be DOA, their jugular having been ripped out on-site. And I've no doubt that all of the family "cat haters" would react the same if they were awakened in such a rude and terrifying way.
If an animal is a) sleeping or b) eating, you NEVER startle them without expecting some kind of reaction. They're not stuffed toys, you idiots, they're living, breathing, sensitive creatures who love unconditionally, so there is really no need to be mean or inconsiderate or "afraid" of them.
And I have news for you. When my mother had a family luncheon and banned her cats to the bedroom, I filled up my plate and had lunch with Harry and Meggie in the bedroom. And it was a very fine time indeed.
