When I was about 5 years old my cousin (also 5 years) threw 3 kittens in the air and they landed on my back and scratched me. Since then I have developed a mega phobia for cats. My phobia grew as I got older. I am now 56 years old but still cannot look at a cat or visit family/friends who have cats as pets. They are not very sympathetic and thinks it is very funny that a grown woman is afraid of a “harmless” cat.
I know in the Western culture, hynothism is used to treat this kind of phobia which is haraam in Islam.
Please advise how I can overcome or treat my phobia for cats in an Islamic way?
The fear is hard to get rid off.
You have to condition your mind and break this fear slowly - a little at a time.
Look from far, then nearer, then more closer. If this aids, good. Also if it does not get cured then just avoid cats, life can still go on comfortably.