Although many of us love and adore cats, some people are genuinely afraid and not fond of cats.
It is even classified as a phobia known as “ailurophobia”. It is described as one’s immense fear of cats to the extent of having panic attacks and anxiety from just being around or even thinking about cats!
Recently, a TikTok video featuring a boy who was scared of cats was shared on the platform. The video displayed the boy screaming, trembling and crying because someone had brought a cat in front of him and teased him.
Mixed reactions from netizens
The video has garnered plenty of attention and currently sits on over 3.2 million views and 352,200 likes at the time of writing. However, netizens are divided in their opinions over the video.
Some users felt it was over the top and that the person shouldn’t force the cat onto the child.
“I wanted to laugh, but I feel bad because I know that the fear of cats is no laughing matter. It can cause them to have nightmares,” said a user.
Another user commented, “I understand how you feel. Humans are evil.”
“It’s time (that) people start treating having a phobia for cats as a real thing, instead of a joke,” said a user.
On the other hand, some felt that it wasn’t really a big deal and even joked about doing the same thing with their friends. Some even mentioned the boy’s appearance saying that he looks tough – but it is not due to his ailurophobia.
“He looks like the abang long of the area, but he’s scared of cats,” said a user.
UiTM Counselor slams the video
The video even captured the attention of some academicians who condemned the video. Dzul Hafiz Zoriff told Kosmo! that such behaviour from the aggressor shouldn’t occur in the first place as it will inflict psychological scars on the child.
“Every person has a different character by nature. If we place pressure on that character, it will traumatise the victim and cause them to be less confident.”
Watch the video here.
What do you think of it? Is it a big deal or not? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: Video Of M’sian Woman Being Teased Due To Her Intense Fear Of Oyens Divides Netizens
