Animal phobias
Fears involving animals, insects, and other living creatures.
Ailurophobia
Ailurophobia is a persistent fear of cats. Learn what triggers it, how it differs from ordinary dislike, and what help can involve.
A type of specific phobiaArachnophobia
Why can spiders feel frightening or disgusting? Understand arachnophobia, avoidance, treatment research, and questions to ask before getting help.
A type of specific phobiaCynophobia
Does fear of dogs change where you walk or who you visit? Learn about cynophobia, sensible caution, and what support can involve.
A type of specific phobiaEntomophobia
When fear of insects takes over, everyday plans can get smaller. Learn about entomophobia, sensible precautions, and ways to ask for help.
Rare or disputed termLutraphobia
Lutraphobia is a rare word for a fear of otters. Learn where the name comes from, why it's mostly trivia, and how a real fear of animals is understood.
A type of specific phobiaOphidiophobia
Does fear of snakes put you off places or plans you enjoy? Learn about ophidiophobia, sensible caution, and what getting help can involve.
A type of specific phobiaOrnithophobia
Ornithophobia is a persistent, intense fear of birds. Learn what triggers it, how it differs from ordinary unease, and what help can involve.
When an animal is more than a passing worry
Maybe it's a spider in the bathroom, or the thought of meeting a dog on a walk. If you're looking for words to describe a fear of an animal, this is the place to start. You don't have to know its phobia name.
Explore fear of spiders, fear of dogs, or fear of snakes. These guides look at everyday situations, what the fear can feel like, and ways to understand someone who experiences it. There are no surprise animal photos.
Where to go next
Wondering whether your reaction is ordinary caution or something more? Read fear versus phobia. For an introduction to the wider topic and what support can involve, try our specific-phobia guide.
We'll add more animal fears as the library grows. For now, you can browse all published explanations or share a guide with someone you'd like to help understand.