10 February 2009
The Electric New Paper :
Don't like cats? Don't take it out on them
I AM a regular user of a public fitness centre in the Orchard Road area, and have enjoyed giving an affectionate pat to a friendly cat that often lies outside the main door.
Recently, I found out that the management received a complaint from a new member who said she has a phobia of cats.
The manager was accommodating and opened a back door for her to use whenever the cat was at the entrance.
But I understand that she insisted on the removal of the cat, threatening to bring the matter up to 'higher authorities'.
In all likelihood, it might mean that the cat would be trapped by a pest-controller and put to sleep.
But what authorities like town councils and condominium managements must recognise is that those who make such complaints can be suffering from a condition called ailurophobia, and this is treatable.
Isn't it better for such a person to consult a psychiatrist or therapy specialist rather than to ask for the cat's removal?
FROM READER ROGER CHOW
