Fear of fur and animal skins (doraphobia)

Doraphobia is a fear of fur and animal skins. A fur collar, a rug, a sheepskin coat or the feel of an animal’s coat can bring on strong discomfort, and some people avoid certain shops, homes or pets because of it.

About this phobia

It is a rarely reported term found mostly on lists rather than in clinical writing. It can overlap with fears of animals, with a dislike of certain textures, and with feelings of disgust rather than pure fear. For some people the idea of where a skin came from matters more than how it feels.

What it feels like

• A shiver or recoil at the touch of fur or fluffy fabric
• Avoiding fur coats, rugs or animal skins on display
• Discomfort stroking pets, even friendly ones

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Is doraphobia about animals or about texture?

It can be either, or both. Some people are bothered by the feel of fur itself, others by the idea of animal skins and what they once were. Working out which part causes the reaction helps make sense of it.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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