Cats are strange companions

As a child I was bitten on the face by a neighbor's cat, right below my eye a traumatic incident. However, I sure don't hate cats nor seek to harm them.
But still have some threaten slap flash which will remind me when i see them. It’s clear for me that i have fear of cats, I’m suffering from cat phobia.
I love to have a cat but am really afraid of touching them.