How to help with my ailurophobia (fear of cats)

Ever since I was little I have had a fear of cats, if I see one walking on the street I’ll just walk back and wait till it’s gone. If someone put a cat in the same room as me I would have a panic attack or stop breathing. But when they are far away I admire them and think they are cute but as soon as I’m near them I start to panic and my heart starts palpitating.

I really want to make my fear of cats to become lesser so that I can be around them due to my sister getting a cat. However I’m not sure how to approach this situation.