My Friend Says Her Cat Is Agoraphobic. Is She Teasing Me?

Probably not ! Cats, like humans can develop all sorts of ailments (usually being cats, they like to pick the ones which are most difficult to treat, thereby requiring much veterinary assistance...).
Agoraphobia can be present in cats if they have had a number of bad experiences when outside. So if you have a very dominant cat next door or down the street and he picks on a cat who is of a nervous disposition, eventually your cat may be fearful to go outside. This can then build up into a refusal to go outside and agoraphobia then is set in.
However, some cats seem happy just staying inside and so it isn't a huge cause for concern. You may find that the best way of dealing with it is to go out with the cat a few times and let her or him know that there really is nothing to fear. Then gradually reduce the amount of time you spend out with the cat and it should eventually go out on its own.

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Not necessarily. Cats have fears just the same as humans do. There are many cats - and dogs - who will not travel outside their trusted area, be it the living room or a garden.

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