lovetheorchid -
Things to pay attention to here - the intensity of your dream, the fact that you were within a house, and that you were protected by someone that you know. This dream is part symbolic,and part real. The symbolic parts are the house (which is your physical self), and the cats,which represent your wild, passionate, creative nature.
The "real" part of the dream is that your friend represented himself. He comes across as someone who wants to protect you, but you also need to know that he accepts the "wild" side of your nature.
I think the message here istonotbe afraid of yourself.Just be who you are, and this man will accept you.:)
Blessings,
Bonnie