FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

(Version 2.0, dated July 31, 2026)

What is therianthropy?

It is a word—a term—that currently holds multiple meanings.

In our context: in the early 1990s, the term was adopted by individuals who did not fit the cultural archetype of a "werewolf" yet were psychologically normal—meaning they did not suffer from the medical conditions unofficially labeled "lycanthropy." The term "therianthropy" was chosen because not all such individuals are wolves.

Regarding "fictional" therianthropy: a subculture later emerged—partly through imitation—consisting of people who chose to roleplay as animals; some of them came to believe in their own "animal essence" and also decided to call this therianthropy.

There are other meanings as well.

I consider myself an animal in a human body; what does this mean?

It simply means that you consider yourself an animal in a human body. Anyone can consider or identify themselves as anything; it is subjective. Anything beyond that requires objective grounds.

Sensations of phantom "animal" body parts, experiences of "animal" states (shifts), and various "animal" instincts and reflexes do not qualify as such grounds.

Is a therianthrope an animal in a human body? An animal in every respect except for the body?

No, that is a subculture myth. Such beings do not exist in our reality. Those who make such claims do not actually fit the description and are simply lying; none of them are capable of proving it.

Objective therianthropes are people who possess an animal nature—traits not inherent to humans—to a degree sufficient for them to consider themselves animals as well. However, this identification is also subjective, even though it is based on facts. Typically, "objective" therianthropes prefer to view themselves as humans who possess animalistic traits. In the early 2000s, objective therianthropes described themselves as "animals in human bodies" to find others like themselves—distinct from the "werewolves" and general subculture participants who were flooding the scene. Over time, as everyone began using this same terminology, the phrase lost its significance entirely.

I don't consider myself human, but I don't feel like an animal either. Could I be a dragon, an elf, or something else? Can you help me figure this out?

Unfortunately, we cannot help you with that specific question. Our knowledge and experience are limited to the realm of therianthropy. You might want to look for others like yourself elsewhere; such communities do exist, and you may find one that suits you.

But what if I can't figure it out or make up my mind? What if I actually *am* an objective therianthrope?

First and foremost, you must try to find the answer yourself; only then can we be of assistance. Try to learn as much as possible about cases that are neither sociocultural phenomena nor mental illnesses, and compare them to your own experience. If that proves too difficult, at least try to determine how you differ from others who consider themselves animals. That would at least provide a starting point for a conversation.

Everywhere online, people say that therianthropy is simply identifying as an animal. Is that true?

For the modern subculture, yes, that is exactly how it is defined. For us, however, it is something more—something far deeper and grounded in reality.

Why don't you trust me? Why am I treated like an outsider?

You cannot earn the trust of the therianthropes overnight; it depends entirely on you. If you seek to get acquainted with us, be prepared to meet mature individuals with significant life experience—and be ready to maintain a corresponding level of communication. Unfortunately, among those who consider themselves "beasts," there are plenty for whom betraying the others' trust is the norm. We know this from our own experience.

If I have my own opinion about beasts and therianthropy, does that mean I am wrong?

If you have grounds for your opinion, we will listen carefully—but be prepared to substantiate it.

If I am very young, is it possible to determine anything regarding my therianthropy?

Yes, certain characteristic signs of objective therianthropy manifest as early as childhood (though simply "feeling like a beast" does not count as one). We can help to some extent, but we cannot offer a 100% guarantee. Unfortunately, the reality is that the vast majority of objective therianthropes present online are fully grown adults aged forty or older.

Is it possible to find an objective therianthrope of the opposite sex for a long-term relationship or to start a family?

Practically speaking, no; there are too few of us. If you want to start a family, you would be better off finding a good person who can understand you and your unique traits.

I consider myself a beast—does that mean I am mentally ill?

We recommend consulting a psychiatrist and undergoing an evaluation to get a definitive answer regarding whether you have a mental illness. You are not required to tell them about therianthropy (the fact that you are a beast) during this process, but in the vast majority of cases, it is merely a belief that has gone too far—nothing more.

What if I hate people?

For an animal, this is not the default state; it requires specific grounds and life events to bring you to that point. In any case, it is no excuse for committing unlawful acts (under your current local laws) against people. Behavioral patterns promoted on other resources—such as scaring people, lunging to bite, barking, growling, and acting in an overtly provocative manner supposedly in line with "therianthrope norms"—have nothing to do with objective therianthropy. Therianthropes express their dislike differently—or, usually, not at all.

If I am advised to bark, growl, or lunge with the intent to bite—essentially to act like a beast—what should I do?

Do you think there will be no consequences? Those telling you this are likely lying; they do not behave that way themselves.

I identify as a specific type of animal. How should I treat animals of other species?

Experience shows that animals of vastly different species interact without issues. In nature, there is virtually no innate interspecies hostility. Study ethology.

If I feel sexual attraction toward animals rather than humans, is that a pathology?

If you are a human, then yes. For an objective therianthrope, it is quite possible—though there are no documented cases of zoophilia, and it is unknown if any have ever occurred. Even in primitive societies, this belongs to the realm of myth and legend.

If I get an irresistible urge to howl at the moon, get down on all fours, and head into the woods—what should I do about it?

Consult a psychiatrist. And stop following stereotypes common on the Internet.

If I feel that four-legged animals (cats, dogs, etc.) perceive me as one of their own, what does that mean?

It means you are likely just a good person.

It has nothing to do with therianthropy.

If I consider myself a beast, does that mean four-legged animals will never harm me?

Animals have their own behavioral norms, and even if you truly are a therianthrope, that grants you no special exemption. Trying to hug a lion or a bear will cost you your life.

If I consider myself a beast, does that mean I will always survive in the wild?

Even if you truly are a beast, you are a "domesticated beast" and lack survival skills for the wild. Wilderness survival skills aren't something you pick up by watching the Discovery Channel; they require professional training. You shouldn't trust people who claim they can survive on instinct alone.

I am a believer, yet I feel like a beast. Can I still be a believer?

Different faiths view this differently. If your religion takes a strongly negative view of this, you might want to reconsider your relationship with your faith. Or find a way to adapt, if the situation threatens serious consequences for you.

Should I try telling my family (parents, loved ones, friends, spouse) that I am a beast? Maybe they’ll understand, and everything will be fine?

No. To avoid creating unnecessary problems for yourself and your loved ones, it is better to keep the truth about yourself to yourself and not drag those close and dear to you into it.

What about at work? Can I be myself there too—show that I’m a beast, meow, howl, or growl?

If you want to lose your job and face future employment difficulties—then yes, certainly.

I love nature and am interested in environmental conservation. Does that mean I’m a beast?

Engaging in nature conservation is a fundamental duty for any living being.

It has no direct connection to therianthropy.

I know very little about the natural world, yet I feel like a beast. What should I do?

You should learn more about the natural world—school and university textbooks are still available, after all—and figure out whether you are a beast or not. But doing so requires honesty with yourself and critical thinking.

Are objective therianthropes part of the furry subculture—a group that split off for some reason?

No, they are not and never have been, although at one time, many of them were present within it. Widespread online rumors are deliberate lies and disinformation.

I believe you are psychopaths/lunatics/schizophrenics, zoophiles, unhinged/abnormal individuals, fascists, god-forsaken creatures fit only for the stake, etc. And now I’m going to tell you exactly what I think of you and prove I’m right. Isn't that what you are?

In that case, go here.

I saw/found out/heard an opinion—whether online or in real life—about objective therianthropy and therianthropes. But I am a therianthrope myself, and I know that this is all a lie—that it’s not like that at all! Should I try to prove to these people that they are mistaken?

Since information about objective therianthropy is extremely scarce and hard to find, these people naturally rely on their own conjectures, shaped by their negative perceptions. There is simply no way to explain anything to them or prove them wrong.

        Oh sage! If this or that fool by your side
        Calls the midnight darkness the morning light,
        Pretend to be a fool and do not pick a fight:
        For they brand as a rebel anyone who is bright.
                                                (Omar Khayyam)

In real life, this approach is fully justified.

Therianthropy is causing me problems and torment; perhaps I should see a psychologist or psychiatrist?

By all means.

And after that—come to us for interaction and support.

I’ve come here but can’t make sense of things; there is a lot that is unclear, undefined, and ambiguous, and there aren't any proper articles either. Will the situation change?

Please understand that the creators of this site are busy adult beasts. Writing good, serious articles takes a great deal of time—something hardly anyone has in abundance. We do what we can, but results may take a long time to appear. If you wish to help, that is most welcome.

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