Am I a Therian?
Explore your connection to the therian community
This is a Self-Reflection Tool
This quiz is designed to help you explore your experiences and feelings related to therianthropy. It is NOT a diagnostic tool or definitive test. Being a Therian is a deeply personal identity that only you can determine. This assessment is meant to provide insights and encourage self-reflection as you explore your identity journey.
Therian Assessment
1. Do you feel especially "at home" in one specific habitat (like the beach, desert, tundra, forest, etc.)?
2. Have your thought processes ever felt primal or animal-like to you?
3. Have you ever felt like you've had an augmented or phantom body part, like a tail or a hoof?
4. Have you ever felt that your physical senses resembled those of an animal (e.g., your sense of smell or sight seemed stronger than a human's)?
5. When you dream, do you take the form of a specific animal?
6. Do you ever feel disappointed that you can't live your life as a certain animal?
7. Do you ever have the desire to do activities that feel unusual, but might be normal for an animal (e.g., running in the woods to look for prey)?
8. Do you ever feel tempted to express yourself using animal sounds?
9. Do you ever have instincts or sensations that feel more animalistic than human?
10. Do you think you could be a Therian?
🐺 What is a Therian?
Therians are individuals who identify as non-human animals while still acknowledging they are human.
Being a Therian is part of one's core identity—not a choice, hobby, or belief system. It's about a deep spiritual/psychological connection to an animal species.
ℹ️ Therians belong to the alterhuman community and are a subset of otherkin.
Types of Shifting
Understanding the Therian Community
Core Characteristics
- ✓Identity, Not Choice: Therians don't choose to identify as animals—it's a conclusion they reach based on their experiences.
- ✓Theriotype: The specific animal species a Therian identifies with. Some are "polytherian" (multiple theriotypes).
- ✓Shifting Experiences: Therians experience various types of shifts—phantom, mental, dream, and sensory.
- ✓Human Awareness: Therians fully acknowledge they are human and cannot physically transform into animals.
Common Misconceptions
- ✗Myth: "Therians think they can physically transform into animals."
Reality: Therians acknowledge they are human and that physical transformation is impossible. - ✗Myth: "Therians are the same as furries."
Reality: Furries enjoy anthropomorphic characters as a hobby. Therianthropy is a core identity, not a fandom. - ✗Myth: "Therianthropy is a religion."
Reality: Therianthropy has no religious basis—no deities, rituals, or belief systems required. - ✗Myth: "All Therians do quadrobics."
Reality: Quadrobics is optional. Some use it to connect with their theriotype, but it's not required.
Important Therian Vocabulary:
The phenomenon of identifying as a non-human animal
The animal species a Therian identifies with
Discomfort from existing as human instead of one's theriotype
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Therian?
A Therian is someone who identifies as a non-human animal on a spiritual, psychological, or deeply personal level while still acknowledging that they are physically human. This identity is not chosen—it's discovered through introspection and lived experiences. Therians often experience "shifts" (phantom, mental, dream, or sensory) that connect them to their animal identity (theriotype). Being a Therian is part of the alterhuman community and falls under the otherkin umbrella.
How is being a Therian different from being a furry?
Furries are people who enjoy anthropomorphic animal characters as a hobby or fandom interest. Many create fursonas and participate in the furry community through art, conventions, or fursuits. Being a Therian, however, is about core identity—not a hobby. Therians identify AS animals (while acknowledging human bodies), not with anthropomorphic characters. While some people may be both Therian and furry, the experiences are fundamentally different in nature and purpose.
What is a theriotype and how do I find mine?
A theriotype is the specific animal species a Therian identifies with. Discovering your theriotype is a personal journey that requires introspection, patience, and honesty. Pay attention to your shifting experiences, what animals you feel drawn to, which habitats feel like "home," and what animal behaviors feel natural to you. Don't rush—some Therians take years to confirm their theriotype. Some people are "polytherian" (have multiple theriotypes). Research different animals, meditate, keep a journal, and connect with the therian community for guidance.
What are "shifts" in the therian community?
Shifts are experiences where Therians feel connected to their animal identity. Phantom shifts involve feeling phantom body parts like tails, ears, or paws. Mental shifts mean thinking with animal instincts and behaviors. Dream shifts occur when you take your animal form in dreams. Sensory shifts involve experiencing heightened senses like an animal would. Astral shifts happen on the astral plane. Importantly, shifts are NEVER physical—Therians cannot and do not believe they physically transform into animals.
Is therianthropy a mental illness or disorder?
No, therianthropy is not classified as a mental illness or disorder by any medical or psychological authority. It's an identity and a way some people experience themselves. Therians are fully aware that they are human and cannot physically transform into animals—there is no delusion involved. That said, like anyone, Therians can have mental health challenges unrelated to their identity. If therian experiences cause significant distress or impairment, speaking with a mental health professional experienced in alternative identities can be helpful.
What is species dysphoria?
Species dysphoria is a feeling of discomfort, distress, or disconnect experienced by some (but not all) Therians about existing in a human body rather than as their theriotype. It's similar in concept to gender dysphoria but relates to species identity. Not all Therians experience species dysphoria—many are comfortable being human while still identifying with their animal side. For those who do experience it, coping strategies include connecting with nature, using gear that represents their theriotype, engaging in quadrobics, or seeking support from the therian community.
Can I be a Therian if I don't experience shifts?
Therianthropy is experienced differently by everyone. While shifts are common, they're not universally required to identify as a Therian. Some Therians have constant, subtle connections to their theriotype rather than distinct shifting experiences. What matters most is your deep, consistent identification with a non-human animal. If you feel a profound connection to an animal identity that goes beyond simple appreciation or interest, you might be a Therian even without experiencing traditional shifts. Trust your own experiences and feelings.
What's the difference between Therians, otherkin, and fictionkin?
Therians identify specifically as real, non-human animals (wolves, cats, birds, etc.). Otherkin is an umbrella term for people who identify as non-human—this includes Therians but also people who identify as mythical creatures like dragons or elves. Fictionkin identify as fictional characters or species from media, books, or games. All three fall under the "alterhuman" umbrella, which describes anyone whose identity differs from the typical human experience.
What is quadrobics and do I need to do it?
Quadrobics is a form of exercise and movement that involves moving on all fours, often in animal-like ways. Some Therians use quadrobics to connect with their theriotype, express their animal side, or cope with species dysphoria. However, quadrobics is NOT required to be a Therian! It's a personal choice and one of many ways Therians might express their identity. Many Therians don't do quadrobics at all. Your identity is valid regardless of whether you choose to engage in this activity.
Where can I learn more and connect with the therian community?
There are many online communities where you can learn about therianthropy and connect with other Therians. Check out Therian Guide forums, r/Therian on Reddit, TikTok's #Therian community (be mindful of misinformation), and YouTube channels by Therian creators. Discord servers dedicated to therians and alterhumans also exist. When joining communities, be respectful, ask questions, and remember that everyone's experience is unique. Take your time learning and don't feel pressured to label yourself before you're ready.