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Common Questions What is a Furry? 1. Someone who is a fan of anthropomorphic animals. This can include art, literature, comics, music, puppets, costumes, stuffed animals, cartoons, comics, videos, games, etc. This is a diverse group with many sub groups and cultures, every Furry is different. 2. An anthropomorphic animal. Why Furries? Ever since people could draw on a cave wall, people have had a fascination with animals. In many cultures, animals were thought to have supernatural abilities,or worshipped as gods. Many cultures portrayed their gods as strange crosses between human and animal bodies. As children we have a fascination for animals. Storytellers for centuries in many cultures have used animals with human characteristics to tell stories. In modern times, we have animal mascots, animal trademarks, animal cartoon characters, and even animal toys. How did it start? Furries started to get together at science fiction conventions. They met to talk about comic books, movies and cartoons with furry characters. The first Furry Confurence, was held in 1989, ConFurence Zero (zero - was the test run). ConFurence is the largest and oldest furry conference. The Internet also provided a way for Furries to find each other, as they looked for furry stuff. Furry Culture seems very complex. Furridom is a fandom, it's made up of many sub-cultures and groups, and mixes easily with many lifestyles. So it's incredibly diverse. I've heard some strange stuff about Furries.... Furries are very different from many cultures, so yes they might be considered different or strange relative to what your used to. Furries enjoy their diversity and are very open about their differences. This can be a culture shock, for people that can't handle differences. Not surprisingly there have been many myths about them. Are Furries sexual maniacs? No. *blush* *giggle*, like most cultures, Furries still do it behind closed doors. Furries are just more open and accepting about different lifestyles, than mainstream culture. Furries don't need to hide in closets around other Furries. Do Furries think they are animals? No. *giggle*, Furries talk, drive cars, create neat stuff (art, software, furry internet tools, websites), and love to dance If I thought I was an animal, would I be typing this? Are Furries, animal rights activists? No. Furries often identify with specific animals, and will often donate to animal charities, But they are not an animal rights group. Do Furries hate the human race? No. *giggle*, Furries are more caring about each other. Many Furries don't like the coldness of mainstream cultures. It's a very cold world, and Furries are very warm and snuggly. Are Furries antisocial? ROTF. Furries are very social (ever heard of an antisocialist convention). Furries have many meets/cons/groups and they flourish on the internet. Furries are very interesting people. They are not your typical "Nine-to-fivers". What are some of the differences between Furry Culture and more mainstream cultures? To begin with: Furries are very altruistic, and social, like one big furry family. Furries love to do things in furry groups. This also gives Furries buying power on airlines, hotels, etc. Because Furries are so closely bonded, "Personal Space" has been replaced with "Furry Space" *giggle* Furries will often pack into a small room at all angles (furniture optional) with out concern of personal space, just to watch a movie, talk or party. Scritching (Furries love to scritch), is an affectionate scratching of another fur, sometimes done in groups, done as a greeting, sign of affection or social bonding. Sometimes large/long scritch "groups" or "trains" are formed. Scritching does not need introduction. Furries who have never met will scritch with no introduction, as a way of bonding. Furries often choose one or more species, that have attributes that they identify with, or admire. They become very familiar with their particular species and will adopt the body language and sounds of their species, and will often group with others of the same species. Furries being a diverse culture, are very comfortable and open with different lifestyles. Part of being furry, is understanding, and caring about other furs, regardless of differences. Furs look after each other.