What is Therianthropy?

Therianthropy is the experience of identifying, on a deep and personal level, as a non-human animal. People who feel this way are called therianthropes, more commonly known as therians. It’s not a trend or a fantasy — it’s a real identity that can be psychological, spiritual, or both.

So What Is a Therianthrope?

A therian is someone who identifies as an animal on a non-physical level. They know they are human, but they experience a strong internal connection to a specific animal — this is called their theriotype.

Therians may feel this connection through instincts, emotions, behaviors, or even phantom sensations (like tails or ears). Each person’s experience is unique.

Types of Therians

• Monotherian: Identifies with one animal (a single theriotype).

• Polytherian: Identifies with more than one specific animal.

• Cladotherian: Identifies with a whole group or genus of animals (e.g., all canines, all birds).

• Omnitherian: Identifies with all animals across all species — either simultaneously or fluidly.

Common Misconceptions

• Not a mental illness
• Not furry culture (though some therians are furries)
• Not delusional or attention-seeking
• Not all therians are teenagers
• Not all therians wear gear
• Not all therians do quadrobics

What Is Quadrobics?

Quadrobics is a form of movement where people run, jump, or crawl on all fours, mimicking the gait of quadrupedal animals. For many therians, it’s a way to physically express their connection to their theriotype — not just as a workout, but as a form of embodiment and identity. It can also be a creative outlet, a grounding activity, or simply a fun way to move. While quadrobics can improve strength, coordination, and cardio fitness, it’s important to be mindful of safety: practicing on soft surfaces, avoiding overexertion, and not wearing restrictive gear (like binders) during intense movement are all key to preventing injury.

What Is Gear?

Therian gear refers to clothing or accessories that help a therian express their connection to their theriotype. This can include items like tails, ears, collars, paw gloves, or masks. For some, gear helps ease species dysphoria or enhances the feeling of being connected to their animal side. It’s not required to be a therian — gear is just one way some people choose to express their identity. While it can be playful or aesthetic, for many it’s deeply personal and symbolic.

Final Thoughts

Therianthropy is diverse, personal, and valid. Whether someone connects with one animal or all of them, their identity deserves respect and understanding. This post isn’t about my personal journey — just what I’ve learned and want to share. If you’re a therian, questioning, or just curious, I hope this helped.