Exploring the Furry Trend: Kids Who Identify as Animals
Over the past year, stories of kids dressed as animals have become rampant. Many parents have heard news online, in school groups, and from their own kids about students “identifying as animals” in class. Some say teens act like cats or bark in lessons. Others say kids are just being playful. With so much mixed information, it is hard for families to know what is real and what is rumor.
The truth is that most kids who act like animals are taking part in normal pretend play. A smaller group of older kids may try animal roles in social groups, and this sometimes gets mixed up with the furry community or with therians. This blog explains what is happening in schools, what experts say, and when parents should pay closer attention.
Most children love animals. They love cuddling them, petting them and learning about them. But lately some parents are talking about kids who say they identify as animals, and a few feel it has crossed a line. Young children often dress up or act like animals when they play, and it is a normal way for them to use their imagination. Some teens take on animal roles in school or online groups, which has led to debate and confusion across many communities.
A Child Identifying as an Animal is Not the Same as being a “Furry”
You might have heard the term “furry” used to describe a person who dresses like an animal.
Merriam-Webster‘s official definition of a furry is “a person who identifies with and enjoys dressing as an animal especially as a member of a subculture devoted to the practice.” These personas include animals such as wolves, foxes and, sometimes, even mythical creatures.
But it’s important to note that the term “furry” is reserved for adults, not younger kids who are simply using their imaginations when they don a cat-ear headband or hop around the house like a bunny.
“A furry is usually a term used for people older than children,” explained Daniel Rinaldi, a therapist, life coach and father. “There may be instances when a child identifies with being an animal, and that’s okay. Children may identify with many different people or creatures in their childhood; that’s part of learning and growing.”
What Parents and Kids Are Seeing — and Saying
Some parents in the New York area say their kids have classmates who behave as animals in school, and it can be disruptive to other students.
But none of the parents we spoke to said they saw “furry-like” behavior with their own eyes. And none said that their own kids identify as animals. It’s a sensitive topic, and most of the parents we spoke to preferred to remain anonymous.
One mother said her 16-year-old daughter sees many “furries” at her Whippany, N.J., high school.
“A few of the kids in her school identify as furries. They bring animals to school and dress up as animals themselves,” the mom said. “As much as my daughter loves animals, she thinks the whole idea is a little screwy.”
Other parents see this behavior as a way for kids to express themselves.
A Manhattan mom we spoke to said her son sees kids behaving and dressing like animals at school. Although she’s not sure just how serious her son’s classmates are about truly identifying as animals, her opinion is that kids who do this are, in a way, promoting acceptance.
“I think kids who see themselves this way are also teaching others about acceptance, and other kids may not understand,” she said.
Kids Identifying as Animals: How Common Is It?
You can easily find articles, statements and Twitter posts from schools debunking any truth to furries and/or kids identifying as animals being accommodated in schools with litter boxes or other “accessories” that an animal would have.
It seems likely the litter box thing is a hoax based on rumors, but some students are telling their parents they have seen fellow students acting with animal personas – like barking and meowing – in class.
A school in Australia made headlines last year for supporting a non-verbal student who identifies as a cat. Reports and interviews with people close to the story said the student was allowed to assume the identity of a cat as long as it wasn’t disruptive to others.
And here in the United States, North Dakota Rep. Lori VanWinkle said her state has students who don’t identify as human, as reported in NBC News.
The state even proposed a bill that would ban schools from accommodating students who perceive themselves as any species other than human.
Sharon Roberts, an associate professor of social development studies at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, told ABC the furry world is growing in popularity because it is a safe, welcoming and nonjudgmental community.
At this point, it’s important to note that only a very small number of furry people—adults—actually believe they are an animal trapped in a human body, according to Furscience, a website packed with information about the furry lifestyle.
Allowing Your Child to Be Creative
When it comes to younger kids, it’s normal for them to play dress up and pretend they are animal creatures like bunnies, kittens and pups, explained Rinaldi.
“Many children enjoy pretending to be their favorite animals, whether it’s through costumes or playing make-believe,” Rinaldi said. “Dressing up as animals allows children to use their imagination, and engage in creative play, which is very important for child development, as it’s important for children to see the world from multiple perspectives and develop their imagination muscle. We can’t forget about the fact that play and having fun is part of learning for children.”
Mendi Baron, LCSW and CEO of Moriah Behavior Health, a mental health group that treats teens and adolescents, agreed that younger children dressing up and pretending they are animals is healthy and developmentally appropriate.
“Pure and simple, children see animals as characters in books, shows, movies, plays etc. They are viewed in an anthropomorphic fashion,” Baron said.
It also allows younger kids to feel close to their favorite animal and even gives them the opportunity to feel connected with nature, Rinaldi explained.
“A natural curiosity about animals and nature is very normal for young children, and dressing up as an animal helps them learn more about the world around them,” he said. “And, of course, many children find comfort and security in the presence of animals, whether they are real pets or stuffed animals, so they feel extra comfortable dressing up as their favorite animal. It helps them feel at ease.”
Kids Identifying as Animals: When To Be Concerned
It’s generally encouraged to embrace and support your child’s interests and preferences. Dressing up can be a healthy form of imaginative play and self-expression.
But if you notice concerning or potentially unhealthy behaviors, it might be time to seek help from a therapist or specialist. Rinaldi said some of the things to pay attention to are:
- Excessive obsession: If your child’s dressing as an animal becomes an all-consuming obsession to the point where it interferes with their daily life.
- Social isolation: If your child is consistently isolating themselves because they are so consumed with dressing up as an animal.
- Escapism or avoidance: If your child is using dressing up as an animal as a means to escape from reality.
- Impact on self-identity: If your child exclusively identifies themselves as an animal.
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Detailed Summary Table For Kids Who Identify As Animals
| Topic | Quick Summary |
| What’s happening | Some kids pretend to be animals, and a few teens take animal roles more seriously, which has raised questions. |
| “Furry” meaning | A furry is usually an adult in a subculture who takes on an animal persona. Not the same as kids playing pretend. |
| What parents notice | Some hear stories about kids acting like animals in school, but most haven’t seen it directly. |
| How common it is | Most schools say it’s rare and rumors (like litter boxes) are not true. |
| News examples | A few isolated cases in the U.S. and abroad, but not a widespread trend. |
| What’s normal play | Young kids pretending to be animals is healthy and part of imagination. |
| When to watch behavior | Be alert if the behavior becomes obsessive, isolating, or the child only identifies as an animal. |
| What experts say | Pretend play is normal; serious identification is rare and usually linked to other concerns. |
How to know When Your Child’s Behaviour Is Going Beyond Play
Many kids enjoy pretending to be animals because it feels fun, creative, and different. In most cases this is simply another playful stage. Most children move in and out of interests quickly, and parents usually do not need to worry. However, there are a few signs that may show your child is becoming overly attached to the idea, and noticing these early can help you guide them gently without making them feel judged.
Below are common signs that may show the furry interest is going a bit deeper than simple pretend play.
- Limiting social interaction
If your child begins avoiding friends, school activities, or family time because they only want to stay in character, it may be helpful to check in with them. A calm conversation can help you understand what the animal identity means to them and how they are feeling at school or with peers. - Wearing costumes in most settings
Some kids like to wear ears, tails, or paw gloves just for fun. But if your child wants to wear these items constantly, even in places where it causes attention or school issues, it may be a sign that the interest is becoming more than a hobby. - Difficulty switching out of the role
If your child feels frustrated, angry, or upset when asked to stop the animal behavior, this could mean they are using it for emotional comfort. Kids sometimes lean on certain identities when they feel stressed, and talking gently can help you understand what is driving the feeling. - Choosing animals over everyday needs
If pretending interrupts daily routines, like schoolwork, eating meals, or talking with family, this may be a good moment to set some healthy boundaries. Children generally respond well when parents explain rules kindly and offer time for pretend play later. - When to take the next step
If you notice more than one of these signs and your child seems stressed, confused, or upset, talking to a school counselor or child therapist can be helpful. Professionals are used to supporting kids who express themselves in different ways and can guide families toward a healthy balance without judgment.
Questions Families Often Ask
- What is it called when a child identifies as an animal?
The term “therianthrope,” commonly called “therian” refers to individuals who spiritually, physically, or psychologically identify as an animal. The species of animal a therian identifies as is called a theriotype. - Is being therian the same as being a furry?
Not really. The furry community is mostly adults who enjoy animal characters as a hobby. Children who pretend to be animals are usually just playing and exploring their imagination. - Is it normal for kids to pretend to be animals?
In response, Tracy Gleason, professor of psychology at Wellesley, told the Times that it is typical for very young children to pretend to be animals, fantasy characters, or adult professionals. - Why do children identify as animals?
Indeed, for many children, identifying as a Therian might represent a way to cope with mental, social and other challenges. All children, including those who explore Therian identities, want to belong and to feel safe and connected.
