Why are you a furry?

[The Troubadour]

Well, whereas others chose this as a fad, I know this to be not a choice for me, but an identity, no different from a sexuality. I know this because I was a furry before I ever knew what a furry was. I thought of myself as a dragon, with wings, a tail, and a personality of something wise, calm and quietly powerful, before I knew other people did it. It feels like me. I see my self as a non-human, and there's something romantic - not sexually romantic, but nostalgic - pulling me to that body. It feels good to interact as an animal. I feel self-actualised. I like being a dragon. I am a dragon. That's why I'm a "furry".

[Vanilla Skunk]

I've always been fascinated with cats throughout my childhood, but I was never really allowed to have one.  I had a dog, that was good enough, but I hated the dog, because she always attacked me.

Though, as I grew up, we got used to each other, and things got less violent.

Anyhow, I actually started to become obsessed with the cat race as I was going through my teenage years.  I didn't have net access, so I started weeding through the local library for anything cat and bigcat related.  I researched everything, including how they mate, how their parts work, and how they give birth.  This knowledge came in handy later in life.

When I was 18, I realized I had some interesting habbits...  every time I walk up stairs, or I'm nervous, I actually walk digigrade like.  My heels don't touch the floor.  It's a very quiet walk.  I also spazz out to loud noises, very conscious about my balance, and I like to pounce and surprise.  Before I started smoking, I was able to purr.

I was young, still didn't have the internet, so I started writing a furry story.  I had somewhere close to 600 pages when the hard drive that it was stored on completely died, never to return.  That was when I upgraded my computer to internet capable, found a pile of friends online, had to deal with both of my parents death, moved away, had to deal with my sister's abusive boyfriend, and moved away again in with a prospective girlfriend, got kicked out, and wound up in the lower mainland. 

At that point, I found Furry on the internet, in like 2002.  But, it took me until 2008 to find the local furry community.  I guess I'm a little shy...?

I guess I feel that the cat is my 'spirit guide' so to speak...  but I also feel more closely related to cats than pretty much anything. 

I know I'm forgetting things, but that's ok.

[Xen Garden]

As for your walking up the stairs habit, I walk up the stairs with both my hands and feet (Heels not touching the floor). I know my fursona has only 2 legs, but I found not using my heels quite a habit too.

Also for myself when it comes to weird habits, I found I swim in a dolphin or fish-like motion. I find it alot faster to swim that way rather than dog paddle, butterfly, etc.

I was meant for the water.

[Vanilla Skunk]

They teach that method in one of the more advanced swimming classes. :P

I think it was called White, back in the 80's 90's.

[Xen Garden]

I am aware they teach you the method in advanced swimming classes. I'm high up in level, I could go become a lifeguard if I really wanted to. I even have a CPR certificate.

I was a level 8 back in middle school, and there are 10 levels in total. Also I can hold my breath for a minute - a min and a half depending how much energy I have.

Meh I only swim if I'm at a beach or pool with family/friends anyways.