Described as a "subset" or "aspect" of furry fandom, furry lifestyle is generally treated as a grey area among furs because of some negative images associated with it and particular people who claim to be lifestylers. Desire to avoid conflict causes some lifestylers to refuse to use the term, despite clearly matching the conditions for having one.

Someone with a furry lifestyle generally meets one or more of these requirements:

  • Integrating a perceived animal nature into one's persona (gait, use of voice, personality, morality,...)
  • Totemistic beliefs, specifically with regard to animal spirits. Often integrated with Paganism.
  • Belief that animal powers/instincts exist within humans, regardless of whether they're separate, immaterial spirits, part of the genetic code or anything else.