a term coined by k9pathy last updated 6/29/25
OFFICIAL ANIFAUX RENTRY
DISCLAIMER:
Though I have studied psychology thoroughly out of my personal interest, I am not a doctor. This term is not meant to be a diagnostic tool for any disorders that may relate to it, or provide any genuine medical insight on a person who aligns with it. It is solely a term made for those who relate, want to identify with it, and want to be in a community of people with similar experiences. That being said; this term is exclusive to those who have either experienced some form of neglect/isolation trauma, neurodivergence, or both. It cannot be 'chosen' for fun.
TW: THE FOLLOWING BRIEFLY MENTIONS CHILD NEGLECT/ISOLATION AND IDENTITY DISTRESS.
THIS TERM IS SAFE FOR SYSTEMS AND DISABLED PEOPLE; MEANING IT IS NOT FOR ANY NON-TRAUMAGENIC 'SYSTEMS', TRANSIDs, OR THEIR SUPPORTERS. DNI
——— ★ What is Anifaux? ———
Anifaux is a nonhuman identity term made to describe individuals who've formed a deep psychological connection to a specific animal (or group of animals) during early childhood; usually either because family pets were present as a substitute for guardians, or neurodivergent interests led the child to mimic animal behavior and detach from other people. Often, it is a mix of both. The attachment roots in the core developmental stages (infancy through early childhood) and strongly influences their sense of self, even as they grow up.
People who identify as Anifaux (called Anifauxies) experience a constant sense of being out of place as humans. Their natural behaviors, social instincts, emotional responses, and even love style mirror the animal(s) they grew with instead of typical human behavior. They may often feel the need to mask their animalistic tendencies to fit in. This is not a chosen identity—it is a deeply ingrained one, rooted in early learnt behavior from their anifauxtype and internalized through formative development. It cannot be unlearned.
While some individuals may experience an Anifaux regression-like state (periods where they strongly revert to their animalistic mindset and are unable to mask), their animal-influenced worldview and related social struggles are always present to some degree. They do not "shift" back and forth, though the connection to their animal identity might be slightly fluid in how strongly it presents day-to-day.
——— ★ Well, what kind of Anifauxes are there? ———
The way this naming system works is based on the scientific groupings of animal families. If you don't see yours - look up your Anifauxtypes scientific family, shorten it, and slap faux on the end:
• Canidfaux (Domestic Dogs, Foxes, Wolves, Coyotes, etc)
• Felidfaux (Domestic Cats, Lions, Jaguars, etc)
• Leporidfaux (Rabbits and Hares)
• Ursidfaux (Bears)
• Avianfaux (Birds)
• Chirofaux (Bats)
• Rodenfaux (Hamsters, Rats, Ferrets, etc)
• Amphifaux (Frogs, Salamanders, etc)
• Arthrofaux (Spiders, Scorpions, Butterflies, Bees, etc)
• Vertefaux (Sharks, Fish, Rays, etc)
• Cetafaux (Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises)
• Procyfaux (Raccoons, Ringtails, etc)
• Pinnifaux (Seals, Walruses, Sealions)
• Reptilfaux (Snakes, Turtles, Lizards, etc)
• Hyaenfaux (Hyenas)
• Ungufaux - (All Hooved Mammals)
• Mustelfaux (Weasels, Badgers, Otters, etc)
——— ★ Why was this made? How is it different than other terms? ———
I (k9pathy) coined this term because I don't feel able to connect to other nonhuman labels such as Therianthropy, Otherkin, ETC. They've just never fit for me because of how specific my identity is in terms of how it developed and presents today. There may be some subgroup of a term out there that connects to how I describe anifauxism, but I also don't wish to clarify multiple different identity titles just to feel able to display it correctly and have others understand what I mean.
Anifauxism has a specific definition, cause, and guidelines. I was not socialized as a child and instead relied on house pets and a strong interest in animals to guide my development and influence my behaviors as a substitute. It is purely psychological: not connected to any spiritual beliefs or choice, as some other identities are. If you do not understand this term, that's okay! That just means it isn't for you.
⟢ EXTRA CRITERIA / NOTES
——— ★ LEARNT BEHAVIOR ———
Anifauxies experience their identity mostly through the way they instinctively act. As an example: someone who has the anifauxtype of a domestic dog might tilt their head when focused, be more reactive to loud noises, or crave physical affection through petting. Someone who has the anifauxtype of a cat may feel safest in dark/secluded areas, want to purr when they feel safe, or experience something similar to hunting urges when watching small animals. These are just a few examples.
The behavior develops due to the child learning it from the animal they connect to; either in person or through media, and that behavior never fading out. In my case, I constantly kept near my family dog and mimicked his every reaction and move because I knew him to be the safest and most consistent figure in my life, so I trusted that what he did was correct. I'm still realizing behaviors I got from him to this day.
——— ★ SOCIAL DISCONNECT ———
Due to their naturally animalistic behavior, Anifauxies often struggle with social interaction, especially in forming and maintaining close interpersonal relationships. For example, most have difficulty understanding or expressing complex human emotions in socially expected ways, instead responding with instinctual reactions like withdrawal, territoriality, mirroring, or clinginess. Others might find typical social norms confusing or irrelevant: such as making small talk, maintaining eye contact, or navigating hierarchy and tone, because their emotional instincts are shaped more by their Anifauxtype than by human socialization.
In relationships, this can lead to confusion from both sides, miscommunications, or perceived intensity. An Anifauxie who identifies with a pack-oriented animal might form fast/deep bonds and become extremely loyal, sometimes overwhelming others with their need for closeness or protection. Alternatively, one connected to a more solitary/cautious species might struggle with initiating contact or trusting others, even when they crave companionship. These behaviors aren't acts or performative—they reflect how the Anifauxie genuinely processes connection, safety, and identity.
Because of this, social exhaustion, alienation, or feelings of "being wrong" are common experiences for Anifauxies navigating fully human-dominated spaces.
——— ★ HOW IT FORMS ———
For someone to become anifaux, they must've experienced a human social disconnect during the formative developmental stages and used connection with animals as a substitute: permanantly forming animalistic tendencies.
Anifauxism is rooted in a disconnect from humanity at a very early age. In my case: it was a result of child neglect and not being properly socialized, leading me to depend on my family pets as a substitute for connection and development. I also am neurodivergent in multiple forms, which influenced the social disruption, especially with my special interest in the animal kingdom.
It does not necessarily have to be caused by child neglect/abuse/isolation, however. It is also possible if the child experiences some form of neurodivergence (like autism, for example), and preferred to connect with animals more than people; leaving the same lasting effects.
⟢ FAQ
——— ★ How does this differ from Therianthropy? ———
Therian - A subtype of the Kin Belief, meaning someone either believes in the spiritual happening of reincarnation and past lives, feels a psychological divide with humans, or feels a general connection to animals in any other form. An extremely broad term that someone could identify with for a nonspecific range of reasons. This term is often associated with shifting (going from feeling mentally human to animal) gear, and other online means of expression.
Anifaux - A fundamental connection to a terrestrial animal(s) caused by learnt behavior in childhood, not ever connected to past lives or reincarnation, and a permanent identity specifically started from social development. It affects how one sees the world to a high degree and creates intense difficulties in relationships with others because of the disconnect.
——— ★ Are there other flags/Can we make our own? ———
Yes, and yes, you can! In my discord server, I have an entire category for people who make separate flags based on their anifauxtype! You are allowed make flags of your own, if you post them just be sure to tag @k9pathy on your post! You can also find the already-made official flags here!
——— ★ Is there a limit to how many anifauxtypes you could have? Can they fluctuate? ———
No, not at all! Anifauxes can have as many animals as they attached to in childhood, and they can fluctuate from those types fluidly! You may feel more able to fit in with people one day and then more disconnected the next, or may feel your behavior influenced by a separate animal at one point and then a completely different one later. Associative triggers are common; A shark anifauxie may be triggered into more anifaux instinct while swimming, or feel their anifauxtype to cats heighten when they're sleepy. Trauma can influence the connection as well, as an anifauxie having a panic attack may completely retreat to their animalistic mindset to feel safe. It's completely personally specific. however, at least some form of animalistic mindset has to be present at all times for a person to be considered anifaux; even if they don't notice it because of how natural it feels.
——— ★ Do Anifauxies experience ghost-limbs? ———
Yes! Some anifauxies may or may not experience the sensation of tails, ears, paws, etc, based on watching the animals they latched onto express things with those parts. It is normal for an anifauxie to feel sensations like the body of their anifauxtype.
——— ★ Can someone who's not a kid become an anifaux? ———
No. It's rooted in the development stage, between infancy and early childhood. It has to be early and strong enough to permanently influence your behaviors, social skills, and shape who you are fundamentally.
——— ★ Can system parts have different anifauxtypes? ———
They can! No worries at all. However, an alter cannot be an Anifaux if the body itself isn't, and an alter cannot have an anifauxtype of an animal that the system did not connect to in childhood. It cannot come purely from an introject having animalistic source memories or similar. And while some alters may experience it stronger than others, the entire system has to be affected by a degree for it to count as anifauxism, just like a disorder would present.