From the Otherkin ask game:
2 - When did you have your awakening, how did it go?
I had my “awakening” about a year ago. It was a gradual process and it helped that I had friends who already identified as otherkin, both older folks and younger. Everyone had a different experience but for me, it was the culmination of a way of carrying myself that I’d already done for years.
I guess you could say I have a very cat-like personality. My ADHD might play a role but I can’t really say. I enjoy being pet and brushed. If I could I’d rub cheeks with some close friends. In a lewd setting, pred-prey and pet play come naturally to me. I love cats (which is funny because I used to hate cats when I was a child) and have a pet cat.
For over a decade now I’ve had phantom shifts of having a tail, paws, ears on top of my head, and even a taur-like body. They tend to randomly occur, but most often when I’m in a relaxed state. At first I was confused by them and actively sought to suppress them. Eventually I learned of the term “phantom shift” and over time came to accept that they happen and they aren’t necessarily something to fear. I let them happen and fade away whenever they arise, which is already a rare occurrence that I don’t have much of any control over.
Transformation themes are a huge draw for me, both in my artwork and in lewd spaces. I’m sure that’s a pretty prevalent interest in otherkin circles.
It took time and I was initially quite hesitant and unsure, but I eventually came to accept I was otherkin in the sense that I identified as non-human and vaguely feline. I was never keen on my humanity and if given the opportunity I’d become a cat or adopt visibly cat-like physical traits in a heartbeat. Things are pretty chill now and it’s just one part of the kaleidoscope that is me.
Thanks for the ask ^^