Cats (the musical) but instead of real cats trying to go to the heavyside layer, they're stuffed animal cats in a claw machine trying to get the claw to pick them up so they can go home with someone
Not really, Anon. I adore the show and would not consider myself one. Then again, I do wish I was this person and my life was like this, so maybe I do not know myself.
From what I have seen, only a small portion of the fandom at large are Furries to begin with, and I maybe have seen one person get into that space because of CATS.
I think it really depends on personal preference on whether being a fan of the show does or not. If you personally think you are a Furry because you enjoy the show, then that is great! Maybe entering those spaces can make you find something that improves your life and increases your happiness. Perhaps you already have done that.
If you do not think you are a Furry, that is perfect as well. If someone called me one, I would not be particularly offended or anything. There is nothing wrong with being a Furry.
Public perception is something that varies, but I think most people would not make the connection between the two. CATS was a mainstream cultural icon for a long time in the world and that probably helps with people seeing the difference between the musical and the (more niche in my opinion) Furry fandom.
You see the odd bad take here and there made in a negative connotation that liking CATS makes you a Furry, but that is like basically anything in life. Someone is always out there to steal the joy from another because they do not like or understand something, so it must be weird and need to be degraded.
Live your life however you want, CATS fan and/or Furry!
Adaptations from this era really changed the game. These squabbling groups can鈥檛 save themselves from death or learning some lessons. Up up up to the giants in the sky!