How does one know for certain they are kin/therian? I only recently heard the terms, and was shocked others experienced the same things as me as far as phantom limb movement and certain urges. I am hesitant to reach out to the community though, as it seems a lot are quick to shut people down because they don't feel/exhibit some minor characteristic.
Otherkin in general has a very wide range of beliefs. The one beef Tumblrists usually have in this community is the difference between Otherkin and Otherhearted. Otherkin is the belief that you are or were the animal you claim while Otherhearted have characteristics or mannerisms with an animal. Some Otherhearted go even as far as to say they have the “spirit” of an animal, though that can be debated as Otherkin. It’s basically the difference to identifying as and with. There are some very unwelcoming people in the community, but I wouldn’t be discouraged! I’ve met some really awesome therians since making this blog and it is certainly invigorating to find kin of my own kind (if that makes any sense) and that are like me in personality. To be kin you don’t have to have physical, mental, or dream shifts; it is truly based on what you believe in.