It’s not my thing and I truly don’t get it. That said, I’m curious about the initial draw, how you started and why. What does participating look like to you? Do you consider it an interest, hobby, kink or some combination/something else? I support you doing whatever you like so long as everything is legal/consensual. If you’re going to comment and you’re not a furry please be respectful.
tl;dr it’s a creative hobby
Not a furry per se (yet maybe) but I’m in the same social circles, ymmv. Basically it’s just oc cosplay, and like all hobbies and crafts some people have a more enthusiastic, personal approach to it; and some like it surface level.
Essentially, it’s a joint art style in a large art community. People get to create their own characters and share in that art culture, and for some it’s a very powerful escape and a way to explore yourself in a different way.
Escapism was my main thought on why based on next to no knowledge. That aspect definitely makes sense to me. Art/artistic expression being central is also reasonable.
Your Pathowogen infection has already progressed to Stage 3. I’m afraid it’s terminal.