Why stories about foxes are so popular?

[Corty]

OG Nekomimi Gang in da thread.

 

[Gray_Mann]

Fox girls are the best. Simple. Any doubts are heresy.

 

[Snake99]

That's because fox girls, in addition to being cute, are also lascivious and promiscuous, fanservice and smut is more common with them than with cat girls or other types of beast girls.

 

[Nolff]

I'm not sure where to post it, in reader or author subforum, so I will post it in general chat. Why foxes? Genuine question since cats are objectively more popular. No offense here since I am a dog person myself. Maybe it's me, but I rarely encounter stories with catgirls. On the other hand kitsunes and gumihos are everywhere. I guess there are also wolves, werewolves... Ahem... That's not something I want to discuss.

Back to our fox question. Why foxes and not, for example, owls? Or snakes? Snakes are a good one since a lot find them cute and there are lamias and whatnot. Yes-yes, I get it, foxes are cute, foxes are justice, sure. I just don't get why foxes specifically and not other cute animals? Or is it just me and I should broaden my horizon?

P.S. No bats, I meant brats.

 

[Deleted member 84247]

I wish bat girls were popular.

 

[Masked_writer]

I wish bat girls were popular.

You mean vampire girl ?

 

[expentio]

I guess it's the more mythical aura. Cat girls are more feral, while foxes have this shrine feeling to them.
In this line of thought, what about bunnies?

 

[Deleted member 84247]

You mean vampire girl ?

That too.

 

[Daitengu]

Yes, I get it, but again, why not catgirls? Aren't catgirls furry enough?

Foxgirls are on the rise because catgirls are the mainstream.

Also foxgirls have a more sensual mature allure to them compared to catgirls. Cats being type cast as sporty, or sleepy.

 

[Stealthy_Enigma]

I wish bat girls were popular.

✨️˝/\__/\˝✨️
✨️(❀≖‿⁠≖)✨️What about fox girls in bat girl cosplay???~

 

[Deleted member 84247]

✨️˝/\__/\˝✨️
✨️(❀≖‿⁠≖)✨️What about fox girls in bat girl cosplay???~
View attachment 34103

I will take it!

 

[Stealthy_Enigma]

I will take it!

Ke-he-he~

Another person trapped into liking fox girls~

˝/\__/\˝
(❀≖‿⁠≖)
/ ˝∩∩˝\ ***Rubs hands in ebil victory~***

 

[HappyBunnyWrites]

Fox girls you say? As it so happens, the character Affection within my story is just that. A fox themed goddess.

Since people like those types of characters so much, what better thing to do than come read a related series.



Shameless marketing.

But as it happens, yes, fluff. Fluff matters.

Or to quote a line from my story -

 

[Kenjona]

Kitsune were not always evil or bad in Japanese Mythology. While cats in Japanese mythology are evil. So early on in Manga they were evil.

 

[gaylolis]

I wish bat girls were popular.

because batman exists

 

[istryj]

Why foxes?

Foxes are cool. Are we talking about Japanese kitsune? They transform into girls and seduce men (let's forget the details). I love being seduced. Foxes are a worldwide symbol of cunning, bad girls, and scoundrels. Unlike cats and dogs, foxes are enveloped in an aura of mystery because they are somewhere far away and unreachable—their unreachability is attractive. (Although nowadays you can buy domesticated foxes.)
Are foxes that popular in books?

 

[Cipiteca396]

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AFoxyIndex

I don't really get it either, but this trope is old. Literally every culture has fox myths and stereotypes.
So they're both traditional, and they're also just exotic enough to seem new and different (as compared to house hold pets), without being outright threatening like larger predators.

There's even specific words like vixen that are related to foxes.

 

[Biggest-Kusa-Out-There]

here, i asked ChatGPT:

The Popularity of Catgirls, Doggirls, and Foxgirls in Fiction: A Biological, Cultural, and Social Analysis

The anthropomorphization of animals in fiction has led to the creation of hybrid beings like catgirls, doggirls, and, more recently, foxgirls. Their popularity can be traced to biological instincts, cultural symbolism, and social dynamics shaped by human-animal relationships. This essay explores the appeal of these archetypes through biological, cultural, behavioral, religious, and social lenses.

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Cats: Mysterious and Independent​

Biological Perspective: Cats are ambush predators with stealth, agility, and precision. These traits create an air of elegance and lethality, appealing to audiences who enjoy characters embodying independence, intelligence, and finesse. Their obligate carnivore nature enhances this predatory allure, aligning catgirls with themes of sleekness and control.

Cultural and Religious Symbolism: Cats have long been associated with mysticism and divinity. In Ancient Egypt, they were sacred animals linked to Bastet, the goddess of protection and fertility. In medieval Europe, however, cats were feared as symbols of witchcraft and mystery. This duality persists in fiction, with catgirls often portrayed as both alluring and enigmatic.

Behavioral Traits: Cats’ aloof yet affectionate behavior mirrors character tropes of tsunderes—characters who alternate between coldness and warmth. Their tendency to seek comfort while maintaining autonomy resonates with viewers, creating a mix of vulnerability and self-sufficiency.

Social Dynamics: Cats’ perceived selectiveness makes them symbols of exclusivity, appealing to audiences who value personal connections. Catgirls embody this allure, blending independence with moments of intimacy, fostering intrigue and admiration.

---

Dogs: Loyal and Friendly​

Biological Perspective: Dogs evolved as pack animals with strong social bonds, reflecting loyalty, protectiveness, and enthusiasm. These qualities naturally lend themselves to characters who are energetic, affectionate, and supportive, embodying the “best friend” archetype.

Cultural and Religious Symbolism: Dogs have been revered as guardians and companions in various cultures. In Greek mythology, Cerberus guarded the underworld, symbolizing protection. In Christianity, dogs often represent fidelity and vigilance. These associations reinforce the doggirl trope as dependable and nurturing.

Behavioral Traits: Dogs’ playful and eager-to-please nature translates to cheerful and approachable personalities. Their expressive emotions resonate with audiences, making doggirls relatable and heartwarming. They also reflect themes of unwavering devotion and companionship.

Social Dynamics: Dogs’ pack mentality aligns with group loyalty, making doggirls ideal characters for team-oriented roles. Their warmth and optimism balance group dynamics, providing emotional stability and comic relief.

---

Foxes: Clever and Mysterious​

Biological Perspective: Foxes blend traits of both cats and dogs, exhibiting stealth and cunning along with adaptability and sociability. Their opportunistic hunting style and problem-solving abilities portray intelligence and resourcefulness, making them versatile figures in fiction.

Cultural and Religious Symbolism: Foxes hold significant roles in folklore and mythology, particularly in East Asia. In Japan, kitsune are shape-shifting fox spirits associated with wisdom, transformation, and trickery. In European tales, foxes symbolize guile and mischief. These mythological roots shape foxgirls as enigmatic and seductive characters.

Behavioral Traits: Foxes’ ability to adapt and outwit predators ties them to themes of survival and deception. Foxgirls often embody slyness and charm, presenting layered personalities that oscillate between loyalty and trickery, keeping audiences guessing.

Social Dynamics: Foxgirls’ duality makes them ideal for complex narratives involving intrigue and betrayal. Their mystical and alluring presence also ties them to themes of forbidden knowledge and supernatural influence, appealing to modern audiences drawn to mystery and fantasy.

---

Comparative Analysis​

Biological Appeal:

• Catgirls emphasize elegance, agility, and predatory allure.
• Doggirls highlight loyalty, energy, and social bonds.
• Foxgirls balance cunning intelligence with adaptability and mystique.

Cultural and Religious Symbolism:

• Cats evoke divinity, mystery, and seduction.
• Dogs symbolize fidelity, protection, and trust.
• Foxes represent wisdom, trickery, and transformation.

Behavioral Traits:

• Catgirls appeal to fans of independent yet affectionate personalities.
• Doggirls attract those who value warmth, enthusiasm, and companionship.
• Foxgirls intrigue with complexity, charm, and unpredictability.

Social Dynamics:

• Catgirls fit roles of enigmatic loners or alluring seductresses.
• Doggirls thrive as loyal friends and emotional anchors.
• Foxgirls excel in manipulative, mystical, or morally ambiguous roles.

---

Conclusion​

The rise of foxgirls complements the established popularity of catgirls and doggirls by offering a middle ground between mystery and sociability. While catgirls embody independence and elegance, and doggirls represent loyalty and cheerfulness, foxgirls capture the intrigue of cleverness and mystique. Their cultural and symbolic associations enhance their appeal, providing fertile ground for complex narratives in modern fiction. These archetypes reflect timeless human-animal bonds, blending biology, culture, and mythology into captivating characters.

 

[Anonjohn20]

I'm not sure where to post it, in reader or author subforum, so I will post it in general chat. Why foxes? Genuine question since cats are objectively more popular. No offense here since I am a dog person myself. Maybe it's me, but I rarely encounter stories with catgirls. On the other hand kitsunes and gumihos are everywhere. I guess there are also wolves, werewolves... Ahem... That's not something I want to discuss.

Back to our fox question. Why foxes and not, for example, owls? Or snakes? Snakes are a good one since a lot find them cute and there are lamias and whatnot. Yes-yes, I get it, foxes are cute, foxes are justice, sure. I just don't get why foxes specifically and not other cute animals? Or is it just me and I should broaden my horizon?

P.S. No bats, I meant brats.

Yes, I get it, but again, why not catgirls? Aren't catgirls furry enough?

Why can't it be dogs and dogirls, or cats and catgirls? Cats and dogs aren't fluffy enough? I might look agressive here, but I am genuinely puzzled and want elaborated answers if possible.

I guess animals that exist in nature appeal more to furries than the abominations that only exist due to human's selective breeding.

 

[Shard]

Was sent this and told to reply to it, so...

Foxes exist damn near everywhere that is aboveground, so everyone knows of them. Essentially every culture ever to see them considers them as tricksters and cunning, which make for interesting characters. Most mythological foxes can shapeshift into humanoid forms, leading to being close enough to human to identify with. On top of that, foxes are, as far as I'm aware, the second softest fluffy animal in existence, right behind the chinchilla, while requiring far less abnormal care to maintain said fluffiness, plus higher fluffiness volume. A fox is about 50% fluffy tail by length.

Due to this combination of facts, a foxgirl will typically be fluffier than any other type you'll run into, plus trickier/more cunning, often seen as more seductive as seen by the terms foxy and vixen, and, as a bonus, foxes tend to take a single mate rather than multiple, like many other animals will. So your foxgirl is likely seen as more loyal as well, once they pick someone to bond to. Furthermore, a foxgirl often has multiple tails, with kitsune and gumiho/kumiho having up to nine, and huli jing not really having a limit. This means even more fluffiness.

Additionally, foxes are typically associated with supernatural abilities, leading to a natural trend towards magic, which is commonly used in fantasy stories, making for a higher chance of an extra-strong or extra-versatile character, which tends toward being main character material.