I think avoiding the problem isn't going to get you anywhere. I understand if people want to avoid others finding out they're a furry, but that's also because a lot of people are terrified others have the wrong idea.
My personal experience?
Don't hide it, don't actively avoid it. If it comes up, it comes up, and deal with it in the appropriate manner.
In this case, it's no use deleting your browser history and whatever. They already saw it. For some reason they are making fun of you. Try to figure out why.
As said by John Red Beard, they might think it's something childish (or something else). Point is, what is most often the case: They don't
know what it is.
You have the opportunity to actually speak up and tell them what it is. You have the chance to tell them what it means to you.
Why did you join this forum?
Why do you like furries?
Overall, in my case?
I like the artwork. I create artwork and like to look at artwork. I finally found a community (about 4 years ago) in which I can share my interests in. Expand my imagination. Being able to draw weird creatures. Getting inspired from this fandom. This forum is how I was able to get into all of that.
I always was drawing, always drawing fantasy creatures. I found the fandom, and thus was able to express myself better and share my interests.
You could always say the same thing. In general, the furry fandom is a huge platform for art and artists, people who like art in general. So you could always use the same explanation that you just like the artwork.
You can always share some images as well to show what you mean, or mention movie examples (like The Lion King, and things like that).
I don't know, hope this helps
