Hello again, SuperShermanTanker ^^
I would say to create a fursona that's comfortable for and to you.
Some people just want something quick and easy to represent themselves in the community. Some don't want to stand out. Others want to specifically stand out as much as possible. And then there are some who don't care about standing out.
Sometimes it's someone's favourite animal, spirit animal, an animal they have a connection or history with, or just a random animal.
It's really up to you. For some the fandom is extremely important (be it as soon as they start in the fandom or they gradually grow to feel it's important), but for a lot it's just for "shits and giggles", just for fun. Therefore a few people take creating a fursona seriously, but you don't have to
However, considering you asked, it means you have thought about it and would like to get some help.
If you really like big cats and wolves, you should be aware of a couple of things.
There are loads of felines and canines in the fandom (even combinations of both). Some based on real animals, others are fantasy-based.
If this doesn't bother you, then that's fine. It's just something I think someone should preferably take into account, because maybe they don't like to be associated in such a way, if that makes sense?
I would also suggest to do a bit more research, particularly what about big cats and wolves interest you the most. Is it the lion's mane? The wolves' pointy byt sturdy head shape?
What are features you want to apply to your character?
What species of big cats are you most interested in? And what species of wolves?
These questions you don't have to answer here, but answer them for yourself. It's part of fursona and character development, and can help you a long way when designing your fursona.
Finally, once you narrowed that down, ask yourself: What other features (such as colour and any special markings or accessoiries) might they have?
Do they have a certain power or ability? Any disabilities they might have?
Hope this helps
As for myself? (Maybe this might also help in some way.)
I found out a few years a abgoout this forum and the fandom. I always felt as a furry, but didn't know there was such a huge community of it.
When I joined I felt it was odd not to represent myself with a fursona of some sorts. I wasn't sure if I'd fit in, or if my character would suffice.
But then after a while, I realised: You can design whatever fursona you want, you can have one or multiple. You can also decide to not have one either. It's not a requirement to be a part of the fandom, or these forums
I started with a simple design of a dragon, tried to make it my own as much as possible. It has since then developped more character, backstory, and its design and colour scheme has changed a bit.
Overall it's the same green and red dragon from when I joined all those years ago, just more... (re)defined.
