A mental shift or m-shift is an altered state of consciousness, commonly experienced by weres, wherein they take on a more animal outlook, feelings, or perceptions. M-shifts denote a change in one's mental state, not a physical, bodily change into a were-creature or animal. This usually results in more powerful senses and as stated, being more instinctual. Either way, those in the mindset of their animal will often

Some people report either heightened senses while other report that they either lose some capacity for speaking, or at least the desire to speak as much. Other will carry on the characteristics of their wereside in slight ways (especially method of walk, posture, facial expression, emotion). Anger and furry are possible when the animal side takes control of the actions and thoughts of the subject.

These changes in consciousness, whether voluntary or involuntary, are not always at the same level of intensity. Usually, the human mindset never fully vanishes. By the same token, many weres claim that even when not "shifted" the animal mindset is never fully dormant. It has been posited that involuntary m-shifts are more likely when the therianthrope in question is still coming to terms with their animal nature.