Pet Play 101: An Introduction to the Kinky World of Pets and Handlers

written by Micah Brown

Let’s begin by stating that petplay is a different activity from being a furry. While both of them are certainly animalistic in nature, their cultures and practices tend to be different from each other.

Petplay is a dynamic wherein an individual takes on the role of an animal, in most cases a pet. While petplay could potentially involve several different animals, the most common types are dogs/puppies, cats/kittens, and ponies. They may take on some characteristics of their chosen animal, such as wearing a collar, having a tail, sleeping in a crate or on a pet bed, and so forth. Unlike furries, those who take part in petplay are not generally interested in playing as antropomorphic animals.

The Benefits of Petplay

While a fun idea for some kinky fun, the psychology of petplay goes beyond the sexual. For many, taking on the role of a pet allows them to let go of the stresses of everyday life and simply exist in a state of curiosity and play. When in the role of being a pet, they don’t have to think about what’s going on at work, or the argument they may have had with their best friend. They can simply be a kitten curled up on their little bed, batting at shiny objects.

I may sound childish to those who do not participate in this type of play, but the truth is that it has measurable psychological benefits for those who do, such as the aforementioned stress relief.

“Pet owners” are not left out when it comes to the benefits of having a “pet.” Being the caretaker of a pet allows the individual to let go of their stress and feel safe simply caring for, giving attention to, and generally enjoying the company of their pet. Having a safe partner who can exist and provide affection without the need for words is something that many who own “pets” say allows them to feel no pressure for conversation after a long day.

Petplay Types

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The various types of pets are limited only by the imagination of those who are participating in the play. While there can be any number of different types of pets, including dragons and unicorns, our focus today will be on the most common types we mentioned previously.

Cat/Kitten Play

As you may imagine, this is going to focus a little more on the gracefulness, poise, and playfulness of a cat. Those who engage in kitten play tend to be very deliberate and sensual with their movements. Arching backs, stretching, languid gazes from half-lidded eyes are all common among those who take on the role of a cat or kitten. In addition to the gracefulness and poise of cats, those who partake in this type of play are often playful and mischievous as well. They may chase toys around the floor or spring out and try to surprise you with a hiss.

Puppy Play

Puppy play focuses more on the spontaneity, playfulness, and loyalty of being a dog. They tend to enjoy lots of attention, often spend time in crates where they feel safe, may have favorite toys they play with, and will enjoy games such as fetch or wrestling. They love physical attention whenever it can be provided and may bark or whine when they need something from their owner.

Pony Play

This is the petplay that often involves spending the most amount of money on gear. There may be hooves, bridals, saddles, reins, and more that are involved in the play itself. Pony play frequently involves an individual who enjoys being of service. It is common for ponies to want to serve their owner in some way. Often, ponies can be found at kink events pulling their owners in carts.

Other Animals

As previously stated, the only limit to the type of animal a person wants to be is really their own preference and imagination. While others out there may take part in petplay that is different from what we talked about here, there are so many possibilities it would be impossible to break them all down. Let us know in the Discord if there is a type of animal you enjoy being that isn’t one of the major three.

I Want to Be a Pet/Own a Pet, What Now?

We will have a whole article next week on what sort of gear you can use when it comes to petplay, but here I’m just going to say that you don’t need any specific piece of gear to make your petplay valid.

Not having a bridal for pony play doesn’t make you any less of a pony or pony owner. Not having collars or cat toys scattered around the house doesn’t mean you’re a bad dog or cat parent. The gear is merely a way to help the dynamic feel more grounded – but it is certainly not necessary.

Community tends to be a sizeable force in the petplay world. There are often “play dates” for pets, gatherings for pets owners to get together and let their pets exist in their animal state with other pets at the same time (think a dog park sort of thing). Finding a local gathering of pets and owners could help you make connections that lead to pet ownership. Many websites dedicated to kink will have a list of events in your area that you may find helpful.

Conclusion

We’re just getting started on our month of petplay. We hope that you’ll stick around to learn more about what it is, how it works, and whether or not you want to give it a try.

Next week we’ll talk about all the gear that’s available for the various types of common petplay.

In the meantime, make sure you water your pets and give them extra snuggles from all of us at Obedience.

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