You treat pets like people; I play pets with people.

Have you ever named your pet? Today, let’s talk about a rather heartwarming aspect of BDSM—Pet Play.

What is Pet Play?

I know some of you might be thinking, “WTF? People enjoy pretending to be animals? And it’s heartwarming? What is this nonsense?”

First, let’s clear up some confusion. Pet Play is different from Animal Play. In Pet Play, the participants are referred to as “owner” and “pet,” while in Animal Play, they are called “trainer” and “animal.” The main differences are:

1. Animal Play is more hardcore, involving training to behave like an animal. This includes not speaking, only making animal sounds, and being stripped of personal thoughts and control. It sounds intense, right? This is not recommended for newbies. K9 training, which many are familiar with, falls under this category (don’t be misled).

2. Pet Play focuses on the mental aspect, where the submissive takes on the mindset of a pet. They require care, might sleep at the owner’s feet, get punished or rewarded, and sometimes get confined in a cage.

In short, Pet Play is lighter, while Animal Play is more intense. They are different yet interconnected.

Why Do People Enjoy Pet Play?

Some of you might still be wondering, “Do people seriously prefer being pets? Are you brainwashing us?”

This brings us to the concept of “shame.” For some, being forced to crawl and eat like an animal can be arousing. These behaviors can feel degrading, thus invoking shame.

Like the NBA saying, “Control the rebounds, control the game,” I believe if you master someone’s shame, you control their desires.

But remember, all role-playing, including BDSM, must be consensual. Any forced behavior is illegal.

Common Props & Roles

After understanding Pet Play basics, let’s look at some common props used.

Ears

For some, having ears on top of their head feels right. Even if the headband doesn’t fit, they might stick ears on their hair to show their dedication to the cat ear cult.

There’s nothing wrong with this. People will always have differing opinions about you. If you live by others’ judgments instead of your values, you lose yourself. So, if you love cat ears but your S forces you to wear donkey ears, wait for the right moment and kick their butt.

Tails

One winter, I saw a butt plug tail on Taobao. It looked like a fake phallus with a tuft of fur. Curious, I bought one, and fell in love with the feeling. A collector of over thirty tails shared a similar sentiment.

In my experience, if 1% wear tails for comfort or aesthetics, the other 99% do so for role-playing. Despite discomfort or pain, they persist because wearing a tail makes them feel like a good pet.

But a reminder: wearing a tail for too long can cause medical issues like incontinence or infection.

Cages

For those with claustrophobia, a cage is a nightmare. But for Pet Play enthusiasts, a human-sized cage can feel incredibly cozy. Some have customized cages with ceiling lights, LCD screens, and heated mats, turning them into miniature paradises.

Common Roles

After acquiring props, the next step is choosing a pet role. Common roles include:

• Cats: Proud, playful, nocturnal, enjoy laps, naps, and sometimes believe they are in control.

• Dogs: Energetic, loyal, playful, eager to please, and enjoy lying at their owner’s feet.

• Foxes: Mischievous, self-centered, and aloof.

• Cows: Gentle, passive, enjoy breast-related play, and need guidance.

• Ponies: Require luxurious gear, highly trained, and competitive.

My Experience

From what I’ve seen, many people dive into sub/dom relationships or Pet Play after a shallow understanding.

I’m not saying this is necessarily bad, but it’s crucial to have clear agreements before starting. Misunderstandings and dissatisfaction can follow otherwise.

Have you both discussed the roles and the purpose of the game? Do you both know your rights, limitations, and boundaries? How will you handle boundary violations? Ensuring everyone’s rights are respected is essential.

Before starting, you must have a serious discussion. I’ve seen couples write their expectations, limits, and boundaries on cards, then discuss any differences until they reach a consensus. Mutual communication, respect, and understanding are key to a fulfilling experience.

Happiness is fleeting, but harm can persist. To ensure joy, the preparation process is worthwhile.

About Sex

Lastly, about sex. I believe Pet Play can include sex, but it shouldn’t be solely for sex. If sex enhances the experience, that’s fine. But playing just for sex is like drinking to socialize or shopping to meet a quota—it misses the point.

Let me end with a favorite quote: “If someone has never seen the clear sky, their eyes will always see the color of a cloudy day.” I hope those who truly enjoy this game see the clear sky, ensuring their safety, rather than realizing too late what they’ve missed.