This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. Please help Wikipedia by adding references. See the talk page for details.

Human animal roleplay (also called petplay, ponyplay, ponyism or pup-play) is a form of erotic sexual role-play where one or more of the participants takes on the role of a real or imaginary animal in character, including appropriate mannerisms and behavior, and sometimes a partner will act as another animal, or in a sexual context may take the role of rider, trainer or caretaker (or sometimes breeding partner). The principal theme of human-animal roleplay is usually the voluntary or involuntary reduction (or transformation) of a human being to animal status, and focus on the altered mind-space created. Image File history File links Circle-question. ... Eroticism is an aesthetic focused on sexual desire, especially the feelings of anticipation of sexual activity. ... Sexual roleplaying is the sexual behavior of playing some kind of character during a sexual encounter, in order to evoke a sexual fantasy in oneself and/or ones partner. ... In Parmigianinos Madonna with the Long Neck (1534-40), Mannerism makes itself known by elongated proportions, affected poses, and unclear perspective. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The most common examples are probably canids (pup, dog, wolf), felines (cat, kitten, lion) or equines (pony, horse). Genera Alopex Atelocynus Canis Cerdocyon Chrysocyon Cuon Dusicyon Fennecus Lycalopex Lycaon Nyctereutes Otocyon Pseudalopex Speothos Urocyon Vulpes Canidae is the family of carnivorous and omnivorous mammals commonly known as canines. ... a Great Pyrenees pup A puppy is a juvenile dog, generally less than one year of age that has not reached the equivalent of dog puberty yet. ... Trinomial name Canis lupus familiaris The dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is a domestic subspecies of the wolf, a mammal of the Canidae family of the order Carnivora. ... Wolf Wolf Man Mount Wolf Wolf Prizes Wolf Spider Wolf 424 Wolf 359 Wolf Point Wolf-herring Frank Wolf Friedrich Wolf Friedrich August Wolf Hugo Wolf Johannes Wolf Julius Wolf Max Franz Joseph Cornelius Wolf Maximilian Wolf Rudolf Wolf Thomas Wolf As Name Wolf Breidenbach Wolf Hirshorn Other The call... “Feline” redirects here. ... Binomial name Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758 Synonyms Felis lybica invalid junior synonym The cat (or domestic cat, house cat) is a small carnivorous mammal. ... Kitten at six weeks. ... Binomial name (Linnaeus, 1758) Distribution of Lions in Africa Synonyms Felis leo (Linnaeus, 1758) The lion (Panthera leo) is a member of the family Felidae and one of four big cats in the genus Panthera. ... horse, see Horse (disambiguation). ... A Shetland Pony A pony is any of several horse breeds with a specific conformation and temperament. ... Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ...

Human-animal roleplay is also used in a BDSM context, where one person may be a 'slave', treated or used as an animal by their Mistress/Master. A human pony is known as a ponyboy or ponygirl. // A collar is a common symbol in BDSM. Female bottom in bondage with leather monoglove BDSM is any of a number of related patterns of human sexual behavior. ... A dominatrix (from the Latin dominatrix, meaning a female ruler or mistress; plural dominatrices or dominatrixes) or mistress is a woman who takes the dominant role in bondage and discipline, domination and submission or sado-masochistic sexual practices, which are commonly abbreviated as BDSM. The male equivalent is Master. ... This article is about the word Master as used in BDSM. For other uses of the word, see Master. ...

Non-sexual animal roleplay was common in many tribal cultures, such as Native American culture and prehistory, where it formed an important part of their rituals. In this case the animal was usually either one that was revered spiritually, or one that was hunted. It is also used in physical education especially with children, as an enjoyable way to encourage certain exercises. Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples from the regions of North America now encompassed by the continental United States, including parts of Alaska. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Prehistoric man. ... Physical education (PE) is the interdisciplinary study of all area of science relating to the transmission of physical knowledge and skills to an individual or a group, the application of these skills, and their results. ... “Children” redirects here. ... The term Exercise can refer to: Physical exercise such as running or strength training Exercise (options), the financial term for enacting and terminating a contract Category: ...

Overview

The origins of human-animal roleplay, and petplay, are probably various and diverse, again, depending upon the people involved. However, its origins are certainly influenced by costuming, fiction, myth and legend, roleplay and psychodrama in their various aspects. In role-playing, participants adopt characters, or parts, that have personalities, motivations, and backgrounds different from their own. ... Yarkand ladies summer fashions. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... The word mythology (from the Greek μυολογία mythología, from mythologein to relate myths, from mythos, meaning a narrative, and logos, meaning speech or argument) literally means the (oral) retelling of myths – stories that a particular culture believes to be true and that use the supernatural to interpret natural events and... For other uses, see Legendary (disambiguation). ... Psychodrama is a method of psychotherapy which explores, through action, the problems of people. ...

Cultural and ritual use

Non-sexual animal roleplay was a common and integral part of ritual in many tribal cultures both in recent and likely prehistoric times, where a member (or members) of the tribe would take the role physically and often spiritually, of an animal that was either revered, or hunted. Examples of the former include many of the American Indian tribes and Arctic native peoples, examples are evidenced by cave paintings. In 1911 Julia Tuell photographed the last Animal Dance ("Massaum") performed by the Northern Cheyenne of Montana. A ritual is a set of actions, performed mainly for their symbolic value, which is prescribed by a religion or by the traditions of a community. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Cheyenne lodges with buffalo meat drying, 1870 For other uses, see Cheyenne (disambiguation). ... Official language(s) English Capital Helena Largest city Billings Area  Ranked 4th  - Total 147,165 sq mi (381,156 km²)  - Width 255 miles (410 km)  - Length 630 miles (1,015 km)  - % water 1  - Latitude 44°26N to 49°N  - Longitude 104°2W to 116°2W Population  Ranked...

It is also sometimes used in education, especially physical education, as an enjoyable way to encourage people to exercise the body in unusual ways, by mimicking various animals. Physical education (PE) is the interdisciplinary study of all area of science relating to the transmission of physical knowledge and skills to an individual or a group, the application of these skills, and their results. ... The term Exercise can refer to: Physical exercise such as running or strength training Exercise (options), the financial term for enacting and terminating a contract Category: ... A mimic is any species that has evolved to appear similar to another successful species in order to dupe predators into avoiding the mimic, or dupe prey into approaching the mimic. ...

Ponygirl Ivy from Shadowplayers.com pulling a cart at Folsom Street Fair 2005.

Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1173x2034, 386 KB)Ponygirl pulling a cart at Folsom Street Fair 2005. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1173x2034, 386 KB)Ponygirl pulling a cart at Folsom Street Fair 2005. ... The Folsom Street Fair marks the end of Leather Pride Week in San Francisco, California Bondage demonstration at the 2003 Folsom Street Fair The annual Folsom Street Fair happens on the last Sunday in September and is now the final event in San Franciscos Leather Pride Week. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Erotic use

Like much of erotic play and roleplay, human-animal roleplay in an erotic or relational context is entirely defined by the people involved and by their mood and interests at the time of play. It ranges from the simple imitation of a vocal whinnying of a horse to the barking, panting or playful nudging of a puppy, or playful behaviour of a kitten, to crawling around on all fours and being fed, or petted, by hand. (In the latter instance, its motives may be similar to those of ageplay, ie taking on a role that one feels spiritually appropriate or which allows for nurturing, and a change from usual roles in everyday life). To the greater extremes of dressing up as a pony in modified horse tack, masks, prosthetics and temporary bondage based body modification (such as binding the forearms to the upperarms and/or the calves to the thighs). This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... A United States soldier demonstrates Foosball with two prosthetic limbs In medicine, a prosthesis is an artificial extension that replaces a missing part of the body. ...

Public participation in human animal roleplay is varied. Inconspicuously, a couple could role-play a silly, but loving, pet play scene in public, but it would look to the casual observer like one partner is merely stroking the other's neck innocently. In the case of many convention going Furries and some BDSM club/party fetishists, one partner may wear a dog collar with a leash attached (some carry their own leashes, others are carried by their partner). Robin Hood and Maid Marian as foxes from the Walt Disney Robin Hood, a major example of the predominant character design style of Furry art Furry is a colloquial term used to indicate a particular category of fictional anthropomorphic animals. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ...

The reasons for playing such a character or animal can vary as much as the actual physical manifestations and intensity of the play. Some people enjoy being able to "cut loose" into a different, or more dynamic personality (eg, Were-creatures or Catgirls; see other variations). In some cases, pet play is seen as a loving, quiet cuddling time where there is no need for verbalizations and the simple act of stroking, rubbing and holding the other partner is satisfying or reassuring in and of itself for those involved. For others, there may be a spiritual side to it. Some feel closer to their animal totem, while others may identify with something akin to a deeper side or part of their own psyche (see: Therianthropy). For still others, there is the experience of power exchange setup in a context or structure which they can accept. Clearly, again, it depends on the people involved and what they bring to it or take from it. Foxgirl: Hana from Ukagaka A catgirl is a woman or girl with cat ears and a cat tail, but an otherwise human body; they are found semi-commonly in anime and manga either as a form of cosplay or actual body parts, as well as in a few videogames. ... Spirituality, in a narrow sense, concerns itself with matters of the spirit. ... A totem is any entity which watches over or assists a group of people, such as a family, clan or tribe (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary [1] and Websters New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition). ... It has been suggested that Otherkin be merged into this article or section. ... In BDSM, the term Power Exchange is associated with a submissive exchanging his/her authority to make decisions (whether just for a scene, or for his/her entire life), for the Dominants agreement to take responsibility for his/her happiness and health. ...

Additionally, some authorities classify this as a type of animal transformation fantasy. It can have strong elements of exhibitionism, be totally enjoyed in the privacy of the home, or lie somewhere between those boundaries. Before the Internet became widely available, the private players were virtually unknown. With the sharing of ideas, in forums and chatrooms, has come the realization that this is a kind of erotic roleplay; while not widespread, it is still enjoyed by more than just a few fringe groups. It is, however, primarily still identified with BDSM practice, or as being integrated into furry or other alternative lifestyle activities. Animal transformation fantasies are a common theme in fantasy and erotica. ... An exhibitionist exposing himself at a soccer game. ... An alternative lifestyle is a lifestyle (a mode or style of conducting ones life) which carries the implication that it is not within the generally perceived cultural norm. ...

This activity is a pure roleplay whose principal theme is the voluntary or involuntary reduction (or transformation) of a human being to animal status and focus on the altered mind-space created. For a majority it has no connection whatsoever with zoophilia or bestiality, which are controversial and would usually be considered edgeplay in BDSM circles. Leda and the Swan, a 16th century copy after a lost painting by Michelangelo. ... Look up Bestiality in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... In BDSM, edgeplay is a subjective term for types of sexual play that are on the edge of the traditional safe, sane and consensual creed. ...

Other considerations

It should be pointed out that each type of play can focus on a certain "strength" of an animal character. Pony play often involves the practice and training that a horse owner or trainer would put their horse through to learn how to walk, canter, etc, as modified for human limbs. Puppy play often can involve BDSM related discipline. Cow Play often involves fantasies of lactation and impregnation. The usual limits of safe, sane and consensual apply to roleplay as much as any other activity between humans who accept and respect their partner's interests and limits. For most, this does not include bestiality. Binomial name Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758 The horse (Equus caballus, sometimes seen as a subspecies of the Wild Horse, Equus ferus caballus) is a large odd-toed ungulate mammal, one of ten modern species of the genus Equus. ... Trainer may refer to: An aircraft trainer used for training pilots. ... Kittens nursing Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands, the process of providing that milk to the young, and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young. ... Categories: Biological reproduction | Biology stubs ... Safe, sane and consensual (SSC) is one of several phrases used by a large section of the BDSM and sexual bondage communities to describe themselves and their philosophies who regard SSC to be a watchword for safety. ... Look up Bestiality in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Note: Just because one partner is playing the "pet" does not necessarily make them the passive or submissive play partner in the scene. For example, if the form of pet play is for the meek and timid wife to "transform" into a werewolf or mischievous anime catgirl, she may take the upper hand and dominate the partner. Again, how the play is interpreted is entirely up to the people involved. In BDSM, a scene is a complete encounter. ... A German woodcut from 1722 A werewolf (also lycanthrope or wolfman) in folklore is a person who shapeshifts into a wolf or wolflike creature, either purposely, by using magic, or after being placed under a curse. ... The main cast of the anime Cowboy Bebop (1998) (L to R: Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Ed Tivrusky, Faye Valentine, and Ein the dog) For the oleo-resin, see Animé (oleo-resin). ... Felicia A catgirl is a female with cat ears, a cat tail, or other feline characteristics on an otherwise human-shaped body. ...

Some people believe that they have certain animal 'instincts' and through animal roleplay can let them out. This is especially true in the BDSM communities, where some people 'live' as their chosen animal 24/7. This type of mentality goes beyond roleplay and becomes a full lifestyle for the parties involved. There are also 'hybrids'. These are humans who live part time as one type of animal, and part time as another. This is usually determined by the situation.

There seems to be a growing trend among the BDSM scene in animal roleplay, especially pup and kitten play. Playing the role of a pup or kitten is one of giving over complete control over to another, while the 'Master or Handler' expects only unconditional love and obedience from his/her animal.

Variations

BDSM ponyplay

Ponies (people involved in ponyplay) generally divide themselves to three groups, although some will participate in two or perhaps all three:

• Cart ponies: usually pulling a sulky with their owner.
• Riding ponies: used to be ridden, either on all fours or on two legs, with the "rider" on the shoulders of the "pony" (also known as Shoulder riding). Note that a human back is generally not strong enough to take the weight of another adult without risk of injury, so four-legged "riding" is generally symbolic, with the "rider" taking most of their weight on their own legs.
• Show ponies: just showing off their dressage skills and often elaborate harnessess, plumes and so on.

Born in a Barn, a 2005 documentary film, depicted the lives of several ponyplay enthusiasts. A sulky is a lightweight two-wheeled racing cart that is used in most forms of harness racing in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, including both trotting and pacing races. ... Documentary film is a broad category of visual expression that is based on the attempt, in one fashion or another, to document reality. ...

• British musician Alison Goldfrapp and her back-up dancers have worn ponyplay related outfits during several of her tours.

• Madonna and her back-up dancers simulated ponyplay during her performances on tour in 2006.

BDSM pup-play

Pup play is sometimes (though not always) associated with leather culture. The focus is on living and acting as close to an actual canine as possible. Pup play is more about being a playful, goofy, being on all fours who shows his/her Master their love and devotion. Instinct also plays a big role in pup play. Without the natural canine instinct, pup play is dull and unsatisfying. Leather Pride flag Start of the Leather Contingent at the 2004 San Francisco Gay Pride Parade Gay male BDSM leather culture grew out of post-WWII biker culture. ...

BDSM kitten-play

Similar to the above, but the bottom assumes the less serious role of a pet that keeps some independence and - as part of the fantasy - might retaliate against the partner trying to tame him/her. Kitten play is less well known than Pony or Puppy play, although with recent years is growing in popularity.

Kittygirl Isibella of Colorado from kittenplay.net

Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...

Other variations

Some would consider Costume Play, or cosplay, Anime Catgirls to be a form or look of pet play as well, because these are generally young female characters that have the combined aspects of females and cats (generally a human girl with cat ears, a tail, fangs and a propensity for catlike affection or curiosity). Examples would be Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Pink from Dragon Pink and others. Some superheroes, heroines and villains could also be classified as related to pet play, such as DC Comics's Wildcat, Catwoman and Vixen, Marvel's Tigra, Man-Wolf and Black Cat, or even Nastassja Kinski's Irena Gallier in the 1982 film Cat People (a remake of the 1942 Simone Simon film), and Miss Kitty from the Brendan Fraser movie Monkeybone. All involve animal qualities taken on by a human. Some would even count the enactment or spiritual belief in therianthropy (werewolves, werecats, etc) as falling under human animal roleplay or transformation play as well. Cosplayers Cosplay ), a portmanteau of the English words costume and play, is a Japanese subculture centered on dressing as characters from manga, anime, tokusatsu, and video games, and, less commonly, Japanese live action television shows, fantasy movies, or Japanese pop music bands. ... The main cast of the anime Cowboy Bebop (1998) (L to R: Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Ed Tivrusky, Faye Valentine, and Ein the dog) For the oleo-resin, see Animé (oleo-resin). ... Foxgirl: Hana from Ukagaka A catgirl is a woman or girl with cat ears and a cat tail, but an otherwise human body; they are found semi-commonly in anime and manga either as a form of cosplay or actual body parts, as well as in a few videogames. ... For the Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode, see Super Hero (Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode). ... This article is about the type of character. ... For other uses of the term, see Villain (disambiguation). ... DC Comics is an American comic book and related media company. ... Wildcat is the name of four DC Comics characters, three of them superheroes. ... Catwoman is a fictional character associated with DC Comics Batman franchise and created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. ... Vixen is a fictional character, a superhero in the DC Comics universe. ... Marvel Comics is an American comic book line published by Marvel Publishing, Inc. ... Tigra (Greer Grant) is a comic book superheroine in the Marvel Comics universe. ... John Jameson - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins/monobook/IE50Fixes. ... Black Cat (Felicia Hardy) is a Marvel Comics anti-hero and one-time foe and ex-girlfriend of the Spider-Man. ... Nastassja Kinski (born Nastassja Aglaia Nakszynski, January 24, 1961) is a prolific German actress, having appeared in more than 60 movies. ... Cat People is a 1982 horror film directed by Paul Schrader and starring Nastassja Kinski, Malcolm McDowell, and John Heard. ... This article is about the 1942 film; Cat People is also the name of a 1982 film. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Monkeybone is a 2001 film that combines live-action with stop-motion animation. ... It has been suggested that Otherkin be merged into this article or section. ... A German woodcut from 1722 A werewolf (also lycanthrope or wolfman) in folklore is a person who shapeshifts into a wolf or wolflike creature, either purposely, by using magic, or after being placed under a curse. ... Barbara Minerva as the form-changing supervillain Cheetah, by Justiniano Werecats (also written in a hyphenated form as were-cats) are creatures of folklore, fantasy fiction, horror fiction and occultism that are generally described as shapeshifters who are similar to werewolves, except that they turn into creatures that are based...

Equipment

Pet play can simply be a roleplay or state of mind without any special equipment, perhaps only involving the use of a ball or toy, others might utilize items found in any petstore like a pet collar. Costume players, or 'Fursuiters', might have entire animal costumes created for themselves, sometimes in conjunction with a collar and in a few cases with various BDSM accessories. Those involved in the heavy BDSM side of this kind of play might utilize an endless array of bit gags, bridles, blinkers (or blinders), saddles, tack (harnesses), pony point trainers, butt plugs with tails, pony boots with "hooves", leashes and collars, BDSM-style "gloves" that prevent use of individual fingers (making a hand more akin to a hoof or paw), and related items are produced and sold commercially to those who wish to act out such fantasies. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... For other meanings of the word gag, see gag (disambiguation). ... The lighting system of a motor vehicle consists of lighting and signalling devices mounted or integrated to the front, sides and rear of the vehicle. ... A set of blinders, also known as blinkers, is a set of leather straps attached to the bridle of a horse to prevent it from seeing to its side. ... Butt plugs are sex toys that are designed to be inserted in the anus and rectum for sexual pleasure. ... Pony Boots - a type of footwear looks like a horse feet but made to fit a human foot, sometimes designed with a suporting rear heel, sometimes without. ... This article does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... A dogs paw resting on a hard concrete surface. ...

See also

// A collar is a common symbol in BDSM. Female bottom in bondage with leather monoglove BDSM is any of a number of related patterns of human sexual behavior. ... Consent within BDSM is an issue that attracts much attention in the field. ... Dog play, also called puppy play or doggy play, is a roleplay where one or more of the participants pretends to be, or is forced to act, like a dog. ... Penny Birch is an pseudonymous erotic writer from England published by Nexus Books. ... In roleplaying, participants adopt and act out the role of characters, or parts, that may have personalities, motivations, and backgrounds different from their own. ... A shaman doctor of Kyzyl. ...

External links

• Human Fauna: "A site for animal roleplay fetishists" a discussion forum*
• Official web of "The Pet", a Tricoast Film Studios thriller about a young woman who becomes the pet of a wealth aristocrat
• kittenplay.net "The first official kitten play website."
• Pets and Owners (German)
• pupzone.com A website with a monthly e-magazine on pup play
• k9pound.com Discussion and Message Boards on pup-play for gay men
• Fetish Alliance: An on repository, or library, for BDSM and fetish related information.