#pet regression behaviors

[softpawpup]

wolf regressor behaviors !! 🐺

bites bites bites bites

destroys all chew toys

steals clothing

little stomps

lots of biiiiig stretches

shows off teeth

territorial !!!

howling

staying up late

[honkifurhoary]

Prison-Based Animal Programs: Cats, Inmates, and Masculinity

​​by Sophiane Nacer, Metropolitan State University of Denver

I. Introduction 

Prison-based pet programs (PAPs) are a relatively new phenomenon, though interactions between prisoners and animals are anything but (Furst, 2006). PAPs present an opportunity for inmates to engage in meaningful work and give back to the community while also experiencing the therapeutic effects that animal companionship provides (Fournier, 2016). However, there may be more to PAPs than meets the eye. In a prison environment where the inmate code legitimizes the destructive ideals of toxic masculinity, opportunities to practice compassion, empathy, vulnerability, and emotional breadth can be vital to preventing inmates from recidivating upon release (Fournier, 2016). PAPs that use cats may be particularly helpful in inmate resocialization, rehabilitation, and reintegration due to the traditional association between felines and femininity that provides the unique potential to dismantle destructive masculine ideas, ideals, and behaviors in inmates (Fournier, 2016). 

II. Hegemonic Masculinity and Toxic Masculinity 

Hegemonic masculinity is defined as the dominant notion of masculinity in a given context, both historical and geographical, that is comprised of both prosocial and antisocial notions of masculine expectations (Kupers, 2005). Fatherhood, pride in accomplishments, self-reliance, courage, and action-orientation are all examples of masculine attributes that are culturally accepted and valued (Fournier, 2016). Misogyny, ruthless competition, devaluation of feminine attributes, a need to dominate and control others, a readiness towards anger and violence, and hierarchical intermale dominance, are all examples of socially destructive masculine attributes that are perpetuated by the contemporary hegemonic masculine standard (Kupers, 2005). The term toxic masculinity is used to delineate these destructive attributes from the prosocial ones, creating a constellation of socially regressive male traits (Kupers, 2005). 

Toxic masculinity is literally coded into prison life as the “inmate code”, which dictates that a “real man” or a “stand-up con” does not display weakness, does not display emotion other than anger, does not depend on anyone nor display any vulnerabilities, and is quick to violence to defend his place in the prison hierarchy (Kupers, 2005). Men who may not have displayed any overtly toxic masculine behaviors on the outside are forced to adapt to the culture of hypermasculine posturing and violence as a way to survive, through a process known as prisonization (Fournier, 2016). Toxic masculinity within prisons is also reinforced by the institution itself. Both inmates and staff, particularly correctional officers, are expected to be tough, show no vulnerabilities, constantly engage in an intermale struggle for power, and solve problems through brute force (Kupers, 2005). A key example of this is the practice of cell extraction, in which inmates and officers, dressed in riot gear and heavily armed, engage in an acute fight for dominance (Kupers, 2005). Inevitably, cell extractions serve to confirm an inmate’s loss of power and control, two things toxic masculinity requires of a “real man”. With no other acceptable or attainable means of confirming his masculinity, the inmate seeks to overpower and control weaker inmates through acts of violence, such as rape and other forms of physical assault (Fournier, 2016). 

The internalization of and socialization to prison’s culture of toxic masculinity is deeply harmful, both to the inmate himself and to society. Six out of seven inmates will be released back into society after serving their prison sentence, making the need for effective rehabilitation and tools for reintegration critical to decreasing recidivism and social harm (Nellis, 2021). However, the shift from rehabilitation to incapacitation and confinement seen in the 1970s coupled with male resistance to therapy has deeply impaired the ability to counter these devastating effects of prison (Kupers, 2005). 

III. Men, Mental Health, and Prison 

The 1970s not only marked the transition from rehabilitation to incapacitation, but it also marked the beginning of a massive increase in incarceration (Kupers, 2005). As the prison population has quadrupled in the last three decades so has the proportion of inmates needing treatment for significant emotional and psychological problems, a trend attributed to deinstitutionalization, tough-on-crime initiatives, and a shrinking public mental health budget (Kupers, 2005). Prison mental health resources have failed to increase alongside their ever-growing population, meaning that said resources are typically reserved for only the most serious cases, such as prisoners suffering from acute psychosis, suicidal ideation or attempts, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder (Kupers, 2005). This leaves many individuals, including those court-ordered to attend therapy for anger management, sex offenses, and substance abuse, without any recourse (Kupers, 2005).  

Further compounding the limitations of prison mental health treatment is the lack of confidentiality and privacy. Oftentimes, particularly in maximum security units where prisoners are confined to their cells for 23 hours per day, there is inadequate staff to facilitate transport to and from private treatment areas (Kupers, 2005). As such, “cell front” therapy has become increasingly popular (Kupers, 2005). Cell front therapy occurs with the inmate talking to their mental health provider through their cell door, in full view of neighboring inmates and passing correctional officers (Kupers, 2005). This prevents any measure of confidentiality and may put the prisoner at risk depending on the topic being discussed. Institutional rules surrounding mandatory reporting further compromise the privacy of the inmate and any confidentiality cell-front therapy could provide (Kupers, 2005). Lack of resources paired with poor confidentiality serves as external barriers to prisoners obtaining necessary treatments, though these are not the only barriers. 

Men, both outside and inside of prison, tend to underreport emotional and psychological distress, only seeking help when things have reached a point of crisis (Kupers, 2005). This reluctance to seek mental health treatment has been attributed to toxic masculinity, in that it encourages men to repress all emotions other than anger and avoid actions that could be interpreted as dependency or weakness (Woodson, 2019). To succeed in therapy, men must reject a certain amount of the hegemonic masculinity that they have been socialized to since childhood, and in doing so place themselves in a position of rare vulnerability (Kupers, 2005). This is especially difficult for incarcerated men, who are subjected to toxic masculinity at a far greater intensity yet who are also most in need of treatment. Studies have shown that over half of all inmates in US jails and prisons suffer from mental illness, a rate 2-4 times higher than the general population (Satlin, 2013). Suicide rates are also high amongst the incarcerated population at 46 in every 100,000 in US jails (Carson, 2020a) and 21 per every 100,000 in US prisons (Carson, 2020b), compared to 13.4 per every 100,000 in the general population as of 2016 (Suicide, 2021). Men represent 85.7% of jail suicides (Carson, 2020a), 96.2% of prison suicides (Carson, 2020b), and are 3.7 times more likely to commit suicide than women amongst the non-incarcerated US population (Suicide, 2021).  

Mental health services in US correctional facilities today are ineffective, unsafe, and in dire need of both reformation and increased funding. Society’s idealization of traditional masculinity, the most destructive traits of which are perpetuated by pervasive toxic masculinity, has created a significant barrier to men seeking the help they need (Kupers, 2005). The exaggerated form of toxic masculinity that exists within prisons, reinforced both by the inmate code and the institution itself, is directly antithetical to the purpose of corrections as prisoners adopt antisocial traits as a survival technique rather than prepare prosocial coping mechanisms for their eventual reentry into society (Woodson, 2019). For as long as the incapacitation model remains favored, it is unlikely that we will see drastic restoration to rehabilitative efforts. However, prison-based animal programs offer some hope of not only facilitating therapeutic efforts but also minimizing the assimilation of toxic masculine traits and preparing inmates for successful reintegration. 

IV. Prison-Based Animal Programs 

Inmates and animals have a centuries-old history of interaction. Whether its pigeons, lizards, mice, or cats, inmates have shown an appreciation for animals that has surpassed that of the non-incarcerated (Furst, 2006). Researchers studying inmate poetry commented that “perhaps the scarcity of opportunities to develop relationships with non-inmates and the difficulties inherent in connecting with fellow prisoners are responsible for the striking number of poems about the importance of animals" (Furst, 2006). One of the most famous displays of animal admiration from an inmate is that of Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz”, whose rearing of canaries in Leavenworth Federal Prison led him to be recognized as a published ornithologist while incarcerated (Strimple, 2003). There are also less famous cases, such as the first successful prison-based animal program that was established accidentally in 1975, when inmates at Lima State Hospital for the Criminally Insane found and cared for an injured sparrow (Strimple, 2003). After noticing an improvement in inmates’ cooperation with each other and staff, the hospital initiated a year-long comparison study between two identical wards, with one allowing pets and the other not (Strimple, 2003). They found that inmates residing in the pet ward required half the amount of medication, had fewer violent incidences, and had no suicide attempts where the non-pet ward had eight (Strimple, 2003). Considering the body of research that exists supporting the use of animal-assisted therapy in individuals with both physical and psychological illnesses, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, PTSD, and depression, these results showed that animals could have the same beneficial effects for a criminal population (Furst, 2006). This prompted other institutions to create their own prison-based animal programs (PAPs), and by 2006 a nationwide survey of PAPs found that there were 159 PAP sites in forty-six participating states (Furst, 2006). Although this number has continued to grow, a more recent survey has not yet been conducted. 

PAPs are generally categorized into eight different models- visitation programs, wildlife rehabilitation programs, livestock care programs, pet adoption programs, service animal socialization programs, vocational programs, community service programs, and multimodal programs (Furst, 2006). The most common PAP design found in the study was the community service model (33.8%), in which participating inmates train and care for companion animals that are then adopted out to the community, followed by the service animal socialization model (21.1%), which typically train dogs to assist individuals with disabilities (Furst, 2006). 66.2% of PAPs used dogs, followed by cattle (12.7%) and horses (12.7%), where only 1.4% used cats (Furst, 2006). The majority of PAPs required interviews prior to participation (71.8%) as well as a history of good behavior or standing within the institution (54.7%) (Furst, 2006). 59.2% excluded inmates charged with certain crimes, most commonly crimes against animals (59.5%) and sex offenses (45.2%) (Furst, 2006). Funding for PAPs was reported to come primarily from fundraising (52.1%) amongst inmates, staff, the public, and privately-owned companies like PetCo, Petsmart, and Walmart, with further donations received through the humane society, shelter, or rescue with whom the prison partnered (Furst, 2006). 

When asked if they would recommend PAPs to other prison administrators, 60 out of the 61 respondents (98.4%) confirmed that they would, with the one exception commenting that although beneficial to the inmates the programs are not revenue-generating (Furst, 2006). In support of their recommendation, respondents noted that PAPs had many benefits for inmates, including instilling a sense of responsibility and heroism, teaching job skills and parenting skills, providing meaningful work, encouraging patience, boosting self-esteem, reducing violent incidents, and decreasing anxiety amongst both inmates and staff (Furst, 2006). These attributes seem to run in direct contradiction with prison’s culture of toxic masculinity, by substituting it with a culture of compassion, community-mindedness, cooperation, and patience. A study that surveyed both program participants and members of the general prison population who interacted with PAP animals found that inmates “were more nurturing than aggressive, more expressive than stoic, and more cooperative than competitive” (Fournier, 2016). Participants also demonstrated an increased range of emotions which they openly expressed in the presence of others- discussing the joy of successes, the patience required for training, and the grief that comes when their dogs got adopted- something quite different than the heavily constricted expressions of emotion dictated by the inmate code and even normative hegemonic masculinity (Fournier, 2016). PAPs provide inmates with the opportunity to practice healthy masculinity through dedicating their time and efforts to the care of PAP animals. In return for their efforts, inmates are given unconditional positive regard and companionship, enabled to receive and give physical affection, and provided a confidant in an isolating, lonely, and treacherous environment (Fournier, 2016). 

When asked, administrators at facilities with PAPs said that there were no downsides to the program (60%), with only 10.1% citing staff resistance as the only negative, rather than a flaw in the program itself (Furst, 2006). Anecdotally, administrators believed that recidivism amongst PAP participants was drastically lower than the general prison population, but no empirical studies have yet been performed to confirm this (Furst, 2006). With more than 2 million people incarcerated in the US and more than 6.5 million pets who become homeless every year the overwhelming support for PAPs presents a promising, life-saving option (Pets by the Numbers, 2020). PAPs, particularly the community service model in which prisons partner with animal shelters and rescues, are an opportunity to help both animals and prisoners by encouraging the unique bond that has long existed between the two and giving a second chance to two populations in dire need of one. 

V. The Evolution and Perception of Cats 

Cats were improbable candidates for domestication. Wild cats are territorial and live a solitary existence outside of mating and rearing young, making them the only domesticated asocial animal, though the extent to which cats are truly domesticated remains up for debate (Driscoll, MacDonald, & O’Brien, 2009). Dog domestication began 27,000 to 40,000 years ago after humans, living as nomadic hunter-gatherers, found utility in less fearful wolves as barking sentinels and began a long process of artificial selection (Driscoll, MacDonald, & O’Brien, 2009). Cats, on the other hand, do not appear to have been artificially selected by humans at all. Instead, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, they pioneered their own domestication through natural selection after having seen the benefit of hunting near human granaries and settlements (Driscoll, MacDonald, & O’Brien, 2009). In this sense, cats co-evolved alongside humans, where dogs evolved under direct human influence. 

In addition to their asocial origins and relatively short period of self-domestication, cat behavior is shaped by their status as both predator and prey (Dowling, 2020). Renowned for their hunting skills, cats have traditionally been used to deter mice and other pests; however, their small size places them at risk of being hunted by predators such as large canids, birds of prey, larger felines, and other carnivores (Driscoll, MacDonald, & O’Brien, 2009). As such, cats tend to be cautious, especially in new situations, and have developed a sophisticated body language that masks signs of physical and psychological distress in an effort to avoid predation (Dowling, 2020). This leaves many non-cat-savvy people with the impression that cats are unfriendly, unapproachable, and unpredictable, when in fact cats are simply outliers (Dowling, 2020). 

Oftentimes the principal mistake people make when trying to understand cats is to compare them to another very popular pet- dogs. Dogs, who have undergone many years of domestication during which friendliness and obedience were intentionally selected for, are prosocial predator animals who tend to be confident, approachable, and expressive (Dowling, 2020). Over the course of their evolution, dogs even evolved a special orbital muscle that allows them to mimic the facial expressions of human infants; cats, lacking this muscle, are often denigrated as having “blank stares” or “evil eyes” (Dowling, 2020). Research has shown, however, that there is no difference in the strength of bonds that cats and dogs form with their owners, nor is there a difference in the health benefits owning either provides in terms of lower rates of anxiety and depression, better cardiovascular health, and self-esteem (Dowling, 2020). 

VI. Felines and Femininity 

The oldest example of cats and femininity being linked together is found in Bastet, the cat goddess of fertility, domesticity, childbirth, and sexuality (Mark, 2016). Bastet and the cats of ancient Egypt, a relatively egalitarian society, were revered by both men and women (Mark, 2016). As time progressed, however, the association between cats and femininity persisted while the reverence was lost. 

In 1891 F. B. Harrison, a statesman who would later become the Governor-General of the Phillipines, wrote in The Journal of Education: 

"The fiery spirit, the loud bark, the watchful temperament of the dog give him always a male aspect; and the sleek sleepiness, the treble mew, the spiteful deceit of the cat combine to render her female in character." (Gleeson, 2016) 

By the 19th century, a distinct trend could be noticed in English writing where cats were associated with women and the feminine, while dogs were associated with men and the masculine (Gleeson, 2016). Unlike ancient Egypt, cats and women were not elevated through this comparison. Instead, traits such as aloofness, disloyalty, unpredictability, greed, selfishness, hypersexuality, pettiness, and spitefulness were attributed to cats and the women who were said to resemble them (Smith, 2009). Single women with one or more cats were- and still are- derogatorily labeled “crazy cat ladies”, physical altercations between women are called “cat fights”, and sexually aggressive women are “cats in heat” (Smith, 2009). Furthermore, associating a man with cats- and, by extension, women- is used to challenge his masculinity. Calling a man a “pussy” is considered a grave insult for its association with both female genitalia and cats, and is a sure way to start a fight (Smith, 2009). Even just owning a cat can cause a man to be seen as less masculine, gay or, according to a recent study, less datable (Kogan & Volsche, 2020). 

This delineation separating men from cats is an example of toxic masculinity’s drive to separate all things male from all things female, lest a man’s masculinity be degraded by feminine associations (Smith, 2009). Dogs are “man’s best friend���- action-oriented, quick to please, and obedient- one does not usually have to work hard to gain a dog’s affection, or at least not as hard as one might have to work for a cat’s (Gleeson, 2016). This dynamic caters to toxic masculinity, which has taught men that they should not have to work hard for anyone’s affection; instead, women- and animals- should flock to them and vie for their attention (Gleeson, 2016). According to these same standards, both cats and women are small, weak, and difficult to handle (Smith, 2009). This makes them legitimate targets for abuse, which can be used to affirm masculinity when men feel powerless or when he needs to prove his masculinity to his peers (Smith, 2009). 

However, a new movement- prompted by urbanization, apartment living, and social media- is encouraging men to discard this toxic interpretation of masculinity and “embrace a gentler, more thoughtful kind of masculinity” through cat ownership (Gleeson, 2016). Male cat owners in Australia were found to be 24% more likely to vote for liberal candidates, 29% less likely to believe homosexuality is immoral, and more likely overall to read and play boardgames (Gleeson, 2016). This indicates that, in addition to embracing a traditionally feminine pet, they have globalized their disregard for masculine ideas, such as conservativism and homophobia. While we cannot say which one caused the other- if owning a cat prompted them to adopt a non-traditional masculine identity or if adopting a non-traditional masculine identity prompted them to own a cat- the correlation suggests that associating with cats may do more to combat toxic masculinity than with other animals (Gleeson, 2016). 

VII. Prison-Based Cat Programs 

While still extremely rare, the number of cat PAPs has increased from the solitary program noted in the 2006 PAP survey (Can you have a cat in prison?, 2020). Perhaps the most famous is Indiana State Prison’s cat adoption program where inmates in the maximum-security prison, including those on death row, can apply to adopt a cat from the local animal shelter- a privilege so popular amongst inmates that there is an extensive waitlist (Can you have a cat in prison?, 2020). The program is funded by the inmates themselves, who are expected to keep a job and pay for all associates expenses, with many choosing to make their own cat furniture and toys as well (Can you have a cat in prison?, 2020). With the exception of death row inmates, who are prohibited from interacting with others, cats are permitted to wander the cell block under their owner’s watchful eye to interact with inmates who do not have cats of their own (Can you have a cat in prison?, 2020). This program is one of the few PAPs that are therapeutically focused, in that the element of community service comes secondary to the long-term benefits inmates receive from permanently adopting a cat (Furst, 2006). Maleah Stringer, the executive director of the Animal Protection League, the shelter partner that provides cats to the prison, says: 

“There’s no more risk of the animals being hurt in prison than there is when we adopt to the normal public. The guys stay out of trouble because they know if they get in trouble, they’re going to lose the program. We’ve had more issues with mistreated animals coming back from adoptions than we ever do from the prison program.” (Can you have a cat in prison?, 2020) 

Seeing the success of this program- including a significant decrease in violent incidences and improved mental health among inmates and staff- another cat PAP was established at the Pendleton Correctional Facility, another maximum-security prison in Indiana (Can you have a cat in prison?, 2020). This program operates using a community service model where inmates prepare cats for public adoption (Furst, 2006). The cats remain in a community room rather than in individual cells, and inmates report to the room every morning for their work hours (Can you have a cat in prison?, 2020). Inmates in this PAP along with other cat PAPs focus on socializing cats, building their confidence, addressing any acute behavioral issues, and teaching them basic tricks (O’Conner, 2020). Socialization is particularly important for feral cats, semi-feral cats, and cats who have undergone traumatic events or circumstances, all of whom make up a large percentage of homeless cats (O’Conner, 2020).  

The process of socializing a cat is very rewarding but requires an excess of patience and the understanding that cats will acclimate on their own time rather than yours (O’Conner, 2020). This is one of the attributes that perhaps most differentiates cats from dogs, and may prove even more effective when it comes to socializing inmates towards prosocial behaviors and away from toxic masculinity. Patience, empathy, and compassion are exercised in any PAP, but seem to be especially pronounced in inmate interactions with cats (O’Conner, 2020). Dog PAPs are centered around obedience training and task-completion, which actually reinforces some aspects of toxic masculinity- such as a need for control and dominance over others (Fournier, 2016). Recognizing and adapting to the needs of others is a critical skill for prosocial interactions and reintegration, both of which are necessary when working with cats (Kupers, 2005).  

Cats being a symbol of femininity and their traditional role as “women’s pets” also presents a unique opportunity to overcome toxic masculinity (Gleeson, 2016). Cat PAPs allow inmates to safely embrace a kinder, more compassionate culture of masculinity through their acceptance rather than degradation of a feminine symbol. The value inmates assign to animals, for their nonjudgmental and affectionate companionship, makes cats an ideal form through which to introduce non-hegemonic masculinity into a hypermasculine environment where displays of femininity are traditionally met with violence (Fournier, 2016). In theory, through this introduction, global improvement would occur to the point where the inmate is not influenced by the ideals of toxic masculinity in either choosing his pet, nor in his actions, choices, and opinions (Fournier, 2016). This theory is supported by the aforementioned survey of Australian “cat men”, who showed a global denunciation of toxic masculinity in their rejection of homophobia, conservativism, and stereotypical male hobbies (Gleeson, 2016). This globalized version of healthy masculinity may also remove some of the barriers that prevent successful mental health care within prisons; although cats can do little to increase the funding available to prison mental health services, their promotion of healthy masculinity may leave inmates more open to therapeutic intervention and, if nothing else, can serve as the most confidential of confidants (Kupers, 2005). 

Finally, cats are well-suited to the structural limitations that prisons impose. Cat- more than dogs- can live in cells where space is limited and outdoor exercise may not be guaranteed (Can you have a cat in prison?, 2020). They also do not require frequent outdoor access, which decreases the need for staff involvement and makes them ideal for high-to-maximum security units where PAPs are otherwise difficult to accommodate (Kupers, 2005). While there has not been a survey comparing PAP expenses, it seems likely that cat PAPs incur fewer expenses given the amount the average cat owner spends yearly versus that which a dog, horse, or cattle owner spends (Pet Care Costs, 2017). In a time where prisons are looking for cost-effective methods to reduce recidivism, violent incidents, and mental illness amongst their populations, and animal shelters are looking for ways to save the 860,000 homeless cats euthanized each year, cat PAPs present a unique solution to both (Pets by the Numbers, 2020).  

Conclusion 

The culture of toxic masculinity degrades both women and cats while legitimizing their abuse as a way of affirming one’s masculinity (Smith, 2009). That same culture amplifies the physical and psychological dangers of confinement by creating intermale competition, encouraging violence and anger, and legitimizing the abuse of weaker inmates in the interest of confirming one’s power within prison walls (Kupers, 2005). In this way toxic masculinity serves to both manufacture and perpetuate violence, crime, and societal harm. Finding novel, inexpensive, and prosocial ways to combat the destructive aspects of hegemonic masculinity both within and outside of correctional facilities is critical, particularly in a time where rehabilitation is set aside in favor of incapacitation and funding is being diverted away from mental health resources to pay for an ever-growing prison population (Kupers, 2005). PAPs are on the forefront of innovative therapeutic methods that benefit both the participating inmates and the community at large (Fournier, 2016). Cat programs, although currently rare, should be considered especially effective for their potential to globally dismantle socialized toxic masculinity and prisonization. 

Works Cited 

Can you have a cat in prison? (2020, November 18). Retrieved May 01, 2021, from https://prisoninsight.com/can-you-have-a-cat-in-prison/ 

Carson, E. A., & Cowhig, M. P. (2020a). Mortality in Local Jails, 2000-2016 – Statistical Tables (pp. 1-29, Rep. No. NCJ 251921). Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics. doi:https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/mlj0016st.pdf?utm_content=mci&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery 

Carson, E. A., & Cowhig, M. P. (2020b). Mortality in State and Federal Prisons, 2001-2016 – Statistical Tables (pp. 1-24, Rep. No. NCJ 251920). Washington, DC: Bureau of Justice Statistics. doi:https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/msfp0116st.pdf 

Dowling, S. (2020, May 20). Why do we think cats are unfriendly? Retrieved May 03, 2021, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20191024-why-do-we-think-cats-are-unfriendly 

Driscoll, C. A., Macdonald, D. W., & O'Brien, S. J. (2009). From wild animals to domestic pets, an evolutionary view of domestication. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 106(Supplement 1), 9971-9978. doi:10.1073/pnas.0901586106 

Fournier, A. K. (2016). Pen pals: An examination of human–animal interaction as an outlet for healthy masculinity in prison. Men and Their Dogs, 175-194. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-30097-9_9 

Furst, G. (2006). Prison-based animal programs. The Prison Journal, 86(4), 407-430. doi:10.1177/0032885506293242 

Gleeson, H. (2016, December 11). Hail the rise of cat men, an antidote to toxic masculinity. Retrieved May 01, 2021, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-11/the-rise-of-cat-men-antidote-to-toxic-masculinity/8082618?nw=0 

Kogan, L., & Volsche, S. (2020). Not the cat’s Meow? The impact of posing with cats on Female perceptions of Male Dateability. Animals, 10(6), 1007. doi:10.3390/ani10061007 

Kupers, T. A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(6), 713-724. doi:10.1002/jclp.20105 

Mark, J. J. (2016, July 24). Bastet. Retrieved May 8, 2021, from https://www.worldhistory.org/Bastet/#:~:text=Bastet%20is%20the%20Egyptian%20goddess,associated%20with%20women%20and%20children. 

Nellis, A. (2021). No End in Sight: America's Enduring Reliance on Life Imprisonment (pp. 1-45, Rep.). Washington, D.C.: The Sentencing Project. doi:https://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/no-end-in-sight-americas-enduring-reliance-on-life-imprisonment/ 

O'Connor, G. (Director). (2020, November 19). The Cats that Rule the World: Prison Cat, Galileo [Video file]. Retrieved May 1, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqGvJlDO5Vo&t=14s 

Pet Care Costs. (2017, May 17). Retrieved May 8, 2021, from https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/pet_care_costs.pdf 

Pets by the numbers. (2020, December 26). Retrieved May 07, 2021, from https://humanepro.org/page/pets-by-the-numbers 

Satlin, A. (2013, February 04). Mental illness soars in prisons, jails while inmates suffer. Retrieved May 9, 2021, from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mental-illness-prisons-jails-inmates_n_2610062 

Smith, S. E. (2009, September 26). Felinity and Femininity [Web log post]. Retrieved May 01, 2021, from http://meloukhia.net/2009/09/felinity_and_femininity/#:~:text=Today%2C%20of%20course%2C%20cats%20are,who%20like%20cats%20are%20emasculated.&text=Cats%20and%20female%20sexuality%20are,they%20are%20objectified%20and%20sexualized. 

Strimple, E. O. (2003). A history of prison inmate-animal interaction programs. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(1), 70-78. doi:10.1177/0002764203255212 

Suicide. (2021, May 2). Retrieved May 9, 2021, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide 

Woodson, M. (2019). The Best We Can Be: How Toxic Masculinity Creates a Second Inescapable Situation for Inmates. Public Interest Law Reporter, 24(2). 

[revlw]

𓏵 CTRL//OBEY

YAN! ITRAPPED X READER

Warning : obbsessive behavior , yandere themes , stalking , worshipping , self aware , ITrapped.

Note : Please do not romanticize real stalking or abusive behavior. This is for fictional and horror purposes only. Art : @/MrMiao_Noir on X

You hear about ITrapped before you ever see him.

Rumors. Whispers. A name spoken in hushed tones by survivors in the campfire light. Most describe him with confusion. “He’s not like the others,” someone mutters. “Doesn’t chase you like a normal killer… doesn’t even look like a monster.”

He doesn’t. Not at first glance.

When you finally see him, it’s under flickering lights in a run-down hallway. A basic noob avatar, low-poly and harmless looking—except for that Ice Crown on his head, glowing faintly, coldly. He stands motionless in the dark, head slightly tilted, as if studying you. Not attacking. Not even moving.

Then he vanishes.

You think it was a glitch.

It wasn’t.

His obsession begins not with violence, but with access.

You start noticing strange things in your rounds. Generators you just touched regress by themselves. Doors that should’ve been opened glitch out and lock. Items flicker in and out of existence. But these things only happen when you’re nearby.

At first, it’s frustrating. Then it’s unsettling.

You complain to others, but no one else sees it.

Except him.

ITrapped always appears briefly—standing in the background of your match, not lunging at you like other killers, not roaring or hunting. Just��� watching. Frozen. Calculating.

Eventually, the sabotage stops targeting you. Instead, it starts protecting you. He disables traps you don’t see. Breaks paths for other survivors—but not you. You’re allowed to move freely, untouched.

You haven’t done anything to earn his favor. That’s what scares you.

You’re not playing the game. He is.

You begin to realize he’s more than just a presence in the matches. He’s altering the game itself.

Somehow, your matches always start with him now. The map selection glitches until it favors the ones he prefers. Load-in screens freeze when you try to quit. Your inventory resets to a “default” version, and the only item that stays is a strange crown-shaped charm he leaves in your loadout.

Players who get too close to you start having issues. One survivor who stayed by your side the whole round disconnects mid-match and can’t rejoin the server. Another finds their controls reversed. One player swears their Roblox account briefly locked when they tried to message you about him.

Still, he never harms you directly.

When you’re injured, he lets you limp away. He never tunnels you. He lets you finish generators—if you’re alone.

You realize, eventually, that he doesn’t want to kill you.

He wants to isolate you.

The first time you speak to him is accidental—proximity voice, maybe, or a glitched chat prompt.

You don’t even know what to say, but you try: “Why are you following me?”

There’s a pause. A long one.

Then a quiet, unreadable line of text appears in chat:

“I used to fix broken things. Then I saw you. I don’t need anything else now.”

You feel a chill—not from fear, but because the message auto-deletes seconds later. Like the system itself didn’t want you to remember.

But you do.

From that point on, he no longer hides. He orbits you in every match. Other survivors grow suspicious. Some stop queuing with you. Others start blaming you when their matches glitch out. You’re alone more often now.

Which is exactly what he wants.

He never refers to you by your username. He calls you “buddy”—the way he once referred to Chance. The way someone might speak to a pet project, or a favorite possession.

You stop seeing him as just another killer. He’s no longer playing the game.

He’s rewriting it.

Your escape routes begin to vanish. The hatch doesn’t spawn when you’re the last one. Exits flicker with ERROR signs when you touch them. Sometimes, your screen goes black mid-match, and when it returns, you’re in a custom map no one else seems to recognize. He’s always there, standing still in the center.

“You’re the only file I didn’t want to delete.”

You can’t tell if he’s speaking in metaphors or literally viewing you as code.

Either way, you’ve stopped feeling like a player.

You’re Already His.

Eventually, he stops appearing to other players entirely.

Only you see him now.

You’re told he’s “disabled” or “removed” from the rotation, but he still shows up in your queue. You report it. Nothing happens.

One night, your screen boots up without you clicking anything.

The message appears in familiar black font:

“Game loaded: You + Me”

And when the round starts, you’re alone.

No teammates. No map.

Just him.

Just you.

Just silence.

And you could feel that he’s smilling.

@revlw 2025

[agere-guide]

Types of Regression - and definitions

🌈 General Terms

Regression: A coping mechanism or state where someone mentally reverts to a younger age, often unintentionally. It's often associated with stress relief, trauma response, or comfort.

Can be voluntary or involuntary.

Dreaming: When someone enjoys childish things and adopts childlike aesthetics into their lifestyle or mindset; although not regressing (or not regressing fully)

majority is voluntary

Flip-Flop (or just Flip): term describing someone who experiences both regressor and caregiver dynamics!

Usually called flip for short, rarely called a flip-flop!

🧸 Agere (Age Regression) Terms

Agere (Age Regression): Short for "age regression." A non-sexual coping mechanism where someone mentally feels or acts younger.

Regressor (Little/Agere): A person who experiences age regression.

Little: A common term for regressors, but sometimes used differently in kink spaces—context matters.

Caregiver (CG): Someone who takes care of or supports someone during regression.

May also be called Daddy, Mommy, or other comfort titles (non-kink here).

A-Space: A term for your save environment while regressing

Headspace: The mental state someone is in while regressing

🐾 Petre (Pet Regression) Terms

Petre (Pet Regression): A form of regression where someone mentally or emotionally regresses to a pet-like state (e.g., puppy, kitten). Usually non-sexual and a coping mechanism.

Pet regressor (Petreg): A person who regresses into an animal role.

Pet: Common identity for someone in pet regression.

Petdre (Pet Dreaming): Similar to dreaming, but pet-themed. Someone embraces animal-like aesthetics and behaviors for comfort, not necessarily as regression.

Owner/Caretaker/Handler: The caregiving role in petre relationships.

🌟 Dreaming Terms

Dreamer: A person in the dreaming community; may or may not be a regressor.

Agedre (Age Dreaming): Adopting childlike behaviors, aesthetics, or interests for fun, comfort, or identity—not as a coping mechanism.

Petdre (Pet Dreaming): Like Agedre, but focused on animal roleplay/aesthetics for fun or identity (not coping).

Dreamspace: The comforting, whimsical mindset or place created by dreamers (often very aesthetic).

⚖️ Flip Terms

Flip: Someone who experiences both regression and caregiving, or who switches roles based on mood or partner dynamic.

Flipdreamer: Someone who flips roles within a dreaming or aesthetic-based identity.

AgeShifter: A term for regressors or permaregressors who find their age changing on a time basis; a five-year-old one day, an eight-year-old the next, etc

⚠️ Notes

These communities are usually non-kink and non-sexual in nature (especially Agere and Petre).

Context matters: Some terms like “little” or “CG” are also used in kink communities (DDLG, MDLB, etc.), but they are separate from non-kink regressive or dreaming spaces.

Always respect labels and boundaries—ask how someone uses a term if you're unsure.

[kkayyerr]

Struggling and cuddling.

Summary: Rafe and JJ trying to tolerate each other for the little!reader‘s sake, until one evening JJ suddenly regress for the first time in front of his „enemy”.

Pairing: Daddy!Rafe x little!reader x little!JJ.

Warnings: Age regression, slight swearing.

Rafe was used to JJ always being cranky, especially after the fights with his father. No matter how much they despised each other, they had to cooperate because you seemed to love them both equally. They got used to each other’s behaviors, not enjoying the company of one another, but at least learning to be more calm while spending time together. However, JJ’s mood today was hard to tolerate. He was going off on you, being extremely rude to Rafe, cursing him off right in front of you, which he usually would never do. Rafe wasn’t scared of fighting JJ; it wouldn’t be the first time that he would deal with the Pogue. However, his feelings about the whole situation were odd. Something was wrong with the boy, but Rafe just couldn’t find out what. 

Rafe approached you while you were sitting on the carpet, coloring pictures with your favorite crayons. He hated the thoughts of you being present in the serious and stressful conversation, so he crouched down in front of you, giving you a head pat to get your attention. 

 

„Baby, can you please go and play in our bedroom for a little while?”

 

You looked at him confused. He usually would tell you that when you had misbehaved. Why would he ask you that when you didn’t do anything wrong? 

 

„Why?”

 

Rafe sighed. He didn’t know how to exactly explain this. He obviously didn’t want your precious little mind to be filled with adult problems, so he knew that he had to just make something up quickly.

 

„Me and JJ want to make a little surprise for you, okay?”

 

Your demeanor quickly changed to a happy one, and you quickly got up from the floor, taking all the crayons and coloring books with you to the room. Rafe gave you a soft smile that quickly disappeared when you had closed the door behind you. 

He turned around and approached JJ, trying to control his temper, even though he was very intimidated right now. 

 

„What the fuck is wrong with you?”

 

The words sounded more curious than angry. Rafe actually wanted to know what was happening. Not because he cared about JJ, of course not. He just wanted to make sure that his personal problems wouldn’t affect you. 

JJ didn’t answer. He didn’t seem angry or pissed like earlier; his face expression was numb. It looks like he was struggling to understand his own emotions, and Rafe knew exactly how it feels, even though he wasn’t planning on admitting it. 

 

„Can you at least try to communicate like an adult?”

 

Rafe’s tone was a bit snarky, but deep down he was starting to get worried, not knowing why exactly he even cared. JJ didn’t answer this time either. Rafe was starting to feel a little bit frustrated when he saw a familiar scene. JJ was standing there, sucking on his thumb just as you used to do whenever you would regress. Rafe’s eyes widened for a moment, but then he relaxed, knowing that at least he knew what he was dealing with right now. 

He carefully put his hand on the boy’s shoulder and sighed with relief when he didn’t push it away. 

JJ felt a strange wave of comfort washing over him as Rafe’s hand touched his shoulder. Surprisingly, his touch was soft and gentle. JJ wouldn’t admit that, but it was exactly what he needed in the moment. 

 

“You can go home if you want. I’ll tell her something.”

 

Rafe didn’t have time for another sentence. JJ quickly turned around and hugged him, probably seeking comfort from at least someone. Rafe’s eyes widened; it was not what he was expecting at all. Though he didn’t push him away. He just awkwardly petted his back, not knowing how to react. 

 

„Alright, dude. I get it, you’re a little bit clingy right now, yeah?”

 

He wasn’t planning on teasing him, but he just couldn’t hold himself back right now. Who could’ve thought that he would have two pogues who trusted him enough to regress in front of him? 

JJ pulled away, looking a bit embarrassed by his behavior that he couldn’t control. He was way too hungry for affection right now to think about their previous fights. 

 

„Can you use your big boy words and tell me what do you need?”

 

JJ shyly pointed his finger at Rafe, trying to explain his needs non-verbally. Rafe understood perfectly what he had meant, but he wanted him to do as he was told at least once. 

He raised his brows, hinting that JJ might want to actually use his vocals, if he wanted to get something.

 

„You."

 

Rafe felt weird pleasure hearing those words. It was almost funny how easy it was to make you two fall for him, even though he wasn’t planning on using it against you, at least not yet. 

He chuckled a little bit, getting closer to JJ just to ruffle his hair. The boy’s face finally brightened up. 

 

„I’ll be sure to remind you of that moment every time you  behave like an arrogant asshole.”

 

JJ pouted, and Rafe pinched his cheeks just to make him smile again. Both of them were interrupted by the sounds of your little footsteps. They immediately turned they had in your direction, both smiling softly at the sight of your confused face expression.

 

„Daddies, what happen’?”

 

Your question was almost funny, and Rafe tried his best to hide his little smirk but eventually failed. He looked at the JJ once more, admiring his blushed cheeks. 

 

„It seems like we actually have a surprise for you, little one.”

Taglist: @tinylilacbun @rafecameronsloverrrrr @aew-regression-cove

[wandamaximoffsbadgirl]

Puppy Brained

Part 2

CEO!Wanda Maximoff x pet regressor!fem!reader

Summary: You've had a long day at work and so your raccoon comes out

Word Count: 1.1K

Warnings: overstimulation, pet regression (non-conventional), non-verbal, nesting and hoarding behaviors, mentions of shutdown, dysregulation, eating out of a bowl on the floor

Authors Notes: Hello! Long awaited part 2 of Puppy Brained is here! This goes more into raccoon/possum behaviors which is non-conventional regression, but I do it so I figured I'd write about it!

Also, to all the littles and pets, seeing this, please treed lightly on this blog! This is my big 18+ blog, but I do have some little!reader fics. This is my first pet regressor! fic. Everything is marked accordingly!

The day had chewed you up.

School was overstimulating—noise, lights, people bumping into you without thinking. Work was worse. Everything's wrong. Everything's too much.

Your brain felt scratchy. Your words were gone. All you had left was instinct.

So you went where it was safe.

To her.

You let yourself in with the key Wanda had given you. She insisted—said it was your home too, whether you spoke in full sentences or raccoon chitters. Her apartment smelled like her favorite pumpkin spice candle and tea and her. It grounded you immediately, even as your skin still buzzed with leftover stress.

She was still working. You could hear her voice on a quiet call behind her closed office door. Calm. Focused. Commanding. She hadn’t noticed you yet.

That was okay.

You didn’t want to talk anyway.

You wanted to nest.

Wanda’s walk-in closet was heaven.

Everything in there smelled like her. Felt like her. You pawed your way past coats and neatly folded sweaters, careful not to make too much noise as your brain shifted fully into raccoon space.

You didn’t mean to do it at first, but the urge crept up like a tide.

First, it was one of her watches—heavy and shiny. Then one of her bracelets. Then her old reading glasses in their sleek leather case. Then a folded silk scarf. A ring box. One of her ties.

You didn’t think about it—you just collected.

Each item went into the corner of the closet you now considered yours. Wanda had once laid a blanket there for you, thinking maybe you’d nap. Now it was a den.

You curled into it, the little pile of Wanda’s things cradled to your chest. You made a quiet sound—half hum, half chitter—as you pressed her scarf to your cheek and let yourself sink.

Wrapped in her scent. Guarded by her things. Safe.

🦴⋆🐾°ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁

You didn’t hear her until the door creaked open.

“Puppy?” she called gently.

You stayed still.

She didn’t push—just walked over with quiet, careful steps. She crouched down by the closet entrance, soft slacks rustling, and peered inside.

“Oh…”

There was no judgment in her voice. Just a warm surprise and maybe a little awe.

You made a small sound—more of a sniff than a word—and she smiled.

“I see someone had a long day.”

You nodded, still clutching her bracelet.

Wanda slid onto the floor, slow and smooth, then stretched out beside your little den. She didn’t try to move you. She just let you be a raccoon.

“You wanted pieces of me, huh?”

You chittered softly, rubbing your cheek against the scarf.

“I’ll always let you have them, sweetheart. My shiny little thief.”

You reached out with one hand, pawlike in its hesitance, and Wanda took it. Her fingers wrapped around yours.

“Stay,” you whispered.

“Always,” she said.

🦴⋆🐾°ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁

Wanda doesn't rush you.

She stays beside your little hoard, rubbing soft circles into the back of your hand until your breath evens out.

Then, gently,

"How about a bath, little one?"

You make a small, resistant noise—half whimper, half grumble—but you don’t pull away.

She smiles. "Just warm water. I’ll add the Bluey bubbles you like. And you can keep my scarf if it helps.”

Your ears twitch—figuratively, but you feel them flatten and perk inside your mind. A bath… could feel nice. You don't like being sticky and dusty after a long day of people.

Wanda offers you the scarf, lets you tuck it under your chin like a security blanket, and holds your hand as she helps you up.

🦴⋆🐾°ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁

The bath is warm. Safe.

Wanda sits on the floor beside the tub, sleeves pushed up, her voice soft and rhythmic as she runs the sponge along your arms and shoulders.

"Such a good girl," she hums. "Look at those ears... I see them trying to come out."

And they are—puppy ears, now, in your head. Your raccoon claws are gone, and in their place, you're imagining soft fur, a wagging tail, a nose twitching at the steam and her shampoo scent.

You let out a whine and paddle closer, resting your chin on the edge of the tub so she can pet your wet hair.

"Mmm," she coos, “there you are. My sweet pup.”

After the bath, she helps dry you off with the fluffiest towel, wrapping you like a burrito before kissing your temple. She lets you pick your favorite oversized shirt from her drawer—a pale blue one that smells like clean sheets and her perfume.

Your tail (in your head) is wagging now. Puppy-mode is fully online. You’re loose-limbed, snuffly, following her around the house with soft little huffs and nudges.

“Are you hungry, puppy?”

You nod, tongue peeking out the corner of your mouth as you drop to all fours and give a tiny yap.

Wanda chuckles, already padding into the kitchen. “Alright then. Floor it is.”

🦴⋆🐾°ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁

She places your meal in the bowl you picked out yourself. Matte sage green. Weighted, no-slip base. She even uses the matching water bowl. Chicken, rice, and soft veggies cut small.

She sets it down on the mat in the kitchen, then smooths your hair back into a gentle ponytail as you settle into position, tail wiggling behind you.

“Good pup,” she murmurs, kissing the top of your head.

You let out a soft, contented growl as you eat.

She watches for a bit, sitting on the floor with her legs crossed, sipping tea. Occasionally she murmurs praises under her breath—“That’s it, sweetheart. Take your time. Look at you, so good for me.”

You feel full in more ways than one.

🦴⋆🐾°ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁

You’re curled up on the couch, head in her lap, her fingers carding gently through your damp hair. You’ve got one of her socks tucked under your chin (she said it was old and “already claimed”), and she’s humming something soft you don’t recognize.

Her voice breaks the quiet:

“You were so brave today. Coming straight here when the world got too much. I’m really proud of you, baby.”

You lick your lips, then let out a soft yip.

“Yeah?” she smiles. “Did that feel good to hear?”

You nod sleepily.

“Then I’ll say it again. I’m proud of you. I’m proud of every part of you. Puppy, raccoon, possum, human—you’re mine, and I love taking care of you.”

Your breath stutters at that.

She catches it.

Her hand soothes down your back. “Too much?”

You manage a whisper: “No. Just… feels warm.”

Wanda leans down and kisses the top of your head. “Good girl.”

And you fall asleep just like that—wrapped in praise, belly full, Wanda’s arms around you, and the soft echo of mine still ringing through your little bones.

[softpawpup]

fox pet regressor behaviors 🦊

yips

hopping

sniffing

whining

squeaking

stealing little things

fox screams

hiding in odd spacces

climbing

rolling around

panting

giggling and smiling

rubbing against you

biting

[pilotingdreammsss]

Hello! I was wondering if you could do a Platonic Yandere Caregiver Dark Cacao Cookie and Regressor Reader?

You don't have to if you don't want to.

I was thinking that Dark Enchantress Cookie could have erased a few memories and twisted a few other memories to get the reader on her side but Dark Cacao Cookie comes in and takes reader back to his kingdom and cares for them while trying to help Reader regain their memories.

Or you could ignore that prompt completely and come up with something else! My last request seemed to be too detailed for you, so I'm hoping this will help.

(Sorry if any of this sounded mean. I just love your writing and I didn't really care if you could do a request justice or not. Your writing is amazing no matter what! Hope you have a nice day/night!)

-❄💗🖋

Hello, hello ❄️💗🖋anon! I'm glad to see you again! Actually, your prompt makes this a lot easier. My hesitance with your last prompt was due to the amount of dynamics I had to consider, not the prompt itself!~

Went a little off your prompt, but it's close enough, I promise!

Platonic! Yandere Dark Cacao Cookie + Regressor Reader, Hcs/short drabble at the end.

Warnings: Yandere behavior, manipulation (Courtesy of Dark Enchantress), mention of SFW age regression. I'm new to writing agere, so please do inform me of any mistakes!

ೃ⁀➷ I'd like to imagine that you were raised as a cookie of darkness but never quite turned out right. Dark Enchantress Cookie, ever the inpatient, began to warp your world view so you'd be more cynical. It never bore any fruit. Despite you still being susceptible, it only managed to torment you. You never remembered a time with whatever was before the Cookies of Darkness, but she'd purposely warp or erase memories, so you'd assume you were unwanted in the outside world. You possibly started regression to cope, thinking you had been tormented by outsiders when it was all meticulously placed by DE.

ೃ⁀➷That is until you saw Dark Choco Cookie depart, saw his strained relationship with his dad, you'd realise that the life of darkness wasn't up to your tastes. You were meant to assist Affogatto Cookie, but wound up, wounded and pleading, for the Dark Cacao Kingdom to take you in. Dark Cacao Cookie is at first skeptical, so you're kept under intent watch so he knows you can behave yourself.

ೃ⁀➷That is when, ultimately, your regression is revealed. Though you'd meticulously hid it, it managed to slip out by accident when Dark Cacao Cookie was lingering nearby. You feared the worst, wondering if he'd think you're strange or creepy. But it reminded him so much of when he had to raise a child of his own, how he'd blundered in the past. Through your regression, he could perhaps heal himself, too.

ೃ⁀➷ He didn't quite become your caregiver on the spot, instead opting to observe and ask what you liked and how you acted, when regressed. Whether that be pacifiers, onesies, pet names, being held, or told bedtime stories. Through your mannerisms sparked a platonic affection, a fatherly urge, to keep you as happy and as safe as possible.

ೃ⁀➷ Which also included getting rid of people who thought your way of coping was weird. Whether they be an advisor or random citizen on the street who thought your onesie was 'only for babies'. They'd be exiled or worse. But never in front of his dear you - you didn't have to know what was going on. To you, he was still your sweet papa.

ೃ⁀➷He'd lift you up in his strong arms, let you hold his sword, and play with his cape or hair without much comment. You could refer to him as you pleased, though he admittedly feels overjoyed when you address him as 'dad' or 'papa', or whatever language equilavent. He twirls you in his arms, often letting you sit and watch him train or conduct mundane affairs whilst you play with toys or eat candy.

ೃ⁀➷ He's usually gentle and patient when when you get fussy - though sometimes he can grow irritated. He'll always apologize, though. He can't let you stay upset! He's just so stressed with the kingdom and keeping you safe and happy. He hopes you understand...

ೃ⁀➷ Likes 'training' you with play swords, he admittedly always lets you win. You're a mighty warrior in his eyes! He takes particular care to not repeat the mistakes of his past, where he'd focused too much on making Dark Choco Cookie a warrior. As you spend time together, you realise that the world outside wasn't as bad as you 'remembered' it to be....

The howling of the blizzard, situated just outside your window, hadn't ceased for at least a few hours. Being stuck in your room for so long had left you bored and underwhelmed, missing Papa. He'd left you with some advisors ,who were reclusive at best, to keep you fed and warm.

When the door creaks open again, you expect another snack plate. Though you emerge from your carefully made pillow fort to check anyway.

But alas! Joy! Dark Cacao Cookie had returned! At an instant, you push yourself forward, stumbling over to greet him warmly. Your body presses against his armor, still damp with the snow from the outside.

"Papa!"

You grab at his arms, tugging him forward towards your fort. His stoic demeanor cracks, and he follows, chuckling lovingly, to your pillow fort.

"What a lovely pillow fort."

He comments as you crawl back into the structure, waiting eagerly so he'd join you. He sits just outside though.

"Ah, but I don't think Papa will fit. How about you come and join him outside?"

You peer your face outside of the fort, eagerly shuffling into Dark Cacao Cookie's lap. He pulls some of his cape forward, so it covers some of you, humming contentedly as you nestle against him and close your eyes. Where you fall asleep in no time.

A/N: Hope this is enough, anon! I tried to keep it as ambiguous as possible!

[kingdom-carer]

Unique agere writing prompts:

A bunch of young or inexperienced characters (the younger/less experienced the funnier) are hanging out together when suddenly one of them regresses. None of the others know what to do - “I don’t know how to take care of a baby!!! Do YOU know how to take care of a baby!?”

A character regresses alone … except for their pet. They pick up on the fact that their person is suddenly acting like a child, and takes care of them the best way a pet knows how. (Bonus points if the pet’s reasoning abilities are enhanced somehow, whether through creative storytelling or in-world magical properties.)

A character regresses and loses all of their speech. No cute babbles or lisping here - just complete silence. CG has to figure out what their baby wants through gestures alone, and that can be challenging depending on how young their kiddo is.

A character teen regresses around their superior or boss, becoming mouthy or being silly in a distracting manner. Boss/coworker quickly discourages that behavior, and teen is highly embarrassed and has to work through a lot of unhappy emotions regarding rebellion or rejection. The boss/coworker could be either caring or mean for this one.

Kiddo’s heart stops when they see someone who looks like Santa Claus on their day out. Without thinking, they approach him. The man is surprised to see them, but meets them with warmth and promises to write their Christmas wish down for the elves. Was it really Santa? Who knows?

Middle shyly admits that they are interested in something they got scolded for when they were young - and CG decided to join them in their quest to live out the dream, whether that’s funky hair, a new fandom, or a tricky hobby. Kiddo ends up rocking it, of course.

Digging up old writing or artwork pitches a middle into their headspace - and it is NOT a good one. CG isn’t sure why middle is being so bratty until they suddenly burst into tears, saying they hate themselves and they wish they could just disappear. CG offers to go through the sketchbook and praises each page lovingly as they do, but the drawings turn darker and darker …

CG has a hard day and wants to love on their kiddo to relax, but kiddo isn’t feeling particularly small and subtly tries to redirect the attempts at affection. CG gets more and more frustrated until they snap, shouting, throwing things, slamming doors and cabinets. So many repressed emotions bubbling up … CG immediately regrets what they’ve done and hides away in shame. Baby does their best to cheer CG up again, even if CG’s outburst scared them.

Kiddo is perfectly big when going about their day, but a sweet lady at the gas station starts calling them all sorts of pet names when she sees they’re upset and offers to pay for their snacks. Kiddo immediately tries to hold it together, but tears are still falling from their eyes.

CG or kiddo revisits their childhood home and reflects on their upbringing. Good? Bad? Ugly? You decide.

Middle revisits a school and realizes how … young they all are. Mentally, they’ve been stuck there for so long … but my, how far they’ve come.

Kiddo has to babysit a younger kiddo when there’s no one else around to care for them. Chaos ensues.

For some reason (possibly due to trauma or magic?), big cannot remember being little, even though the aftermath exists. They begin leaving notes to themselves when big, and get responses back when small. Slowly, they start to heal their hurt brains and bridge the gap between headspaces.

Big actually goes back in time to meet their little self. Who have they become in the eyes of this tiny person?

Kiddo is afraid of making messes and getting in trouble, so CG responds with sensory bins, mud puddles, shaving cream kiddie pools, and other activities where getting messy is the name of the game. There are lots of big feelings, but nothing a little food fight can’t fix.

CG misses their kiddo so much it hurts. They snuggle a pillow and tend to their stuffies, but it isn’t the same. They call their kiddo just to see how they’re doing, and kiddo can tell it’s hard for them to be apart; so they decide to get their CG a pet.

A kiddo with powers has to relearn to use them when small, since channeling energy takes focus … and so does repressing a magical outburst when upset.

A CG starts falling in love with someone … and kiddo notices, taking it upon themself to help them get together by being “sneakily” romantic. Naturally it is not quite as subtle as they intended.

You’ve heard of “caught being little,” now get ready for “caught being a CG.” Why IS this box full of band-aids and stuffed animals and grab-and-go play packs and electrolytes in your closet?

[infanttoes]

🦈 Flip4Flip KiriBaku HCs!💥

title sounds like I’m speaking in code lmao. anyway, I present to u one of my fav pairs w a flip dynamic :3 (wrote this at 3:00 AM sorry if it’s bad lolol)

These are platonic but can be interpreted as romantic? ^___^

💥 ~ Katsuki is a toddler regressor, while Eijirou is a middle regressor. They regress to 4 and 14 respectively, Katsuki a lot more often than Eijirou.

🦈 ~ Eijirou has an oral fixation that gets more prominent when he slips. A lot of the time, he’ll subconsciously chew on water bottle caps or his shirt collar, which Katsuki immediately shuts down with a chew necklace and a scolding for ruining his teeth.

💥 ~ Food is tricky for Katsuki. He’s not necessarily picky but his sensory issues get in the way. This has resulted in Eijirou having to get real creative with his snacks to incorporate healthy foods and even beg Aizawa to let them order takeout on multiple occasions, lest the boy starve.

🦈 ~ Contrarily, food is practically Eijirou’s love language. On the days his regression fog and insecurity won’t let him out of bed, Katsuki will deliver him a fresh, home-cooked meal. Every time, without fail.

💥 ~ It’s not uncommon for Katsuki to go non-verbal when he slips, especially in the presence of authority figures. After unveiling this discovery, Eijirou took it upon himself to make him communication cards. He let Katsuki write some too, which consisted of an ungodly amount of insults and vulgarity.

🦈 ~ Katsuki insists on being the one to re-dye Eijirou’s hair, mostly because it’s the only form of physical affection he can comfortably tolerate and he knows Eijirou melts at it.

💥 ~ When they first decided to be one another’s caretakers, Eijirou bought Katsuki a pair of noise cancelling earmuffs to help with his meltdowns. To his dismay, Katsuki only uses them to pretend he doesn’t hear Eijirou telling him it’s bed time.

🦈 ~ Words of Affirmation vs Acts of Service.

💥 ~ Katsuki has a fascination with insects, especially millipedes. Eijirou deliberately floods him with questions about bugs just to see his face light up at the opportunity to talk about them. His favorite pet name for him is bug.

🦈 ~ Eijirou’s random EBay shark and Katsuki’s IKEA octopus are best friends.

💥 ~ They both keep their gear in Eijirou’s dorm because it’s easier to hide. Eijirou doesn’t have much since his regression doesn’t change his behavior as drastically, mostly just chewelry and a regression journal. Katsuki didn’t allow himself gear out of shame, but Eijirou buys him some in secret and shows him when he’s little.

🦈 ~ Eijirou’s regression is completely involuntary and spaced out. No matter how hard he tries, he just can’t slip if he isn’t negatively triggered. But during bad stress highs, Katsuki treats him as if he’s regressed anyway to calm him down.

💥 ~ Katsuki hates being dependent, so often-times, Eijirou will give him small tasks to do like picking up his toys just to satiate him, even though he doesn’t mind doing it himself.

[missladybugsnugs]

🪲 Intro post 🪲

Hi there my little lovebugs ! My name is Milla but you can call me Mis , Mama , Mum or anything you’re comfy with !

I’m 17 years old and go by she/her pronouns ! And I decided to join the agere community as a caregiver , because of my absolute love for littles , pets and anyone who participates ^^

My DMs are closed but my anonymous asks are always open . If you are a shy little snail , you can always claim an anon emoji !!

My lovely baby is @ozzieisstinky <3

So what is agere or age regression ?? Age regression is when someone feels younger than they really are — like a little kid or baby again. They might act, talk, or think like a child to feel safe, calm, or happy.

What is a caregiver or CG ?? A CG, or caregiver, is someone who takes care of a little when they age regress. Their job is to help the little feel safe, loved, and cared for — like a kind parent, big sibling, or gentle protector.

This blog is a SAFE SPACE !! No hate or negative opinions will be allowed or else I will have to bring out the bug spray >:/

Do not interact if you:

• Are NSFW, kink, or CGL(re)

• Fetishize age regression

• Are anti-agere

• Are LGBTQ+ phobic, racist, sexist, ableist, etc.

• Are a MAP/pedophile or support that behavior

• Think caregivers can’t be nonbinary, queer, or neurodivergent

• Are here to troll, mock, or invalidate safe regression spaces

🐞🐛🪲🐝🦋🪱

[thejohnlockedfemboy]

Whats an agere? Sorry to ask if this is intrusive!

no worries! It means “age regressor.”

Age regression ( shortened to agere or age re ) is an ENTIRELY SFW coping mechanism. It is NOT ageplay or abdl/ddlg/ddlb ( not that I’m kink shaming, but it’s very, very different )

Age regression can be classified as going into a younger headspace as a result of stress, trauma, or simply because you want to. Some people regress to “middle space” which is between 9-12ish. Others regress to younger children, between 4-8, and others have toddlerspace, which is about 2-3, and babyspace is between 0-1.

Age regressors’ ( also called littles, but that word has been repurposed in kink communities so just be wary of that ) behavior can look very different from person to person. Some people might color or play with stuffed animals, baby-talk, babble, take lots of naps, or take a bubble bath or drink milk. Some regressors, like me, enjoy pacifiers and baby bottles because it helps us to “feel little.”

Headspace also varies from person to person, but usually it feels a bit fuzzy, be that positive or negative. It can feel like a release of tension, just letting all of your big thoughts and emotions go to relax and remember what it felt like to be a kid again. Some people who had bad childhoods especially use this to form new memories over bad or nonexistent memories from childhood.

Age regression is a tool recommended by many therapists, and some therapists even specialize in it because of how effective it can be in helping recognize and move on from childhood trauma.

Some regressors have “caregivers,” which can be a trusted friend, family member, or partner who cares for them when they are in littlespace. That can take the form of cuddling, helping to deal with emotions, reminding the regressor to eat/drink water, things like that :)

Regression can also enclose pet regression, which IS NOT PETPLAY. It just means regular regression, but instead, you feel like an animal! This commonly occurs in therians/alterhumans and the like, but you don’t have to be that to pet regress. The most common pet regression types are puppy, kitty, bunny, ect.

there’s a ton of information on the #sfw agere, #sfw petre, and #sfw regression tags if you’re interested! This was just a brief explanation, hope this helped!

[hrizantemy]

Hiii ☺️

I heard you want hot takes? Apologies I was a little more direct in my words

1) It's painful to me deep in my core how a woman could write abusive relationships like Feysand and Nessian without any shitstorm nor with any remorse. We have a groomer who branded a young woman and humiliated her to do his bidding and successfully made her submit to his manipulation. And we have a woman abused into a perfect little doll to give Cassian an heir.

1a) I hate that those two relationships are romantized

1b) That there is this idea that three brothers should have the three sisters is weird in a bad way

2) I get reminded by the love of characters like the IC that people lack media literacy and that the hate they send is a signal of the shift to the (alt-)right

2a) Velaris alone shows me that the IC are villains and I hate that everyone pretends that they are not within the series

2b) I hate that people give excuses for the blatant Imperialist and Colonialist messages that are portrayed.

2c) I hate that they portray this abusive mentality of "pull yourself up by ypur bootsstraps"

3) I wish the people who only read ACOTAR books who liked the smut to just spend one hour on AO3 because I'm disappointed that they have read this shitty smut and think it's well written x.x.

3a) I hate how the "kinky" scenes all were SA in some way because the people who were in the room never could consent and the first time Feyre had been roofied too!

3b) The whole book is just written around the bad smut scenes and it's frustrating and honestly bad...

4) I hate how abuse in ACOTAR is portrayed, especially how it's deemed "therapy".

5) I want to punt every person who says Nesta or Tamlin are narccissts into the face with a book on signs of narcissitic relationships because it's frustrating to me that the term is misused. (But I'm glad they have never suffered from a narcissist)

First of all—yes to all of this. You came in swinging and I adore you for it. We are not here to be soft about structural harm, aestheticized abuse, or weaponized smut disguised as “healing.” You laid out your takes so clearly and fiercely, and I am right there with you—and I’ve got thoughts to add too.

1) Romanticized Abuse and the Dollification of Women

The Feysand and Nessian relationships are… rough. Not just in content, but in how they’re framed. We’re told these dynamics are healthy, desirable, aspirational—and that’s the real horror.

• Rhysand branded Feyre. Branded. Her. In a public court while she was mentally and physically incapacitated.

• He drugged her. Touched her. Painted her. Paraded her. Lied to her. And every inch of that is excused with the magic words: “he was protecting her.”

• And Cassian? He didn’t fall in love with Nesta as she was. He punished her until she became someone more digestible. And that’s supposed to be healing?

Women aren’t projects. Women aren’t redemption arcs for men. The fact that SJM portrays submission—emotional, behavioral, sexual—as a form of recovery is disgusting. And the fact that fandom eats it up? Heartbreaking.

1b is the cherry on top—the three brothers, three sisters thing? It’s so regressive and clunky. Like fate just wrapped up everyone into neat little heteronormative, cis, monogamous pairings with no room for growth, messiness, or personal desire. It’s worldbuilding by way of convenience, and it completely flattens the characters.

2) Media Literacy and the Rise of Alt-Right Aesthetics

God, YES. This series absolutely traffics in soft-fascist, imperialist, and individualist ideologies—and the fact that so many people read it and say “goals” is chilling.

• Velaris is propaganda. It’s a luxury city built on silence, secrecy, and the suffering of Illyrians and the Hewn City. It’s literally gated utopia for the Inner Circle and their pets.

• The IC are painted as liberators, but they’re just bureaucratic tyrants with good hair. Their diplomacy is hostile. Their control over information and people is terrifying.

• The way people say “Nesta should be grateful” or “Tamlin is evil and deserves no sympathy” shows how far fandom has gone from understanding trauma, power dynamics, and actual abuse.

2c is a HUGE one—that bootstraps mentality is everywhere. “If you’re not healing the right way, you deserve to be punished.” Nesta gets exiled and stripped of her autonomy because she’s not recovering pretty. That is NOT therapy. That is punishment. And it reflects a very real-world idea that trauma survivors must perform wellness to be worthy of love.

3) The Smut. Oh gods. The Smut.

Say it louder for the people in the back: ACOTAR smut is not good. It’s repetitive, euphemistic, and mostly serves to either dominate the female character or reinforce power imbalances.

• AO3 has entire libraries of better-written, consensual, character-driven intimacy.

• In ACOTAR, smut is just violence with a bow on top.

• 3a is criminally underrated as a point. The fact that Feyre was drugged and then touched, painted, and controlled is not “kinky.” It’s sexual assault. And people still defend it.

There’s no meaningful consent in these scenes. There’s no space for desire outside of submission. And that’s not erotic—it’s terrifying.

4) Abuse Framed as Therapy

This might be the most insidious part. The idea that “being broken down” is the first step to healing. That you must be exiled, isolated, and humbled before you can earn love. That you should be grateful to your abuser for “fixing” you.

That’s not therapy. That’s abuse in disguise.

And it hurts to see readers—many of them young and vulnerable—take this in and think, “This is what healing looks like.” No. Healing is messy. It’s individual. It requires support, not control. Boundaries, not punishments.

5) Weaponized Psychology

Yes, yes, YES. “Narcissist” is not a synonym for “person I don’t like.” Mislabeling Tamlin or Nesta as narcissists just shows a shallow understanding of what narcissistic abuse actually is—and like you said, it’s a luxury of those who’ve never experienced it.

Nesta is a trauma survivor. Tamlin is an abuser—but a narcissist? Not necessarily. He’s possessive, emotionally volatile, and broken, yes. But labeling him a narcissist flattens his pain and removes any responsibility from the narrative that created him.

Also… how many narcissistic traits do we see in Rhysand, and no one says a word?

TL;DR: You’re Not Harsh. You’re Honest.

You’re not too direct. You’re just calling out the truth that’s been coated in glitter and inked in black leather. You’re seeing the systemic harm in the story structure. And you’re right to be angry. This isn’t about hating popular books—it’s about demanding better from stories that are being consumed by millions and framed as empowering.

You see it. You name it. And your voice is part of the shift toward stories that don’t just aestheticize trauma—but interrogate it.

I’m so glad you said all this.

[dragon-queen21]

Magic/fantasy prompts

tw: anxiety, implied abuse,

~De-aging spell that only affects the body and not the mind. Character affected doesn’t know this, but finds it so easy to regress while physically smaller that they are nearly perma regressed 24/7 until the spell is lifted. (Bonus points for their friends to know the spell doesn’t make a person at like a kid. They either go along with it or call them out on their behavior)

~Magic spell that reverts a character to the age they last felt truly cared for/safe/loved. Their team members are shocked to find how young they end up at (the alternative fluffy version of this would be that nothing happens because they feel so loved in the moment, but where’s the fun in that :3 )

~Truth serum ✨agere edition ✨

~Curse that when a character feels overwhelmed/stressed/anxious etc, their physical appearance changes to that of a child

~Age sliding but literally. One moment they’re the size of a ten year old, next they're three and wiggling out of their caregiver’s arms.

~Regressor who’s caregivers are mythical creatures/ shapeshifters/ hybrids.

~Pet regressing but to mythical creatures instead of regular animals

~Regressor who’s powers go haywire whenever they are small x caregiver who has to go the extra mile in baby proofing the house

~Caregiver who uses their powers to take care of their little one better. (using magic to float them into the air, carry them easier, make them physically smaller, animate stories with powers, keep them entertained, etc.)

~Regressor hero feeling safest around villain caretaker

~Immortal regressor who can’t answer the question “how old do you feel hun?” And gets really upset by the reminder that they truly never were a kid/ by how old their age is

~Immortal regressor who doesn’t want a caregiver because they always leave and they will be left alone due to time (bonus for finding a caregiver who’s also immortal)

masterlist

[agere-after-12am]

Caregiver!Brahms Heelshire headcanons !!

ⓘ CW: pet names, blood, injury etc. This is your only warning

DNI IF KINK. THIS POST ISN'T FOR YOU.

• brahms doesn't understand age regression, simple as that. He didn't understand what you were doing when you began regressing when you thought you were alone in the house. He examined from afar, but still didn't seem to understand what was going on.

• he figured that maybe you felt ill. Since your behavior was seen as odd to him, he thought you were under the weather. When you went to sleep that nighy, he came out from his hiding spot behind the wall, and began making you soup. Although by morning it became cold and practically unsafe to eat. It was thrown away, which made Brahms a bit sad. (Although he understands why. He wasn't a great chef, so it probably was inedible anyway)

• during the time he didn't show himself to you, he continued his investigation. He examined you from the holes in the walls and came out at night to look around further. After several, several months of him finally beginning to piece everything together, he saw you in a new light.

• though he still didn't understand fully, he took mental notes of things you did when little, your habits, behaviors etc. what you liked to eat, to drink, the small hobbies you did, it was all mentally noted in his mind.

• when you guys finally met face to face (how is up to you), Brahms got to notice more things about you he didn't notice before. Mostly because he didn't understand age regression or even knew it was a thing. But the more time he spent with you, the more he started to adapt to a more CG role (even if he didn't realize it)

• he doesn't go by CG as a title. After all age regression was something very new to him, so he started to act more caregiver like to you when you began to regress.

• affectionately, if you have hair he can touch, Brahms loves to play with it. He combs his hands through your hair, sometimes trying to style it in a cute way (even if it ends up looking a little messier than he would like).

• bounces you on his hip when you get fussy. He isn't the best at handling fussy littles, but he coaxes them by gentle bouncing with his hip or leg if you're sitting in his lap.

• gently rocks his little in his arms. When they're sitting down together, he often wraps them in his arms before gently rocking them with him. While at the same time humming gently.

• boops your nose. He loves being physically affectionate if you let him to be. He boops your nose, pokes your cheek, cupping your cheeks and more.

• doesn't handle severe injuries very well, but he does his absolute best when it comes to his little. He makes sure to clean the injury properly, and if it's bleeding he will be sure to use bandaids. The colorful ones and they're sorta scented as well. Trying to make the situation as painless as possible.

• calls his little things like "squirt/kid/prince(ess)" or whatever his little would like to be called