#kin

things to lessen species dysphoria 

except it's actual advice and not just "buy gear"

1: tend to paw pads, when washing, pay extra mind to clean the pads. remember to also keep your pads moisturized, w lotion etc. pet owners moisturize their pets paws, you should do the same with yours!

2: find other words to describe "human" things. friend group = pack. brushing hair/fur = grooming. partner = mate. bed = nest. house/room = den. etc etc

3: obligatory gear mention BUT it can help. for me, it's mainly when taking photos in it, then looking back at them later. however, if you have talons, eating/stabbing food with claws could be fun. just clean them before and after!

4: you can always buy pet toys, pet beds, collars, and possibly human grade pet food at walmart. absolutely no one would think anything at all. also, you can probably find big pet cages online. and if a pet bed isnt your style, you can always get a giant bean bag!

5: you can make any food animal-fied with molds and cookie cutters! plenty of cute dog bone shapes etc! find something to match your species! you could also use the molds for cutely shaped ice!

6: treat yourself like an actual animal. look for species friendly foods, species friendly soap to wash with, etc etc. just also make sure your vessel can handle it as well! "human grade" is necessary, even if you yourself aren't.

7: refer to your body with less "human" terms. hair = fur. teeth = fangs. nails = claws. hands = paws/claws/talons. etc etc

8: dress in colors or styles that remind you more of your true self. (aliens may want greens and purples or otherworldly looking options, deer may want something more soft and natural like cottage core, a dragon may want to flaunt jewelry, etc etc)

9: species doesn't wear clothes? your home is a lawless land LMAO strip em off if you gotta. maybe close window blinds and have clothes in reach in case of visitors however!!

10: listen to music that makes you feel less human! (the song "harpy hare" is probably a big one for more forest-dwelling creatures. but it can be anything! sparkle dogs may want loud breakcore or vocaloid, a doll may want something classical and pretty, or a canine may want some anxiety relief music for dogs!)

11: sew or commission a nonhuman sheath or vulva to wear. stop giving a fuck, be free 🙌

12: tend to plushies or fake eggs like they're your cubs/hatchlings!

13: turn your bed into a comfy nest!

14: pretend to be somewhere else if wanted! your bath could be a fancy hot tub fit for a dragon, your bed could be a cozy burrow with the blankets serving as your roof, etc etc.

15: practice nonhuman noises! you can probably find tutorials on youtube, or work with whatever comes naturally for you! not all animals sound the same, ever heard an old chihuahua bark? LMAO don't worry about how you sound!

16: if birdlike, wyvernlike, monkeylike etc, pick up things with your feet!

17: lap at water from the faucet, or the soup in your bowl!

18: match the eating techniques of your species, without choking obviously LOL lots of animals swallow whole. if birdlike, maybe chew it up before tossing your head back to swallow-

19: play with your pets like you're one of them!! dogs will love this lol