Tail Plug
WHY PEOPLE USE IT
Pet play is the primary context. Wearing a tail is part of adopting an animal role, whether cat, dog, fox, pony, or another animal. The tail is a visible marker of that role and is often part of a broader outfit that includes ears, collar, and other accessories.
Some people wear tail plugs for performance, burlesque, or costume contexts where the tail is a theatrical element.
Others wear them purely because they enjoy the aesthetic or the sensation of the tail moving with their body.
HISTORY
See: Butt Plug
Tail plugs developed within the pet play and animal roleplay communities, which grew as a distinct subculture within BDSM from the 1990s onward. As pet play became more visible and mainstream in kink spaces through the 2000s and 2010s, commercial tail plug production expanded from a few specialist makers to a wide range of manufacturers and styles.
TYPES OF TAIL PLUG
Cat Tail Plug
A tail plug styled as a cat tail, worn as part of kitten play or cat costume.
Fox Tail Plug
A tail plug styled as a fox tail, worn as part of fox play or costume.
Bunny Tail Plug
A short, fluffy tail plug styled as a bunny tail.
Dog Tail Plug
A tail plug styled as a dog tail, worn as part of pup play or dog play.
Wolf Tail Plug
A tail plug styled as a wolf tail, typically full and dark-coloured.
Pony Tail Plug
A tail plug styled as a horse or pony tail, worn as part of pony play.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The plug body should be body-safe: stainless steel or silicone are the most common and most reliable. Avoid plugs where the material is unlisted.
Consider how the tail is attached. A tail that screws into the base of a steel plug is more secure and easier to clean than one that is permanently fixed. Removable tails also allow you to replace a worn tail without replacing the whole plug.
Tail length and fullness varies significantly. A longer, fuller tail has more visual impact but adds more weight and swing, which some people find distracting.
If you are buying real fur, check the sourcing. Many buyers prefer synthetic for ethical reasons and because it is easier to clean.
TRUSTED BRANDS
Oxballs, Shots Media, and various small fetish and pet play boutiques produce tail plugs. The pet play community often recommends handmade tails from independent makers for quality and variety.
WHERE TO BUY IT
Specialist fetish and pet play retailers, adult boutiques, and independent makers. The plug body and the tail are sometimes sold separately, which allows mixing and matching.
Craft marketplaces like Etsy have a wide selection of handmade tails in unusual colours and styles. For premium handmade products, Kittencream backs their products with a lifetime guarantee and are well regarded in the community.
- Synthetic fur: $25–$80. Wide range of colours, most common style.
- Real fur: $80–$200+. Natural movement and texture, ethically sourced options available.
Rough prices as of June 2026.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER IT
Cleaning the plug
Clean the plug body according to its material. Steel plugs can be boiled or dishwasher-cleaned. Remove the tail before cleaning if possible, as most tail materials cannot be submerged.
Cleaning the tail
Synthetic fibre tails can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Real fur tails should be brushed out and aired after use. Keep the tail dry.
Storage
Store the tail hanging or loosely coiled to avoid the fibres matting or creasing.
- Moran, C. (2014). Pup Play: The History of a Subculture. Leather Archives & Museum.
- General pet play community resources and retailer documentation.