Brushies

Erin was the first one to ever stroke my ears. Then he took out a pet brush. I went right to sleep in his lap. I've never felt more at peace.
— Queen Sable Aradia, a Wererabbit

Brushies are a very important ritual to Werebeasts and Animalfolk who have mammal Totems and can take a furry animal form. Allowing someone to brush them is a profound sign of trust, since being brushed often puts them in vulnerable positions that might unsettle their wild instincts. As a result, this practice is only engaged in among close friends or family. Sometimes it can also be a means of flirting, since it requires intimate touch. The process of being brushed is not only good for hygiene, it appeals to the "social grooming" instincts that most mammalian Werebeasts and Animalfolk possess. It serves as a method of bonding. It is also good for the mental health of Werebeasts or Animalfolk, as it solidifies their sense of connection to an intimate social group. Finally, it allows for close inspection of an Animalfolk's or Werebeast's skin and fur for signs of illness or parasites.

Execution

A person in a humanoid form, with opposable thumbs, uses a brush to groom the fur of a Werebeast or Animalfolk who is in a form that has fur. The "groomer" can be another Werebeast or Animalfolk, or could be Human. The one who is receiving the grooming sits or lies in an accessible position, turning to receive the brush in the locations they wish to be brushed. This might last for a few minutes, or several hours, depending on the endurance of the person doing the brushing. It is considered very rude to interrupt brushies, unless there is an emergency, since Werebeasts and Animalfolk so rarely get to relax in a way that soothes their wild instincts. However, it is worth noting that some get overstimulated, and they may request that brushies stop suddenly. Failure to respect this might end up with the "brusher" getting nipped or lightly clawed.

Sometimes I think ADHD is wired into the animal part of my brain. Squirrel! thoughts are no joke. So when I get the Zoomies, I have to Zoom right there and then, even if it's in the middle of some very nice Brushies.
— HappyHappySad, a Werecoyote

Components and tools

Nominally, a brush is required, often of an appropriate pet brush variety, especially if the Werebeast being brushed is in a small animal form. Naturally, a variation of this can be accomplished by social grooming with tongues in animal forms, but many Werebeasts find this unappealing, especially if they shift forms frequently.

Fur in your mouth isn't so bad in animal form. In human form, though awkward chuckle...
— Princess Rowean, a Wererabbit

Participants

At least two people are required: one to do the brushing, the other to receive it.

Bonus round, you can do this with your permanently "four-footed people" as well!
— Queen Sable, brushing Beansidhe on her lap

Observance

Brushies tend to take place when Werebeasts or Animalfolk are together and feel safe. This is often during social family gatherings or while relaxed at home. Sometimes, however, brushies can also be offered when a Werebeast or Animalfolk is injured or otherwise needing comfort, as a method of providing reassurance and the healing value of touch.