It Turns Out That Cows Can Be Playful Pets & It's So Adorable
The cattle industry is massive. In 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture reported that there were over 87 million cows in the U.S. alone. This staggering amount is higher than the combined population of the two largest states, California and Texas. With these high numbers indicative of our need for cattle for food and other animal products, it is often overlooked how sweet and playful a cow companion can be. These traits have led to many touting cows as great pets.
The first farm animal sanctuary in the United States, Farm Factory, refers to cows as "Big Grass Puppies" due to their many similarities to dogs. Indeed, cows can get a serious case of the zoomies like some dogs, enjoy a thorough scratch in the perfect spot, and love playing with toys. Moreover, cows can feel the same deep feelings as dogs, as they form bonds with people and other animals, pick favorites, and experience a wide range of emotions.
An owner willing to work with a bovine will also find that it has hidden talents. Cows can be trained to perform tricks to take treats through clicker training. A sturdy cow can also be trained to be patient enough to allow an owner to saddle up and go for a ride. Cows are remarkable animals that can make exceptional pets, given the proper environment and care. Not only can a cow form amazing bonds with others, but its intelligence, affection, and playfulness make it just as beloved by owners.
People and other pets can make meaningful bonds with cows
While you can say that cows can make for great pets, stories of people bonding with a beloved bovine can drive home how remarkable that connection can be. In a Reddit thread, one user shared their experience growing up with pet cows when asked for advice on having one as a pet, stating, "If you're consistently nice to a cow, give it treats and attention, and even play with it, they'll recognize you and bond with you," before adding, "It's kind of cute having a cow run over to you excitedly to greet you."
@elias_filmz Morning routine with Bruce! #cow #brucethecow #farm #animals
On the more humorous side of cow friendship, Elias Herrera has become a viral content creator by sharing clips of his pet cow, Bruce, joining him in daily tasks and often making a mess of everything. A cow's affectionate nature also makes interspecies friendships possible, as highlighted in The Dodo's TikTok, which shows the adorableness of an Australian sheepdog and his love for his cow companion. All these stories and kind words for the cuddly cow can undoubtedly make it seem like an ideal pet, but there are many potential challenges and reasons why it is uncommon.
Cows are adorable and playful, but they are not easy pets
While cows have the playfulness and intelligence of a dog, this does not mean they will be the right fit for every home. Space is key, as a single cow will need at least one acre of land, and 1.5 acres for a cow with a calf. Yet, even if you have the space, a proper pasture needs to be provided, and if the land is of poor quality, an acre won't be enough. During colder months, when cows eat the most to keep their body heat up, they can consume 2% to 4% of their weight in feed daily. That number may sound low, but when a female cow can weigh between 1,500 and 1,700 pounds an owner would need to provide up to 30 to 68 pounds of feed per day. That is a lot of food when considering a pet cow is a potential 25-year commitment.
Cows are also considered livestock under the law, not pets. Purchasing a pet cow will likely have to be done at auction or private sale, which may not allow a potential owner to test compatibility. Compatibility is essential; not all cows want that human bond, and an overly affectionate cow can be challenging to manage. The various online accounts of people getting crushed or injured by a clingy bovine should act as a warning for an inexperienced owner.
With how affectionate, playful, and adorable a cow can be, wanting one as a pet may seem like an exciting prospect, but with it comes many challenges. Instead, consider visiting a petting zoo or farm, where you can say hello, hug one, and get charmed by its silly personality but not have to deal with the responsibility of ownership.