Photos by Noreen Kompanik unless otherwise noted.
Snuggling with cows may sound unusual, but bovine therapy is a growing trend — and its emotional benefits are real. One writer shares her first experience with cow cuddling.
Holy cow! Who would have guessed that cow cuddling is a “thing”?
The history of domesticated animals providing emotional support is not new. We’ve all experienced the benefits of snuggling with our furry friends at home, including stress reduction, improved mood, and better immune function. But the idea of hugging a cow may be new to many. I know it was for me until I had my first experience.
What is cow cuddling?
Cow cuddling, or bovine therapy, originated in Europe and later spread to the U.S., where it gained popularity in the late 2010s. An article in Psychology Today notes that the practice is believed to have roots in the rural culture of the Netherlands, where farmers have long recognized the calming nature of cows.
This form of therapy involves touching and hugging cows in a rural setting, which offers a range of emotional and psychological benefits. It’s also been shown that interactions with cuddly creatures are therapeutic for adults with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other mental health stressors, and can lower blood pressure.
What to expect at a cow cuddling session
A group of friends and I had the opportunity to visit the Śrī Surabhi Go Kśetra Cow Sanctuary farm in the rolling hills of Pleasanton, California, part of the northern California Tri-Valley region. The nonprofit organization, located on a farm that operates on a self-sustaining model, began as a way to protect the precious Gyr cattle from slaughter. Entirely supported by donors and dedicated volunteers, the sanctuary is owned by Sri Krishna Purusottama and his family, who care for 25-plus gorgeous cattle on their land.
The animals are well-loved and well-cared for, and in turn are known to return that love to humans. As a result, cow cuddling has become a way for locals and visitors to the community to understand the history of these sweet creatures and to benefit from the mutual blessings between humans and animals.
At Śrī Surabhi Go Kśetra Cow Sanctuary, Purusottama and family greet guests and take them on an outdoor tour to see the numerous cattle on the farm, then inside a lovely barn with Gyr cattle in separate pens.
Visitors may then enter the enclosure with Purusottama, who explains the process of cow cuddling in a quiet, gentle manner and invites guests to touch the cow. When comfortable, they may sit, stand, or lie down to cuddle the cows, who are very accustomed to human interaction. He explains the benefits and the importance of listening to the cows’ breathing sounds and allowing the connection to form between humans and cows.
The cattle benefit from the cuddling as much as humans do, responding with their own hugs, nurturing, and nuzzling each guest.
Why does cow cuddling work?
Hugging or petting cows releases oxytocin, a hormone that naturally promotes feelings of happiness, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of contentment and well-being. This interaction encourages mindfulness, helping individuals anchor themselves in the present moment and reduce distractions and worries. The slow, deliberate movements and peaceful demeanor of cows create a tranquil environment that supports emotional healing and reconnection with oneself and nature.
Purusottama explained that studies have shown that cow cuddling also benefits autistic children. Given their low oxytocin levels, which contribute to social anxiety and stress, spending quiet time with a gentle animal has a calming effect on the child. He said, “Seeing these children benefit from cuddling our cows makes our hearts fill with pride and love. In some small way, we feel we’re giving back to the family.”
Is bovine therapy right for you?
Following our session, our group of eight adult friends shared personal insights from the experience. While some felt a profound benefit during the session, others reported a milder sense of calm, peace, and contentment. No one walked away without a big smile on their face.
The experience made one thing clear: the opportunity to cuddle cows is more than a simple interaction with animals; it is a chance to embrace nature’s healing power and find solace in their gentle presence. Those Dutch farmers certainly knew what they were doing.
As the popularity of cow cuddling continues to grow, more states — including Oregon, New York, Wisconsin, and others — are offering some form of this interactive experience. For those seeking a meaningful and therapeutic connection with the natural world, bovine therapy delivers.
Albert Einstein once said, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”
In a world that seems so divided today, the bond between humans and animals speaks of unity without words — and of a whole lot of love and peace we desperately need.
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