Cow cuddling is exactly what it sounds like: you sit, lean against, or lie down next to a cow and spend quiet time in physical contact with the animal. Known as “koe knuffelen” in Dutch, the practice originated in the rural provinces of the Netherlands over a decade ago and has since spread to farms across Europe and the United States as a paid wellness experience. Sessions typically last 30 minutes to an hour and cost around €25 (roughly $27) per person, though prices vary by location.
What a Session Looks Like
A cow cuddling session follows a loose structure. You arrive at the farm and go through an orientation where staff explain the rules, introduce the cows, and walk you through how to interact with the animals safely. Then you’re brought to the cows in a calm, open setting, usually a pasture or a large pen with soft ground.
The cuddling itself is unhurried. You might start by petting or brushing the cow, which helps both of you settle in. From there, you’re encouraged to sit beside the cow, lean against her side, or even lie down and rest your head on her body. Cows breathe slowly and have a resting heart rate lower than a human’s, so the rhythmic rise and fall of their chest and the steady thud of their heartbeat create a naturally calming effect. Many sessions also weave in simple mindfulness or breathing exercises to help you stay present. Afterward, some farms offer a short reflection period, sometimes with tea or coffee.
Sessions are usually booked as private experiences for your own group, which can range from just two people to much larger parties depending on the farm.
Why It Feels So Relaxing
Several things happen when you’re in sustained physical contact with a large, warm animal. Cows have a normal body temperature between 100.4°F and 102.8°F for dairy breeds, noticeably warmer than the human average of 98.6°F. That warmth radiating through their body feels like leaning against a living, breathing heated blanket.
Physical touch with animals triggers the release of oxytocin, sometimes called the “cuddle hormone,” which promotes feelings of connection and calm while reducing levels of cortisol, a key stress hormone. Because cows have a slower heart rate than humans, being close to one can help your own heart rate settle into a more relaxed rhythm. Spending even a short time with animals has been shown to lower blood pressure and elevate feelings of happiness. The combination of warmth, slow breathing, gentle heartbeat, and physical closeness makes the experience feel profoundly soothing in a way that catches many first-timers off guard.
Mental Health and Therapeutic Use
Cow cuddling is increasingly being explored as a form of animal-assisted therapy. Dr. Katherine Compitus, a clinical assistant professor at NYU’s Silver School of Social Work and author of The Human-Animal Bond in Clinical Social Work Practice, has incorporated animals including cows into her clinical work with people experiencing anxiety, emotional trauma, and other mental health challenges. Her research suggests cow cuddling shows genuine promise as a therapeutic tool.
The practice appeals to people dealing with stress, grief, burnout, and loneliness. The cows themselves don’t judge, don’t talk, and don’t expect anything from you. For people who find traditional talk therapy difficult, or who simply want a complementary way to decompress, spending time in quiet physical contact with an animal offers something distinctly different from other relaxation methods.
Which Cows Are Used
Not every cow is suited for cuddling. Farms select animals that are naturally docile, friendly, and comfortable around unfamiliar people. Breeds commonly chosen include Jerseys, Dexters, Miniature Herefords, American Milking Devons, and Pineywoods cattle, all known for their gentle temperaments and willingness to engage with humans. Many cuddling cows have been raised with regular human contact from a young age, which makes them relaxed rather than reactive in close quarters.
The cows also need to be able to opt out. A well-run session lets the animal walk away if she’s not interested, and staff monitor the cows for signs of stress or discomfort throughout the experience.
Safety and What to Know Before You Go
Cow cuddling is low-risk, but you are interacting with a large animal on a working farm, so a few precautions apply. Most farms require closed-toe shoes and may provide shoe coverings to minimize the risk of disease transmission between visitors and animals. You’ll want to wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and plan to wash them afterward.
Many farms set a minimum age for participants. If children are allowed, they typically need to be accompanied by an adult who is also participating. Farms generally require visitors to sign a liability waiver before the session, which may include a notice about zoonotic diseases (infections that can pass between animals and humans). People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and older adults face a slightly elevated risk from animal contact and should factor that in.
Reputable farms carry insurance that specifically covers animal-human interaction activities, so it’s worth choosing an established operation rather than an informal setup. Look for farms that clearly explain their safety protocols, limit group sizes to what the animals can comfortably handle, and prioritize the cows’ wellbeing alongside the visitor experience.