Cow Cuddling Therapy: What Is It And How Does It Work?

There is a new kind of therapeutic treatment in town, and it’s one that involves domesticated farm animals: cow cuddling.

According to the BBC, the newest wellness trend, called koe knuffelen in Dutch and which is currently taking off in the Netherlands, included people touring farms and spending up to three hours then hugging and hanging out with the cows.

The news organization reports that the practice, which had gotten its start in the rural Dutch provinces, is one that provides therapeutic elements, and it is believed that the cow’ warmer body temperature, slower heartbeat and large size provides a soothing experience. Other therapeutic elements of the experience can include giving the animal a backrub, reclining against them and getting licked by them. Overall, it is believed to promote positive feelings and reduce stress, in the same way that curling up with a pet or emotional support animal helps at home.

Yahoo Sports reports that while the practice is taking off in the Netherlands, it is also something that is occurring in the United States as well.

The Mountain Horse Farm in Naples, NY provides a cow and horse experience that allows for cuddling, connecting, interacting and playing with the cows and horses for $75/hour. A therapy experience through Airbnb is also offered at a sanctuary in Papaikou, HI. The practice is also offered at Welcome Home Ranch in Arizona, along with another therapeutic experience, Goat Yoga.

Farms and therapy centers in Fayetteville Arkansas, Athens Georgia and Gainesville Georgia also offer the practice, while a virtual experience is also offered at barns in Santa Clarita, California and Christiana, Tennessee.