Bucket List: Cuddle a cow in New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania

Petting an animal has been shown to have a calming effect, but what if you don’t have a cat, dog or other furry friend at home? A cuddling session with a cow might be in order.

That’s right. Cow cuddling is a thing, and it’s gaining popularity thanks to social media outlets like TikTok. Now you can snuggle up to a burly, lovable cow for up to one hour — for a fee, of course.

There are several farms that offer cuddling sessions just a short drive — about two to four hours — away in upstate New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. During a typical session, you can sit or lie down with the cow, brush it, pet it or hug it.

And with more than 25,000 taste buds, they like to lick things. So if they greet you with their tongues, they’ve probably taken a liking to you.

“Spending time with cows — and other animals — helps reduce anxiety and depression, and combats feelings of loneliness,” said Alexis Lalor, a program coordinator at The Root Farm in upstate Sauquoit. “It helps provide a comfortable space to live in the moment, be grounded and alleviate everyday stresses. Not to mention, it’s an overall mood boost, and who doesn’t need one of those?”

For Jessica May Hoffman of Sunset View Creamery in upstate Odessa, cow cuddling is an opportunity to teach people about the animals, as well as agriculture in general. During a cuddling session she said she answers guests’ questions and shares her passion for farming. “I love the meaningful conversations,” she said. “I talk about a typical day at the farm, about dairy, about the animals.”

Lisa Demuth, 40, of upstate Elmira, said she was a bit apprehensive before her first cow cuddling session. But she took to it instantly, saying the cows are warm and comfortable and nuzzle you as you sit with them. She often takes her daughters, age 21 and 8, so they can experience the connection with the animals as well as their environment. “It brings you back to reality,” she said. “It’s what life is all about.”