Cows are amongst the gentlest of breathing creatures; none show more passionate tenderness to their young when deprived of them; and, in short, I am not ashamed to profess a deep love for these quiet creatures.  ~Thomas de Quincey

Most people think of them as Gods others as food but let me assure you cows are not to be treated as either. They should be treated as pets. They make wonderful pets and against popular belief they are not dumb or stupid animals. Cows are essentially farm animals and most people raise and breed them for milk, as beef or simply as a land mower, but believe it or not cows can make as good a pet as dogs or even horses because they are in many ways a combination of  the two. Now just because cows can be kept as pets doesn’t  mean that people should start raising them in apartments or in their backyards. Cowsheds are needed to house cows and people living in the countryside having huge farms or estates should only consider keeping them. They are not small animals and require a lot of space to live comfortably.

HOUSING YOUR COW

Your beloved cow can be kept in a barn or a cow shed but make sure it is securely fenced. Cows have a habit of wondering and then getting lost so make sure your barn does not have any weak spots because cows are powerful when they want to be. Also make sure that the floor of the barn is kept dry at all times because wet floors or mud can cause several foot problems.

NUTRITION

Cows drink a lot if water so make sure their barn has a trough filled with cool water. The water should be cleaned regularly. In warmer climates cows should have a small water body where they can wade when they feel extremely hot. Cows mainly need hay and pasture diet. Ensure that the hay is of extremely high quality, free from dust and it should always be stored in a dry container. Always check the hay for any signs of mould and mustiness. If there is any present, don’t give it to your cow at all. Cows also require grains in their diet. Make sure the grains are not musty or sour before you feed them to your cow. Also provide your cows with a mineral or salt lick.

HEALTH

Cows attract insects especially flies that can sometimes a make your cow sick so make sure to use insecticides to keep them under control. These insecticides are available at the pet stores. Also make sure that insecticides you buy are not harming your cow. To be on the safe side always ask your vet before using an insecticide. The hooves of your cow have to be trimmed once every few months but if your cow is placid and well behaved then you can learn to do it yourself too. The most important thing is to keep a vet’s number who is experienced in handling the problems of cows. Remember that your cow like other pets can be sick at anytime. Also take your cow for vaccinations and a check up when it is needed or required.

REASONS TO KEEP A COW AS A PET

Cows are smart

Most people think of cows as stupid and dumb beasts and this fact is believed by most people now but believe me when I tell you this, cows are not stupid. They learn and understand quickly especially if there is a pattern. They are highly intelligent creatures and will learn any trick if shown a handful of times.

Cows smell good

Cows do not smell at all. The only reason we think that they do is because their housing areas are not cleaned properly. It is the smell of their dung and not their smell. Cows have a distinct smell of their own and it is nowhere near bad.

Cows are obedient

Cows can be taught to learn tricks like dogs or cats. They learn quite quickly and listen to their owners. Most cows if properly trained also respond when called by their names. Cows understand their owners well and listen to them when they tell them to do something.

Cows let you cuddle with them

Most people think that cuddling with a cat or a dog can help eliminate feelings of sadness, anxiety and stress but cuddling with your cow can also you feel better. Just think of it this way; as your cat or dog sit on your lap and cuddle with you the same way you can cuddle with your cow. Isn’t it just wonderful?

Your new guard dogs

Cows might seem like docile and calm animals but this fact cannot undermine the fact that they are huge animals. Wouldn’t a 1500 pound steer or cow intimidate a stranger? Though cows are uncommon as pets they are huge and they are strong and to top all that they are as cuddly as dogs are. So I see no reason why cows can’t be called perfect pets to people who live in the countryside or have huge estates.

Though I call them perfect pets I don’t advise people to start keeping them in apartments or in their backyards. In fact cows should not be kept in the cities at all. These beautiful animals belong in the countryside where they can graze all they want and where they can roam freely without the fear of being hit by vehicles. They are huge and cuddly teddy bears and I am sure anyone who has ever kept one as a pet will agree with me.

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