Do cows have best friends?

Cows form strong bonds from the very start

Mother cows and their calves develop powerful emotional bonds within hours after birth. In natural conditions, the weaning process can take months, giving these bonds time to grow strong and resilient. But when separated too abruptly or early – as often happens in factory farming – both mother and calf show clear signs of distress. A mother cow will cry out for hours, searching for her calf.

These early bonds lay the foundation for the deep social lives cows continue to build as they grow.

Photo: Jord Otto / Shutterstock

Friends in the herd

Cows don’t just stick with their mothers – they make friends within the herd too.  

Research shows that cows groom each other not just to stay clean, but to strengthen their social bonds. This mutual grooming, known as allogrooming, often reflects friendships between cows. Cows tend to have specific partners they prefer to groom and graze beside.  

This social grooming can also help reduce tension caused by feeding competition between individuals. 

Even bulls, who appear to be strong and mighty, rely on their peers for support. As social animals, they feel calmer when they can see familiar companions nearby. Similarly, stressed cows will deliberately seek out calmer herd mates, presumably to help them relax.

Photo: Clara Bastian / Shutterstock 

Humans can be cow friends too

It’s not just other cows they connect with - cows also form bonds with their human caregivers. Centuries of have made them surprisingly open to gentle contact and positive attention from humans.  

Studies show that slow, kind, stroking can induce a positive, relaxed and calm state in cows. Some cows even seek out affection, following their caregivers and nudging for attention.

Of course, just like people, every cow has their own personality. Some love a scratch behind the ears, while others prefer a little more personal space.

Photo: Astrid Gast / Shutterstock 

The power of animal friendship

So yes — cows do have best friends. They seek comfort, connection and companionship, just like we do.

Next time you meet a cow, take a moment to notice their gentle nature and curious eyes. You’re not just looking at a farm animal – you’re looking at a new friend.

🐄💕 

Banner photo: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB / Shutterstock