Are Highland Cows Good Pets? What You Should Know
Fluffy, adorable, and famously friendly — it’s easy to see why so many people ask, “Are Highland cows good pets?”
While you won’t be bringing one into your living room anytime soon, Highland cattle have become increasingly popular on small farms, hobby homesteads, and even as companion animals in larger backyards — but are they truly pet material?
Let’s explore what it really takes to own a Highland cow as a pet.
(📖 Related: Why Are Highland Cows So Friendly?)
Are Highland Cows Friendly Enough to Be Pets?
Yes — Highland cows are among the friendliest and gentlest cattle breeds you can own. Their calm temperament, curiosity, and intelligence make them easier to handle than many other cattle breeds.
Highland cows are known to:
- Approach humans willingly
- Enjoy being brushed or scratched
- Follow familiar humans around the pasture
- Learn routines, like feeding times or gate openings
However, while they’re affectionate in a bovine way, they aren’t lap pets. They weigh upwards of 1,000 pounds (450+ kg) when fully grown!
How Much Space Do Highland Cows Need?
Highland cows are grazing animals. The general rule for keeping cattle is at least 1.5 to 2 acres (0.6 to 0.8 hectares) per cow in a typical pasture setup.
If you live on a small acreage with plenty of grass, clean water, and secure fencing, a Highland cow can thrive there — and become a beloved, giant family companion.
Basic Care Requirements for a Pet Highland Cow
While their care isn’t overly demanding compared to other livestock, they do require some essentials:
- Fencing: Strong, secure fencing — at least 4–5 feet high — to keep them safe and contained.
- Shelter: Highland cows are incredibly weather-resistant, but a windbreak, tree line, or 3-sided shelter is still important in harsh weather.
- Food: Primarily grass and hay. In winter or during droughts, high-quality hay is crucial.
- Water: Fresh, clean water at all times — they can drink 10–20 gallons a day.
- Hoof and Health Care: Occasional hoof trimming, vaccinations, and deworming.
In short, think of them like super-sized, fuzzy lawnmowers with a gentle disposition.
Do Highland Cows Bond With Humans?
Absolutely. Many Highland cow owners report that their animals:
- Learn their names
- Follow humans around out of curiosity or affection
- Come running when they hear a feed bucket
- Enjoy being brushed, scratched, or hand-fed treats
They are gentle giants — but like any large animal, their friendliness depends on how much interaction they’ve had with humans, especially from a young age.
Are They Good Around Children?
Highland cows are typically calm and tolerant of children. However, due to their size, supervision is always necessary.
Even a gentle bump from a 1,000-pound cow can accidentally cause injury, especially to small children.
What About Calves as Pets?
Some people choose to adopt a Highland calf as a pet. Calves are much smaller, easier to train, and extremely cute. But keep in mind — that fluffy baby will grow into a full-sized cow within 2–3 years.
If bottle-fed or handled regularly from a young age, calves can become very attached and affectionate toward humans.

Challenges of Keeping Highland Cows as Pets
While rewarding, there are some considerations:
- Size: Even the smallest Highland cow weighs as much as a small car.
- Cost: Fencing, hay, vet care, and water all add up — they are not low-maintenance pets financially.
- Local Regulations: Some areas restrict keeping livestock on residential properties — always check zoning laws first.
- Long Lifespan: Highland cows can live 18–22 years, which is a long commitment.
Final Thoughts
So, are Highland cows good pets? If you have enough land, love, and dedication — absolutely! They are affectionate, calm, intelligent, and surprisingly interactive.
They’re not traditional house pets, of course, but for homesteaders, hobby farmers, or anyone with a bit of acreage, a Highland cow can become a beloved, lifelong member of the family.
Curious about their lifespan? Check out our post: How Long Do Highland Cows Live?
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