Everyone likes a cuddle. And in the same vein as spanks, now we can pay for cuddles. This simple touching action can lower our blood pressure and enhance a sense of well-being. Not quite as popular as sex therapy, the business of cuddles is definitely expanding. In particular, one niche market, your cuddle therapist could weigh 1,200 pounds. Forget about old-school petting zoos, now we have boutique cuddling farms.
At Lester’s Farm Chalet in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Chloe, a working dairy Guernsey cow also freelances as a cuddling therapist in her part time. “She’s probably one of the kinder cows I’ve met,” said Sophia Vallis, one of the farm workers. “She’s super kind, super gentle.” Everything you want in a therapist, I’d say.
Jim Lester moved into the cow cuddling business last summer and has never looked back. For a mere $20, the 20-minute time slots have been sold out ever since. “They’re really amazed by a cow’s demeanour, and just being around these big, gentle creatures,” Lester said. “What a feeling it gives them, a sense of relaxation.” It’s a small business boost for the farm, but Lester also said it’s nice to see people reconnect with nature, and animals, in a novel way.
Cows are a great way to reconnect with the earth. “They’re probably a bit underappreciated for what they can offer the human soul,” he said. “Cows are one of the older domesticated livestock species… They’ve been around humans a long time.” Since the increased traffic from starstruck cow cuddlers, Chloe seems to be thriving, Vallis said. Chloe and the other cows get their therapy from the attention as well. “A lot of our cows here are very used to people,” she added. “They enjoy being with people, and they really love the treats. The treats are their favourite part.”
In Pennsylvania, Rose Bridge Farm & Sanctuary, home to many rescued animals, offers cuddle animal husbandry sessions with baby cows. Closed toe shoes only they warn, as “the cows are sweet, but they are big babies, so you must be careful and mindful.” A private cuddle session for two is only US$58. Cows are very sweet, affectionate animals that love to kiss and cuddle. Lest you be concerned with seeing this as form of animal abuse, the Sanctuary reminds visitors: “Please keep in mind this is not a petting zoo and that the needs and desires of the animal residents always come first.”
If cows are not your cuddle ideal, there are baby goat cuddling sessions. This is a little different kind of therapy; shades of EST. The baby goats will be jumping on your back and when they finally get tired, they may fall asleep in your arms. Or perhaps baby lamb and piglet cuddling, for those leaning towards a more mellower approach to cuddle therapy.
Helpers of Our Farm, in North Carolina, offers cow hugging as well. For US$75, two guests can hang out with a cow, goat, or pig. For the more frugal, or possibly intimidated types, 30-minutes sessions with a rabbit, chicken, turkey or duck are available at much lower rates. I can’t quite see how hugging a turkey would be therapeutic, except maybe in apology after Thanksgiving.
As always, Japan manages to take it to the next level. A pig cafe. At Tokyo’s Mipig Cafe, diners can schmooze with miniature pigs who trot around the cafe aimlessly looking for a soft lap to cuddle up on.
Customers pay US$15 for the first 30 minutes and a reservation is required.
“Each pig is unique. You may notice one may be strong-headed and another may be gentle,” said Shiho Kitagawa, an executive at Mipig who refers to the pigs as “buta-san,” in honour of the pig fighting video action game. The Mipig Cafe is one of 10 pig cafes Kitagawa has opened around Japan. The first one opened in Tokyo in 2019 and two more are in the works at the end of this year.
Known as “micro pigs,” they don’t get much bigger than a corgi, even as adults. The cafes also feature baby pigs the size of toy poodles. And if spending half an hour is not enough, you can adopt one for about US$1,350 – toilet-trained and socialized.
The pig cafes are the latest in a series of animal coffee shops that have popped up in Japan, including ones that feature owls, hedgehogs, birds and even snakes. Naturally, some people have raised ethical questions about whether the animals enjoy the experience as much as the humans. “It must be stressful to be touched and fondled by a bunch of strangers,” said Sachiko Azuma, head of Tokyo-based PEACE, which stands for Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation.
Most of the pig cafes tended to be tiny and didn’t provide enough of a natural environment for the animals, Azuma said. She does approve of cafes run by shelters trying to find owners for abandoned pets, however.
We all know the gift that animals have – the ability to help us humans relax and heal. Everyone has stress and each of us have different avenues in relieving that stress. Studies have consistently shown that cuddling and connecting with animals increases our oxytocin, “the love, cuddle, and bonding” hormone. But if that’s not your thing, I’ve heard rumours about a company opening up in the Valley, called Cuddles, Squeezes and Kicks, from a woman and her pet donkey, Muriel.
