Highland cows were not supposed to be internet famous. But on TikTok and Instagram, the shaggy cattle have flooded feeds - posing for photos, ambling through fields and charming millions of viewers. 

Once prized mainly as a hardy Scottish breed built for harsh climates, Highland cows were recast by social media as luxury pets and lifestyle symbols.

The trend fueled long waitlists, soaring prices and a wave of buyers eager to own what fans online called a ‘living plushie.’

That shift did not happen by accident. At Fluffy Feather Farm in Illinois, owners Mike Isaac and Adam Stachowiak said interest took off almost immediately once they began posting their cows online.

After years in corporate jobs, the pair said they left those careers in favor of a slower, more hands-on life running a farm - and chose to document the journey online.

‘When we started posting videos on social media about bringing Highland cows to the farm, it just exploded into this excitement over these animals,’ Stachowiak said. ‘People just love them, especially the babies.’

Their farm’s content has drawn a huge audience online, with more than 2 million followers across Fluffy Feather Farm’s social media platforms.

‘Social media has a huge impact on what we do,’ Stachowiak said. ‘People get to experience the farm virtually, even if they can’t physically come here.’

Teacup pigs had surged in popularity before many owners realized the animals often grew far larger than expected.

Fluffy Feather Farm owners Mike Isaac (left) and Adam Stachowiak (right) helped turn Highland cows into viral stars through social media.

Jim Archer operates Elk Ravine Farm in upstate New York, where he kept Highland cows for environmental grazing, education and as pets

Highland cow merchandise, including plush toys and apparel, proliferated as the animals’ popularity exploded on social media

‘A lot of people fall in love with the idea first,’ Stachowiak said. ‘They see the babies online and think that’s the full adult size.’

Despite that history, Highland cows appeared to be bucking the typical animal trend cycle.

‘I don’t know why they came into popularity,’ Stachowiak said, ‘but I really think they’re here to stay. They’re like the golden retriever of cows. There’s no other animal like them.’

At Elk Ravine Farm in upstate New York, owner Jim Archer said Highland cattle had shown more staying power than most viral animal fads.

‘A lot of animals go through fads,’ Archer said. ‘But these guys have been able to retain it for quite a while.’